When owning a Berkey filter, you might know how to clean black Berkey filters properly. If not, then the following guide could be a great help for you.
Berkey is a renowned name in the water filtration system manufacturing industry. Their filters are demanding and favorable because of their high quality and exceptional functionality. When you own a black Berkey filter, you know the same. But one thing often remains overlooked.
Here, we’re talking about the cleaning requirements and schedules for your black Berkey Filters. Do you know how to clean black Berkey filters easily and effectively? Worry not, we’ll take you on a journey where you can learn the easiest and most accurate filter cleaning methods.
In the following guide, we’ve elaborated on the methods, tips, and techniques for our users to help them get a better understanding of the Berkey filter cleaning procedure. Go through the following sections to get safe water consumption from a clean filter. Read more:
What Are Black Berkey Filters?
What’s in this article?
In case you are unaware of what these black Berkey filters are, we’ve tried to explain it before delving into the cleaning procedure. Black Berkey filters are supreme quality elements offering undeniable performance typically used in the Berkey Water Filters.
Manufactured using multiple elements, these filters are capable of removing numerous contaminants including viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and even pesticides from water. In this filter, the contaminants are trapped physically inside the filter available filter media.
Black Berkey filters are high quality, durable, and may provide the same functionality for purifying multiple gallons of water. They don’t need electricity or any plumbing to function yet they are a popular choice to purify water for everyday use and even emergency preparedness.
Why Are They So Recognized?
So, why are these filters so recognized and loved by numerous people? Well, to understand that, you need to go through the following reasons. Have a look:
- Effective Filtration: These filters are highly popular due to their impressive and effective filtration capabilities. They can effectively remove several contaminants from a large amount of water without any failure allowing you to have safe drinking water.
- Longevity: These filters also come with an impressive lifespan. Despite purifying a large quantity of water, they maintain their functionality for a long time without replacement requirements. Their longevity makes them cost-effective and a better option than the alternatives.
- Versatility: These black filters are not meant for any specific filtration system, instead, they can be used within multiple Berkey filter systems. They are versatile and can be used as per the requirements making them suitable for individual use, family use, or even more.
- Independence: Black Berkey filters don’t need a power source or plumbing to operate. This is why they are the supreme choice when it comes to emergencies, outdoor adventures, places that have unreliable water supply, and more.
Why They Need Optimal Cleaning?
Providing optimal cleaning frequently is necessary for the Black Berkey filters. No matter where they are used, if they aren’t cleaned perfectly, their functionality will automatically removed. This will also enhance the risk of health issues and many other problems. Take a look at some reasons here:
- Prevent Clogging: When you regularly clean the filter, you protect it from getting residual buildups. No such accumulation means there are zero cloggings that would result in enhanced filtration system.
- Maximize Flow Rate: Optimal cleaning leads to the removal of accumulated particles from the filter. This eliminate the obstructions that impede water flow allowing a consistent filtration and better flow rate.
- Preserve Longevity: When you’re properly cleaning the Black Berkey filter, you enhance its lifespan. A cleaned filter will work efficiently and will not have the chance of premature damage allowing you to get the best out of your filters for longer periods.
- Ensure Water Quality: Clean filters continue to purify the water properly so that it meets the high-end standards for drinking water. The better water quality is, the safer it remains for consumption.
- Maintain Hygiene: Regular filter cleaning also keeps the surface hygienic and prevents mold and bacteria to accumulate on the surface. When they don’t get preferable conditions, they’ll not contaminate the filtration system.
How to Clean Black Berkey Filters: Thorough Explanation
Now that we know why these black Berkey filters are so popular and the need for their optimal cleaning, it’s time to learn how to clean black Berkey Filters in some simple steps. The following section will cover all the points and guidelines required for cleaning Black Berkey Filters:
List of Cleaning Supplies
For an effective cleaning process, you must have the following things and supplies in your toolkit. The list includes:
- Scrubbing Brush: You’ll need a soft brush or sponge for gentle scrubbing and rubbing both interior as well as exterior surfaces of your Black Berkey Filters.
- Clean Water: You’re suggested to use lukewarm water for pre-rinsing, soaking, and final rinsing of the surfaces after cleaning. Lukewarm water will be effective during the cleaning process unlike hot water that can be harmful.
- Soft Cloth or Towel: You’ll also need a soft cloth or a soft towel to dry and wipe down the surface of your filter once the cleaning process is complete. These will prevent water spots from prevailing after a successful cleanup.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is undeniably the best component that can eliminate residual components and make the surface even more hygienic. Keep this in your toolkit to combat the stubborn stains.
