What NOT to do When Cleaning the Berkey Water Filter

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning your Berkey Water Filter, with 4 mistakes you need to avoid while cleaning the Berkey shell and filters.
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[@robertweir5755]

Just to let you know that the fluoride filters attach to the black filters not to the spare, unused plugs. The spare plugs are if you want faster filtering by using another set of black filters, with or without a full set of fluoride filters.

[@helengren9349]

Fluoride 😲 that is not good for our bodies...❗ Acc to Sten Ekberg...

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

@@helengren9349 No, and when you really get into it, its not good for our BRAINS whatsoever, so like as in..the dentist. Even a cleaning...toxic

[@soulshower]

Exactly. The instructions tell you the white filters attatch to the black filters.

[@BLURRRULB]

Correct, the water is pressed through them. They do not clean the bottom tank water by infusion.

[@andreadirenzo7807]

Right. If you attached them to the holes without black filters, the water coming through the fluoride filters wouldn't be filtered!

[@iiinsaiii]

The same hand pump you use to prime the filters, you can use to clean them too. You would attach the hand pump the opposite way. Instead on suck water, it will be pumping water into the filter to push out everything that’s been sucked into it.

[@TwoRunawayOldFolks]

I am so glad I found this video. I was getting ready to buy two new filters. I decided to find a video on how to clean the filters. You saved me nearly two hundred dollars by watching this video! Thanks.

[@helengren9349]

Please kindly check out Robert Beaty 's vids... He found out what filters are best... ☝️& those expensive ones are not on the list.. ❗

[@FloridaRetirementScout]

Your videos are great. The only thing missing is the disposable Nitrile gloves you should be wearing when you scrub the Black filters. All that "nasty" which is being removed can be partially absorbed into your skin without protection. Keep up the great work. Thanks!

[@helengren9349]

How can one filter water trough "nasty" things? Have You seen Robert Beaty's vid and evidence of these filters..?

[@TexasScout]

Couple of things I found out over the years using mine, I put a few drops of Clorox in the upper chamber when I add water it keeps any algae from forming Most important, Berkey says themselves, if you clean the filter and you don’t see it moving water fast enough, that you can use a regular vegetable peeler to peel off a layer of the black carbon filter and restore them and you can do it up to three times before you have to throw the filters out.

[@TexasScout]

@Angels Areout If it's not passing the red dye test, it's time to change the filters.

[@tnjazzgal]

@@TexasScout Yes, but only after making sure all the stem nuts are good and tight & not leaking.

[@spaceghost3941]

Bro you're putting bleach in your water....??? 😮

[@TexasScout]

@@spaceghost3941 yes, then filtered thru my Berkey

[@BenPat88]

@@spaceghost3941bleach is fine in water, he said a few drops- that won’t hurt you and if you aren’t using the pf fluoride filters you are getting contaminants (and additives) MUCH worse for you than bleach…

[@square_jane]

3:00. The fluoride filters are actually installed inline with the charcoal filters, that is in the lower chamber threaded onto the black filter's outlet.

[@LisaBlc]

Very helpful. Just one comment: Berkey recommends re-priming after cleaning, which I notice you didn't do. Please check out their FAQ on their website.

[@sidneydoring2214]

Thank you so much. You are my go to person for anything Berkey.

[@sambedard-bs8fb]

Lime scale builds up in a matter of days where I live. It harbors bacteria. Scrubbing with water will not remove hard limescale deposits. It needs to be soaked in vinegar. This is very high maintenance to take apart and clean properly every couple weeks.

[@bobr2959]

Very informative video and accurate. Well done in many ways! I own a Berkey too. I had to put a rubber washer on the filter inside and outside as an added buffering to stop the stems from breaking their bond to the filter. I was bouncing them around in the container to much with just simple movements. I have found out that did the trick and want others to know this now. It saved me a whole lot of money and will you too. Thanks for sharing!

[@bobr2959]

Plus your video on the water testing has proved Berkey is doing a good job.

[@js7851]

I always clean with a scotchbrite and prime before doing the red dye test. Thank you one of the better videos I have seen on Berkey water systems.

[@aseasonalabode]

I SO need to clean my berkey. This was helpful- thanks.

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@DennisJacksonvts]

How often do you recommend we replace the carbon filters? If we clean them and the water is still running through, does that mean the filter is still working?

