If you’re tired of occasionally seeing the warning to replace the water filter of your Maytag refrigerator, you can try a few methods to extend its life cycle.
Using a clean water filter for your refrigerator ensures that you store only potable water within the appliance. While replacing it can be the ideal solution, this guide will tell you how to prolong the water filter’s lifespan. You’ll also learn how to clean it and what replacements to consider.
How Long Do Maytag Refrigerator Water Filters Usually Last?
Maytag manufactures its water filters to last for quite a while. A water filter installed from the factory can last 200-300 gallons, which makes it viable for around six months for a family of four. Yet, it’s best to check the filter after every few months.
Factors Impact the Lifespan of Maytag Refrigerator Water Filter
Of course, several factors can extend or degrade the lifespan of your refrigerator’s water filter. A few of the most significant ones include the following.
- Contaminant Density: The filter’s purpose is to remove impurities such as chlorine and lead. Thus, you can extend the rated life cycle if you have access to cleaner water.
- Water Quality: In addition to minerals, the water can contain dirt, sediments, and rust which can have a detrimental effect on the filter. Those can harm the water filter beyond repair if you’re not careful. As such, it may lead you to replace or clean the water filter more often.
- Frequency Of Use: If your water demand is higher (for instance, more than four people using the refrigerator), it can lead to a shorter duration for when you need to repair/replace the water filter.
- Filter Size and Type: Since the flow rate of the water filter varies with each variant, there is a deviation in how long you can use it. For example, activated carbon filters have a longer use cycle than reverse osmosis filters.
- Environmental Factors: While the water filter installed in your Maytag refrigerator remains secure, it can observe contamination when stored in humid or freezing conditions. Therefore, storing your refrigerator filters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is best.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections and cleaning can help you extend the life of your refrigerator’s water filter. Those may include clearing the coils, examining the filter for leaks, and checking the fridge’s temperature to keep it working in optimum conditions.
Can I Clean My Maytag Refrigerator Water Filter Instead of Replacing It?
If only a few months have passed since you purchased your water filter, maybe it’s time to remove the filter and clean it using the following method.
- Turn off your refrigerator and remove the outer case for the water filter. Additionally, you need to check that the water supply to the filter is disabled.
- Carefully grab the filter and pull it out.
- Tap the filter over a garbage can or a sink a few times. Once no pollutants are dusting off, clean it within a solution.
- Dip the filter in a mixture of warm water and soap. Vinegar is also an excellent alternative. Let it soak in the solution for 30 minutes and rinse it with clean running water. You can also try to clean it with a spraying solution specifically designed for water filters.
- Place the filter in the open air to dry away from direct sunlight. You can install it back into the refrigerator and use it as intended.
Regularly cleaning your refrigerator’s water filter helps you extend its lifespan. It also helps you examine how far gone the water filter is so you can plan on a replacement ahead of time.
Tips To Prolong the Lifespan of Maytag Refrigerator Water Filter
You can utilize the following measures to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator’s water filter.
- Replace the water filter regularly. Maytag advises replacing your water filter after six months of regular use. You may avail of a subscription program to ensure you have one handy when you genuinely need it.
- Use high-quality water filters specifically designed for your refrigerator, as inferior ones can harm your refrigerator by clogging or contaminating other compartments. You can view the precise model in your owner’s manual. Strive to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
- Keep your water filter clean. As mentioned before, it’s an essential part of its maintenance.
- Try to maintain a consistent supply of clean water. Hard water can reduce the lifespan as the contaminants flog up the filter faster.
- Maintain a non-freezing temperature for the water filter. That helps maintain a sufficient flow and prevents damage to the filter membranes.
What Should We Do After Maytag Refrigerator Water Filters Expire?
It’s best to replace your Maytag refrigerator water filter after it expires. You can do that through the method mentioned below.
- Open the filter case and gently remove the expired water filter.
- Dispose of it adequately and insert the new water filter with the same orientation.
- Close the case and flush the water filter with 2-4 gallons of water. Now, it’s ready to use as intended.
Can I Use a Third-Party Water Filter In My Maytag Refrigerator?
The short answer? Yes. Several aftermarket manufacturers provide suitable water filters for Maytag refrigerators. Still, it’s best to check whether they’re NSF-certified and have a decent warranty. Seefilter is an excellent choice since they use water filters made sustainable using coconut shells from Sri Lanka. They also cost far less than OEM water filters from Maytag.
FAQs
Should I turn off my Maytag refrigerator before replacing the water filter?
It depends upon whether your refrigerator allows for water filter replacement while turned on. It’s a good idea to check the owner’s manual to see if it has that function.
Does the water filter in my Maytag refrigerator remove all contaminants from the water?
No. Maytag refrigerator water filters cannot remove sodium, fluoride, disease-causing bacteria, and nitrates. The filter can successfully remove contaminants like sediments, chlorine, lead, and foul odor.
Can I store replacement water filters for my Maytag refrigerator in the freezer to extend its lifespan?
No, it’s not recommended to store the replacement water filters in the freezer as the low temperature may damage the internal components, impacting the effectiveness and reducing lifespan. To ensure the good condition of the replacement filters, store them in a cool, dry area away from sunlight.
Conclusion
Maintaining your refrigerator’s water filter adequately assists in prolonging its lifespan. We hope this guide helps you focus on the key factors, letting you drink nothing but clean water and ice from your Maytag refrigerator. For the best quality and hassle-free replacements, check out Seefilter for refrigerator water filters.
