How to Clean a Fridge Water Filter

‘Fridge Water Dispensers’– Some people may think that these are new inventions and came after the popularity of the plastic, disposable water bottle. These devices have been in fridges for roughly 50 years and pre-date the plastic water bottle by a decade or two.

The reason they were put in fridges is so that people can get cool, refreshing water without having to open up the fridge door too often. To make that cool water be clean and refreshing the refrigerator manufacturer put a water filter along the water line to clean out any contaminants.

However, these water filters get dirty and need a good cleaning to perform their duties well. To learn how to clean a fridge water filter just continue to read our article. It has the steps you need to take to get the job done well and fast.

Why Do You Need to Clean the Fridge Water Filter

This is not a dumb question as many people are not familiar with how water filters work. As the filters filter the water, they get dirty. Once they get dirty, they cannot perform their duty very well.

Some of the contaminants it is supposed to remove from the water supply get through to your glass keeping it from being clean and refreshing. The filter needs that dirt removed so it can go back to completely filtering your water.

How Often Should You Clean the Water Filter

Most water filters are designed to be replaced every 6 months. But in those 6 months, the filter will get dirty. It is a good idea to clean the filter every 3 months and if it is still in good shape at the 6-month mark, you can simply clean it and leave it in for another 3 months.

Steps to Clean the Water Filter

Step 1 – Unplug your fridge so you do not get any electrical surprises when you work. Then turn the water valve to the off position. Your owner’s manual should show the location of the valve and tell you which way to turn it for it to be off.

Step 2 – Unscrew the water line leading to your water dispenser. You can, at this time, decide to clean the water line going to your ice maker. It is up to you how much work you want to do at this time.

Step 3 – Place a funnel in the entry port of your water line and mix some vinegar and warm water together. Then pour the mixture into the funnel until the water line is full. Make sure to close the other end of the line so nothing comes out right away. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before removing it.

Step 4 – Use your owner’s manual to find the reservoir and remove it from its place in your fridge. Holding the reservoir over a garbage can, tap the item to get rid of any large sediment pieces lodged inside.

Step 5 – Now soak the reservoir in warm water and vinegar mixture for up to 30 minutes. return to your water line and flush the mixture out of it. Use a funnel to pour clean water in the line and make sure to open the other end so the water goes right through.

Step 6 – Now flush the reservoir with warm clean water to remove any of the vinegar and sediments that may remain inside. When there is no color or smell to the water or the reservoir, it is fully flushed and ready to be put back in.

Step 7 – At this point, you return the reservoir to its proper place then reconnect the water line.

Step 8 – Turn the water valve back on, and place a bucket under the dispenser. Flush the system one last time and continue to do this until the bucket is full.

Step 9 – Wipe the nozzle dry and then plug your fridge back in before returning it to its rightful spot.

This process should also clean your water filter. It should operate for another 3 months without any trouble. Change the filter when it is too old to clean or at the 6-month mark. this too is up to you.

Flushing the water lines and water system in your fridge is a good idea. You never know how much contamination can build up as you cannot see inside the lines. Clean the water lines and filters regularly to continue to have the freshest water possible when you are thirsty.

It only takes about an hour of your time and can be done any time you are free.