[@bobsmith2404]

I'm not a fan of using scratch pads on my black Berkey filters. I use soft or medium toothbrush to loosen up any build up on the outside of the filters & then soak them in a 50/50 vinegar & water using the lower chamber for about 30 minutes. If using vinegar, it's a good idea to re-prime the filters. I find its much easier to prime them with my garden hose as I don't want to break or bend the fixture in my kitchen sink. I always do the red food color test every time I clean them. If you get stained water, the likely culprit is the washer or wingnut.

[@vickimion1]

Garden hose. Thanks!

[@miket2916]

50/50 Vinegar water?.. That sounds good and like it wouldn't ruin the filters... what made you decide to use that?

[@bobsmith2404]

@@miket2916 If you watch a bunch of Berky cleaning videos on KZbin, most use a vinegar bath. 1 guy uses distilled water. The vinegar will get rid of any mold or bacteria inside the outer layer. Rinse well & test.

[@miket2916]

@@bobsmith2404 Thank you. I've seen a handful of videos and not seen vinegar used before. Makes sense the way you described it though#

[@sambedard-bs8fb]

If the filters can dry out so fast, during the cleaning process cant they also dry out in between each time you refill with water ?

[@lauriebarshay4541]

Great video. You’re so easy to understand and you simplify the process!

[@iamaShrub]

Yes, very helpful! I am about to clean mine for the first time. I really appreciate it! (Also, you have a GORGEOUS kitchen!!)

[@juneweeks3539]

The flouride filters go at the bottom of the black filters...otherwise you wouldn't be completely filtering all the water. We love the Berkey.... Thanks for the info! Didn't know about the hot water!

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Oh! ha! Yes, you are right. I should have checked that before I said something I didn't have experience with! Thanks for the heads up!

[@pamelashearer9709]

We have a water filter system from 4Patriots for our camper and have never used it. It looks similar to the Berkey. I'll let you know how we like it when we finally have a chance to use it. We have a good water filter on our refrigerator so we don't need it at home. I always enjoy your content. Thanks, Pam

[@juneweeks3539]

@@pamelashearer9709 we have a good one also on our refrigerator, but it doesn’t filter fluoride so we got the Berkey specifically for that!

[@helengren9349]

@@pamelashearer9709 Good, there are other filters as good as B, if not better, with real tests, instead of B' without tests. All you need to know is in Robert Beaty 's 2-3 latest vid' s. Blessings 🙏🕊️🌟✨

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

@@pamelashearer9709 Does that refrigerator filter system work during a power outage?

[@emmelj]

Have you ever used a veggie peeler on the black filters when dealing with slow to no filtration? I followed your video & what Berkey suggests to no avail. Problem started after replacing the PF2 filters. All 4 filters were primed & cleaned twice. Water stops filtering 1/3 up from the bottom of the black filters.

[@neem33]

Thank you for posting these! Very helpful I was wondering why the water was taking so long to filter through and now I know why!

[@vodkatonic814]

After scrubbing the filter I find it best to prime them again to push out anything I scrubbed in.

[@sjplus36]

Exactly! She skipped a crucial step! Berkey clearly instructs to do this as part of the cleaning process, and has tools for doing so.

[@audreybronson2710]

Thank you for this, I was able to clean it with no issues.

[@sandyolson4232]

I use the black and white filters but have to use an additional coffee filter system to catch fibers and charcoal bits that I do not want in y drinking water and coffee.

[@markhuber8345]

Hello from the Midwest !!! Hope you and your family are doing well..🙏🇺🇸 I even let the ads run all the way for you. I’m glad it wasn’t the 45 minute Prager U one .. lol😂

[@bettysweet9644]

Just in time for a cleaning, so glad my friend sent me a link to your channel. Thanks

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

I'm glad your friend did too! Thank you! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@graveseeker]

My only concern is the contaminants in your tap water that you're introducing into the canister and output side of the filter (tube in the center). I always use filtered water to clean my Berkey. Might be overkill but better safe than sorry.

[@KimmysGFSouthernCooking]

Thanks so much for this! We bought one several months ago and we LOVE it! Our city water is so limey and it's removing so much of the calcium and making our coffee and tea taste 100%better. On average, how much time passes in between cleanings for you?

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Isn't it amazing how much better cleaner water makes everything taste!! It was a big life changer for us too. I'm glad you got one! I typically can go a few months before I clean again, but it really depends on how much yuck is in the water. We were at an airbnb for an extended time once, while moving, and the water was so bad, I had to clean them every week. Boy, was I grateful to have a Berkey though!

