Do Refrigerator Water Filters Really Work?

Fridge water pouring into drinking glass

A common question we often receive at DiscountFilters.com is, “Do refrigerator water filters actually work?” The best answer we can give to that question is, “Most definitely!” This is usually followed by the question: “How?” 

We’re glad you asked, let’s start from the source.

Why Use a Refrigerator Water Filter?

Local water treatment plants are only legally required to remove a portion of contaminants found in drinking water, leaving behind many particles for us to drink. These particles include lead, rust, chlorine, and sediment, to name just a few, are all found in tap water. Refrigerator water filters effectively remove many of these pollutants that water treatment plants fail to remove.

A study published in 2020 found that, on average, home filters are effective at removing contaminants. The study included several water filters, with activated carbon block refrigerator water filters being one of them. At Discount Filters, we know the importance of activated carbon in water filters. That is why our ClearChoice refrigerator water filters use advanced activated carbon technology to reduce contaminants for better tasting drinking water straight from your fridge. While activated carbon is effective at filtering chlorine taste and odor, it’s important to understand that no single water filter can remove all contaminants. However, refrigerator water filters generally do a good job of removing most. 

Refrigerator filters for water-dispensing fridges are essential to every home. Not only do these filters remove contaminants from your drinking water, but they also remove any doubt you may have about the quality of water your family is drinking. No one should be worrying about whether their water is safe to drink. Everyone should feel confident knowing the water in their home is pure and healthy, meaning there’s one less thing to worry about.

How Refrigerator Water Filters Work

You may be asking, “What exactly do the refrigerator water filters do?” and “How do they clean my water?” Well, it’s pretty simple.

Refrigerator water filters contaminants by first forcing the water through activated carbon located inside the filters. The carbon acts as a contaminant magnet, trapping pollutants and particles, leaving clean, healthy drinking water for you and your family. That’s it. Yes, it’s really that simple!

However, much like the bags in an old vacuum cleaner, water filters can only remove so many contaminants before needing to be replaced. An overused refrigerator water filter cannot properly remove harmful substances in your drinking water. Once the carbon inside the fridge filter becomes fully covered with contaminants, the water passes through the filter untreated, leaving you with polluted water! Water that passes through old, overused filters can even dislodge some of the trapped pollutants back into your drinking water. Yuck! Don’t worry though, as long as you keep your water filter up to date, it will prevent this from happening.

Back to The Question: Do Refrigerator Water Filters Really Work?

A person holding ClearChoice fridge water filters

To sum it all up, YES! Refrigerator water filters work great as long as they’re maintained and replaced regularly. Here’s our advice: Make sure to replace your water filter as often as your appliance owner’s manual specifies, which is usually once every six months. This will ensure your water remains clean, clear, healthy, and tasting great.


Other Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really necessary to change your refrigerator water filter every 6 months?

To ensure drinkable, fresh tasting water, it is strongly encouraged to replace your refrigerator water filter every 6 months. If you neglect to replace it as needed, your filter won’t be able to effectively remove contaminants, leading them to end up in your drinking water.

How do you know if your refrigerator water filter is bad?

Signs to replace your refrigerator water filter include noticing poor water flow, a change in water taste, and odor. If you notice these occurring, replace the filter immediately with a new one.

Which water filter removes the most contaminants?

A reverse osmosis system combined with a carbon filter is the most effective at removing contaminants in drinking water. At Discount Filters, we offer everything from reverse osmosis systems and filters to membranes and filter sets.

Does refrigerator ice go through a filter?

Not all ice makers use filtered water to produce ice, and not all refrigerators with ice makers come with fridge filters. However, most modern refrigerators come with an in-built filter to ensure you get the best ice quality from your machine. Check on your fridge’s specific model, as it varies.