- Mild Soap: If you want to give a normal cleaning to your filter or it doesn’t have stubborn stains or spots, then using a mild soap will be suitable for the Black Berkey Filter.
- Container or Basin: Certain filter components might need soaking. Make certain that you’ve a clean container with accurate size so that you can use it for soaking and rinsing purposes. Also, ensure that it’s cleaned and doesn’t introduce any further contamination to the filter components.
The Cleaning Steps:
- Foremost, disassembling process must be carried out appropriately to get proper access to the filter. Clean your hands or consider wearing gloves before you touch the filters.
- If the model of your filtration system has multiple detachable parts including wing nuts, purification elements, etc. deatch the components as per the instructions given in the manual guide.
- Once the filters are removed, use lukewarm water to rinse them appropriately to get rid of any loose residual contaminants. If necessary, then take a soft brush to scrub the entire filter.
- Though this remains optional, you can soak your filter by preparing a solution using either mild soap or vinegar. A couple of hours is enough to soak the filter and remove the residual buildip.
- Once you notice each bit of residual components is removed, rinse the entire surface all over again using lukewarm water. Make certain that no trace of cleaning solution, soap, or water remains.
- During your cleaning process, you can also inspect the filters for any damage, leaks, cracks, or other potential issues. If you notice any of these, replacement will be the best solution for you.
- Now, with the help of clean, soft cloth, pat dry the entire filter paying an special attention to the crevices, and other stubborn parts. Following pat dry, give accurate time to the components so that they get proper ventilation to avoid moisture retention.
- Be careful while reassembling and reinstalling the filter once it gets dried. Abide by the manufacturer’s instructions and continue your work accordingly. Once all is done, inspect the filter to know whether it’s installed properly or not.
Also Read : How to Clean a Copper Water Bottle
What To Avoid?
Certain mistakes are suggested to avoid when cleaning the Black Berkey Filters. We’ve elaborated on some of them here:
- You’re suggested not to use abrasive cleansers or any other harsh components to proceed with the cleaning process. This can simply impact the quality and integrity of your Black Berkey Filters.
- Never use hot water in any step throughout the cleaning process as it can cause damage to the components and lead to reduced functionality. Always prefer using lukewarm water.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleaching agents, strong chemicals, etc. as they can be the culprit behind the degradation of the filter’s material. Mild cleaning solutions should be your priority.
- Don’t proceed with the resassemling or reinstalling process before confirming whether the filter is accurately dried or not. Incomplete drying leads to mold growth, moisture retention, and unsightly water spots.
- Never overlook or skip the Black Berkey Filters’ cleaning routine. Abiding by a fixed maintenance schedule and cleaning routine will lead to better performance and improved water quality.
Are There Any Special Considerations For Long-term Maintenance?
Even if all is done, you might need to ask yourself about any further considerations that contribute to long-term maintenance. Consider the following to ensure long-term maintenance:
- Despite being long-lasting, the Black Berkey Filters also require replacements. You need to keep a check on their performance and if you notice any issues that can’t be fixed anymore, consider scheduling replacements.
- Proper and regular inspection is an undeniable factor responsible for a long-term maintenance. Periodically, give a check to the filter and inspect for damage, contamination, or any other issues.
- You must also check the water quality periodically so that you can determine whether the filtration system is working properly or not. This becomes more crucial if you notice even a minor change in water taste, appearance, or odor.
- Always prefer going through the manufacturer’s guidelines and other specific instructions before proceeding with the cleaning process, maintenance schedules, or any other replacements.
- Consider keeping backup filters handy in case if there are emergencies or unexpected filter failures. Having spare filters available with you provides a continuous drinking water experience.
- In case you’re not using your filter for an extended period, consider storing it in the best way possible. Dry and clean environment are suggested for the optimal storage of the Black Berkey Filters.
- If you’re opting for long-term storage, check the maunfacturer’s instructions for a better understanding of storage guidelines. Doing so will keep your filter working efficiently even using after a long time.
Final Thoughts: How to Clean Black Berkey Filters
No one is unfamiliar with the requirements and importance of clean drinking water. Even though you’re using a high-quality filtration system, you need to keep it maintained so that you can have safe and clean water for consumption.
Berkey filters, being a renowned name in the industry, offer their best functionality and performance when maintained well. This is why learning how to clean Black Berkey Filters becomes more crucial. We hope the tips and tricks mentioned in this guide help you with your cleaning process.