[@KimmysGFSouthernCooking]

@@TIDBITSandCompany It truly is!! We live on a rice and soybean farm in Arkansas...if the grid goes down we can fire up the diesel irrigation well and have fresh water and it will be better through the Berkey. A plus, it's as pretty as a piece of art.

[@alexm9125]

You don’t use the red color dye to check if the filters are correctly mounted?

[@mariabjarnov6576]

Do you know what the maintenance is for the fluoride filters? I know you don't need them due to well water but I thought you might know about them anyway.

[@sandytanner2805]

Please explain what the washing with Hot water when cleaning the Black BERKEY filters would do to Damage them. them.

[@jessicaj8148]

Great video. So if I’m not mistaken, as long as the black filters do not dry out, you won’t need to prime the filters again, right?

[@bobr2959]

Right! Just keep them from drying out all the way.

[@aussomgang]

I understand them to ALWAYS need to be primed after cleaning as to remove any particles that the scrubbing has pushed into the filters. Or at the very least throw out the first batch of filtered water before consuming

[@Arlorevolution]

Great! I just bought the travel Berkley so this will be very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Oh good! I hope you love using it as much as I do! I've thought about getting the travel size as well. Hotel water is the worst! I'm truly so glad this video was helpful for you. Thanks for letting me know.

[@johnwagemann8578]

Where can you buy the Walnut scrubbers that Cami recommended in this video? I live in Springfield, MO.

[@daynasilverthorn3882]

I used a little dish soap non scented natural and warm water on the filters because I didn’t know any better. Do you think once it is ok?

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Even though I don’t have a Berkey, this info is good to know for future reference. Thanks!

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Thank you Cynthia! You may find you need one some day!

[@ForbiddenHistoryLIVE]

QUESTION : How often do you clean out the BERKEY ??? Great presentation Thanks !

[@bobjeffrey8863]

THANKS for the help.. I LEARNED alot from you today...

[@trailguy]

Is the reason for not using hot water about the heat, or is it because hot water is often loaded with minerals that can clog it? I’m asking because I was going to try using hot water only because cleaning them only seems to work for a week then they are painfully slow again (24 hours to go from full to 50%) I was going to use very warm filtered water. We have the same size berkey as you and struggle to make 2 filters last a year. It’s only 2 of us living here. Maybe our well water is loaded with calcium?

[@CandaceAllison]

Thank you so so much for making this!!! ❤❤❤

[@NaomiPsalm_music]

mine is totally clogged after I put the new white filters on. Yes, I took the caps off. Any advice? Thanks

[@bellabugful]

Hi Cami, I just recently purchased a Royal model. It's just me and my husband in our household. I have filled several 3 gallon containers to use on our dispensers. I thought I heard you say not to let the filters dry out but I am good on water for a bit so what do you suggest I do to keep the wet or do I just need to prime them again when I go to filter water again? Also I saw in another video (before I found you) a person said "not to ever tip your Berkey to get all the water out of the bottom chamber" but didn't explain why. Do you know any reason for them saying that?

[@Patricia-zo8tg]

Great question, would like to know myself

[@susanodencrans4536]

In response to tipping the berkey I think it may cause metal fatigue from the weight of the filters moving to and fro when tipped. Just my thoughts, I have not heard this addressed anywhere before.

[@aussomgang]

I was told that if the filters were going to sit for any length of time without water that they should be stored in the refrigerator

[@amandasenior7465]

Fantastic steps for cleaning. Thanks so much.

[@lillylight3481]

Itmaybeso ..that your Amazon link goes to a Coconut Fiber Sponge ( Not the "Walnut Sponge" as stated in this video). Regarding the Amazon link: will the Coconut Fiber Rip Up... the Black Fiber Wrap on the Charcoal Filter.. as one is cleaning it vigorously ?? Thank you for you good work...

[@eddie195777]

I bought some extra filters for my berkey 4 years ago and they are still in the box. Do I have to test them with the red food coloring test before using them? Thank you.

[@spaceghost3941]

I was very worried mine was flowing too quickly, as it's new. Figured it would go slower the dirtier it got but was still worried bout it.

[@racheljones2705]

so very helpful. all your videos are wonderful.

