Crystal Clear: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Your Brita Ultramax

Clover Dane

Water is an essential aspect of life, and it is imperative that we consume clean and safe water. Brita Ultramax is a popular water filtration system that ensures clean, tasty, and pure drinking water.

The high-capacity dispenser holds up to 18 cups (1.13 gallons) of filtered water at a time, making it ideal for large families. The Brita Ultramax utilizes a replaceable filter cartridge that reduces chlorine taste, odor, mercury, copper cadmium, zinc as well as particulate matter such as sediment.

Explanation of Brita Ultramax

The Brita Ultramax is a high-capacity water dispenser designed to provide fresh-tasting drinking water every day. It features an activated carbon filter that reduces the amount of impurities found in tap water by up to 95%.

It also features an electronic filter replacement indicator which helps users know when it’s time to change the filter cartridge. The unit uses gravity to push the unfiltered tap water through 4 stages of filtration in the replaceable Brita Longlast+® Filter Cartridge and stores the clean filtered water in its reservoir until needed.

Importance of cleaning the Brita Ultramax

Cleaning your Brita Ultramax on a regular basis is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring you continue getting fresh-tasting and safe drinking water every day. Over time, mineral deposits from tap water can build up in the dispenser’s reservoir or on other parts such as the lid or base.

Dirt and other contaminants may also accumulate inside or outside the unit over time if not cleaned regularly. If left uncleaned for extended periods of time(say more than two months), there are chances that bacteria might harbor in those mineral buildup areas leading to contamination of your next glass of water.

Therefore, it’s recommended that you clean your Brita Ultramax at least every two months or more frequently if you notice any discoloration, odor, or a decrease in water flow. Now that we’ve covered the basics of the Brita Ultramax and why it’s important to keep it clean let’s move on to the actual cleaning process.

Materials Needed

Cleaning your Brita Ultramax requires a few basic materials that you might already have in your home. Below are the materials you will need to effectively clean and maintain your water filter:

Dish soap

The first material you’ll need is dish soap. Any regular dish soap will do, but it’s best to use a mild one. Dish soap works like magic when it comes to removing impurities, dirt, and grime from your filter.

It’s important to note that you should avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives as they may damage the plastic parts of your Brita Ultramax. To properly use dish soap in cleaning, put a small amount onto a soft-bristled brush or sponge and scrub each part thoroughly before rinsing with clean water.

White vinegar

White vinegar is another essential ingredient when it comes to cleaning the Brita Ultramax. A common household item, white vinegar contains acetic acid which acts as an abrasive agent that can break down any buildup or residue inside the filter.

To use white vinegar for cleaning, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a large bowl or sink. Disassemble the Brita Ultramax and soak each part in this solution for at least an hour before rinsing with clean water.

Soft-bristled brush or sponge

A soft-bristled brush is necessary for removing tough stains and residue from inside the filter without causing any damage to its delicate plastic parts. A sponge can also be used if it has gentle bristles that won’t scratch the surface of your vessel.

Choose a soft-bristled brush or sponge with long bristles to get into all corners of the reservoir without scratching its surface. It’s important to clean the brush or sponge before and after you use it to avoid spreading any bacteria that may have been present in previous uses.

Clean water

The last item you’ll need is clean water which will be used for rinsing each part of the Brita Ultramax after washing and soaking. You can use tap water, but it’s best to use filtered water if possible, as this ensures that your filter will not get contaminated again.

Rinsing with clean water is necessary to remove all soap residue and vinegar solution from the filter parts. After rinsing each part thoroughly, let them dry completely before reassembling your Brita Ultramax.

By using these materials in cleaning your Brita Ultramax, you can remove any impurities, dirt, or residue that may have accumulated inside the filter over time. This ensures that your drinking water is always fresh and pure so you can enjoy its benefits without worrying about contaminants or impurities.

Disassemble the Brita Ultramax

Separating the Parts for Cleaning

The first step in cleaning your Brita Ultramax is to disassemble it. This will make it easier to wash each part thoroughly and ensure that all areas are clean. Start by removing the lid and filter from the top of the unit.

Set them aside for cleaning later. Next, separate the reservoir from the base by lifting it off carefully.

Be sure to remove any remaining water from each part before washing them with soap and water. By doing so, you can avoid diluting any soap or vinegar you use during cleaning, which could lessen its effectiveness.

Removing Remaining Water from Each Part

To remove any remaining water from each part of your Brita Ultramax, simply hold them upside down over a sink or drain and let gravity do its work. You can also gently shake each part to help expedite this process.

Take care not to damage any components while doing this though. Once all parts are free of water, you can move on to washing them with soap and water.

Wash Each Part with Dish Soap

The Importance of Soap in Cleaning

Dish soap is an effective cleaner that can help remove dirt and grime from surfaces effectively without damaging materials like plastic or rubber in the process. To begin, apply dish soap onto a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Using gentle circular motions, scrub each part including the lid, reservoir, and base thoroughly until all visible dirt has been removed.

Pay careful attention as you scrub there may be hard-to-reach areas like corners that require additional attention. Make sure to rinse off each component with clean tap water fully after scrubbing every nook and cranny carefully.

Soak Each Part in Vinegar Solution

Mixing the Solution

A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can be used to help remove any mineral buildup or hard water stains that may have developed inside your Brita Ultramax. To make this solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a large bowl or sink.

Placing Each Part into the Solution

Place each part of your Brita Ultramax into the vinegar solution, ensuring that they are completely submerged. Once all parts have been added to the solution, let them soak for at least an hour.

Be sure to leave them untouched throughout this soaking time so that the solution can work its magic effectively. The acid in the vinegar will help break down any minerals and stains on the surfaces.

Rinse Each Part with Clean Water

After an hour has passed, carefully remove each part from the vinegar solution and rinse thoroughly with clean tap water. Ensure there is no remaining soap or vinegar on them by rinsing it well.

Be patient as this process may take some time to ensure all residues are removed. Once rinsed off correctly, you should dry each part thoroughly using a clean towel before reassembling your Brita Ultramax.

Conclusion

Cleaning your Brita Ultramax is essential for extending its lifespan and ensuring that it provides clean drinking water effectively. By following these simple steps, you can easily disassemble, wash, soak and rinse each component thoroughly. Remember always to use gentle cleaning agents like soap or vinegar solutions applied using soft-bristled brushes or sponges so as not to damage any components during cleaning.

With these guidelines in mind always ensure that after cleaning every part is adequately dried before reassembly. You’ll now be able to enjoy clean drinking water from your Brita Ultramax for a long time to come.