How to clean a water purifier?

With increasing health awareness, more and more families are choosing to install water purifiers to ensure safe drinking water. However, many people neglect the daily cleaning and maintenance of their water purifiers. Regular cleaning of water purifiers not only extends their lifespan but also ensures effective filtration, ensuring you drink truly healthy and pure water.

Why is cleaning a water purifier important?

During operation, water purifiers trap impurities, bacteria, and viruses in the water. These contaminants accumulate inside the purifier and on the filter cartridge over time, becoming a source of secondary contamination. If not cleaned promptly, this not only impairs the filtration efficiency of the purifier, resulting in poor water quality, but can also breed bacteria, posing a potential threat to your family's health. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance of your water purifier are crucial.

How often should a water purifier be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning a water purifier depends on various factors, such as the water quality in your area, your household water consumption, and the type of water purifier. Generally, it's recommended to clean the exterior of your water purifier monthly, while deep cleaning of the internal water tank and filter cartridge can be performed quarterly or semi-annually, depending on usage. Additionally, if you notice a slowdown in the water flow rate, an odor, or a noticeable change in water quality, you should clean it immediately.

How to clean the exterior of a water purifier?

Cleaning the exterior of a water purifier is relatively simple.

Water purifier exterior cleaning tips

• Disconnecting the power and turning off the water: Before cleaning, always disconnect the power to the water purifier and close the water inlet valve to prevent any accidents.
  
  
• Tools: Prepare a clean, soft cloth or sponge and a neutral detergent. Do not use detergents containing alcohol, corrosive substances, or abrasives, as these may damage the exterior of the water purifier.
  
  
• Wipe: Gently wipe the surface of the water purifier with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with detergent to remove dust and stains. For corners and crevices, use a cotton swab or small brush for additional cleaning.
  
  
• Rinse and dry: After wiping, wipe off any remaining detergent with another clean, damp cloth. Finally, dry thoroughly with a dry cloth to ensure there are no water stains on the surface.
  
  

How to clean a water purifier tank?

The water tank is a common spot within the water purifier where dirt and scale can easily accumulate, so special care is required when cleaning it.

• Draining the water: First, open the drain valve or drain the water tank completely through the drain port.
  
  
• Preparing the cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of food-grade citric acid or a dedicated water purifier cleaner with water to create a cleaning solution.
  
  
• Soaking and rinsing: Pour the solution into the water tank and let it sit for a while to dissolve scale and dirt. Then, rinse the tank repeatedly with clean water until the water is completely clear and odorless.
  
  

How to clean a water purifier's filter cartridge?

The filter cartridge is the core component of a water purifier, and cleaning methods vary depending on the type of filter cartridge.

• PP cotton filter cartridges and activated carbon filter cartridges: These cartridges are generally difficult to clean and require regular replacement.
  
• Ultrafiltration membrane cartridges: Ultrafiltration membrane cartridges can be cleaned by backwashing. Water purifiers typically have a "backwash" function or button; follow the instructions to do so.
  
  
• Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter (RO Membrane): The RO membrane filter is the most important filter in a water purifier. It is typically impossible to clean and requires regular replacement to maintain filtration effectiveness. If you are unsure of the type of water purifier you have, please consult the product manual or contact the brand's after-sales service.
  
  

Perform a final inspection of the reassembled components

After cleaning and replacing the filter cartridge, reassemble all components correctly according to the instructions. Before connecting the power supply and water supply, always perform a final inspection:

• Ensure all pipe connections are secure and leak-free.
• Check that the filter cartridge is fully installed.
• Confirm that the water purifier is properly plugged in.
  
  

After completing all steps, open the water inlet valve and allow the water purifier to operate normally for a period of time to drain any initial water. You can then use the water purifier safely. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your water purifier is essential to ensure the health of the drinking water for you and your family.