[@MommyKelskat]

What if I accidentally used a little soap and didn’t have the pointy side up? Are they ruined or can I start over the right way? We haven’t had it for a full year yet now I’m flipped out I ruined them with soap.

[@TexasScout]

I don’t trust the “cheap Berkey” filters on Amazon. What is the best place to buy them?

[@wendywebb5118]

I used a brand new green scratch pad and didn’t realize it had soap in it. Are my filters ruined now?

[@doctorpennylayne1576]

We have some calcium build up in the bottom of ours. Thoughts? Advice?

[@andreadirenzo7807]

I love your sink! It's beautiful !

[@kimjongkaas]

Would it be okay to use a bit of silver (sovereign silver / colloidal silver) to clean it, next to the dish soap? Not for the filters, but the rest of the elements? It works as a disinfectant

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

That is a good question! You might want to put that by Berkey. I've never read anything about that.

[@emmelj]

I've read elsewhere someone suggesting colloidal silver. Seems a lot better than bleach. Some poster also commented that it helps with keeping the top tank slime-free.

[@TeriPhillips-sl9sr]

Also recommend lite soap on filters not scrub

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

Did Berkey give you the coupon codes before or after the independent party tester? :)

[@ihurt1]

How often do you clean the filters for berkey

[@EliseGeiman]

What do you do if you have new filters and you primed them several times, and then used red dye and scrubber, but the red water does not drain. Do you have to keep priming until the red dye emptys out?

[@alandeniston9229]

Call Berkey Customer Service.

[@intoart340]

So I just bought a royal Berkey and now i realize i bought too big of one. I am single and have a serious rust problem. You show washing under the faucet = contaminated water.... That would seem not the thing to do ? Here i would be washing with rust water. But I don't see an alternative. I can't think of one other than a deep pan with filtered water maybe? Hope you see this. Rick

[@cross9494]

Thanks for the info!! Great video!!

[@myrandomvideosdotU]

Great video! How often should I replace my Berkey filter?

[@helengren9349]

Please kindly check out Robert Beaty 's latest 2 - 3 vids to find out the truth of Your gadget... 😒

[@shastafog2516]

Charcoal filter for taste. Do they have filters for undissolved solids? I have silver impregnated filters for that now.

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

I've heard good things about the silver filters too. I'm actually about to try one from a company called 4Patriots and I'm excited to compare the taste. Should I do a video on that too? Sorry - I'm not sure about the undissolved solids. I bet you could ask Berkey on their website through their live chat box!

[@kennethz3366]

Please do a short video on it.

[@SunriseKing-FreeKaka]

The white plugs after cleaning you have put them back on but they are now in upside down position. What before unplug them was inside is now outside. Makes that no different pls?

[@NinaAngelinaTroy]

Video ok…spent times explaining about what rags you used but made video to go fast when you put filters back in. That’s what my issue is. I am 67 and I have to know how to put all 4 file terms in. Close up of wing nuts etc would have been helpful.

[@jacynjames]

Thank you! this was very helpful!

[@pauldowdymd4404]

Great video, thank you!!

[@jassunner4086]

Thank you so much for these videos. Very helpful! :)

[@jdedmnds1]

You should be wearing rubber gloves when handling the filters because all the stuff you are filtering out is now concentrated on the outside of the filters and some of it can leach through your skin. If you have an open sore it can be real bad.

[@finamejia5840]

Thanks for the tips , God bless

[@cherylnewell9912]

Thank you I just ordered one.

[@tinasalobecke66]

Very helpful information, thank you!

[@uns3cur3]

After the filters have been in use for a few months, I think I am seeing slime mold on the bottom of the filters. Why does this happen?

[@bobr2959]

I get the same thing. Its just junk in the water. Clean it off using scrubby and rinse well. It's still good to go... My water is so rusty that it clings to the filter like a slime.

[@hellhappinessrepeat]

I accidentally washed my Berkey filters, fluoride and charcoal, with mildly soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. Are they ruined or am I able to use them as long as I don’t do that again lol.

[@aussomgang]

I heard as long as it is only on the outside they will be fine. Also to rinse them with really hot water to help remove any soap residue.

[@johndoles3713]

Don’t forget righty tidy lefty Lucy

[@alipat9272]

Can you use castile soap?

[@KarenDempsey-xy3fs]

I love my Berkey ❤

[@RebeccaZub]

You didn't show how to remove and replace the spigot! I would love to have seen that

[@randkell]

Good morning great video!!!! Where did you get your plate and bowl shelf?

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Thank you so much! I found those at antique stores. I love them!

[@CeceliaDumont-Schwing]

Thank you this was helpful

[@joalyincontroly4379]

Very helpful thanks very much😃

[@caroltridico]

Hi there… Have you ever had headaches after drinking Berkey Water filter?!

[@Zebrajellyfishphoto]

How do I get away from plastic touching my filtered water? I am so frustrated with plastic always being in touch with the water.

[@mel-grx67]

To minimize the plastic contact, use a metal spigot (not the plastic one included in the new package). Get the filtered water before it reaches the top of the lower can and contacts the plugs, wingnuts and washers. Use glass or metal containers to pour the filtered water into (definitely not plastic!). Since the tip of the Berkey filter is made of plastic, we can't get away from that.

[@patricia19551]

Yes, very help full, thanks so much.

[@brandnewnew9905]

Why not let the filters dry out..what will happen?

[@scandl01]

I've purchased several Berkeys for family members and had no problems. However, with my son's Berkey the water goes in clear and comes out cloudy. I tried scrubbing the filters, but no change. Any ideas?

[@Dodo1944]

I had that problem when I first got mine. The filters weren't primed properly. I didn't buy a primer tool and tried to just held them to my water spicket in the sink. It was terrible. The white/cloudy residue doesn't come off my glass container even with vinegar. I hope it helps you

[@bobsmith2404]

It sounds more like a customer service issue. If the filters weren't primed good enough the problem would be a slow flow. I use a garden hose to prime mine so it's easier to put & hold pressure on the rubber priming washer plus putting that much pressure on you kitchen sink fixture could break or bend it.

[@lynnellew5662]

Use filtered water to clean your berkey. Isnt this the whole point of having one. Now you are contaminating your filters.

[@MrFartyman44]

IVE HAD DIARRHEA FOR THREE DAYS IS THIS BECAUSE I INHALED MOLD FROM MY ORANGES OR BC I HAVENT CLEANED MY BERKEY SINCE I BOUGHT IT

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Great video, thank you. New subscriber here 👋

[@helaynelehman668]

Thank you. 😊

[@TeriPhillips-sl9sr]

Rinse repeatedly well

[@ForbiddenHistoryLIVE]

THANK YOU

[@baanjones5910]

Wish I watched this video before I cleaned mine. I used hot water. 😢

[@aussomgang]

Jailbreak Overlander channel says it’s ok and needed to rinse them after cleaning with really hot water. He also shows how to clean them out with an air compressor and never have to buy new filters. Good luck

[@cheryl7814]

Apparently, the only way to have clean, good filtered water is to ditch the water filters from burkey permanently

[@sensisio]

Why?

[@johndoles3713]

Nope The fluoride filters go on the Berkey charcoal filters not where your plugs are

[@johndoles3713]

Of course if I was doing it really fast they wouldn’t dry out

[@MikeL-gm8ym]

Berkey has a big class action lawsuit! I don't trust what berkey says anymore. Bought their stuff in 2012 and today (11 years later) ripped their filters out and toss them in the trash and so angry about everything i learned today about the class action lawsuit and all the bad reviews/independent tests. One question I have, in the last 11 years of using them, why have they NEVER got NSF certifications? I don't get it, if they sell us a bunch of this marketing jaz, why don't they get certificated by 3rd parties instead of just making all these claims? Right now they have zero credibility with the bad press and lawsuits against them!

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

The person that made a law suit used knock off aftermarket filters.

[@constancestringer4696]

You might do a little research on the company filing suit.

[@lyndabishop6509]

Do some research please before you make a comment like this. You will see the obvious reason. Berkey is a very reputable item.

[@Bob-gn8ph]

Thanks..Luke 21,36 KJV ❤

[@geemac1808]

U MISSED most important part PRIMING the filters UGH

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

Great, but don't waste the water!! Use it for plants or something :)

[@helengren9349]

☝️Check out Robert Beaty and his discovery on these filters... ❗😲😒

[@ElleKay4Life]

We’re supposed to clean them 😳😬

[@TIDBITSandCompany]

Haha! You'll be amazed how much better it works!

[@spaceghost3941]

I was very worried mine was flowing too quickly, as it's new. Figured it would go slower the dirtier it got but was still worried bout it.

[@skeebote]

Great video, thanks!