It’s Time to Talk About How Often You’re Cleaning Your Water Pitcher - WSJ


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Key Points

The author challenges the notion of strict adherence to product expiration or 'best by' dates, exemplified by their disregard for their water pitcher's filter change indicator.

Their approach to filter replacement is solely based on perceptible changes in water taste or filtering speed, prioritizing convenience over manufacturer recommendations.

The author admits to never washing the water pitcher itself, citing the already present water as sufficient for cleaning.

The overall tone suggests a casual disregard for conventional cleaning practices, possibly reflective of a broader skepticism towards product-specific instructions.

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I was bred to believe that product expiration or “best by” dates are just marketing—and marketing is for rubes. When the light on top of my water pitcher insists I change the carbon filter, I use the same approach I have used for expiration dates on prescription drugs, eggs and canned soup: I ignore it. I only swap it out when the water starts to taste funky, or when it filters too slowly, which is annoying and wastes my precious, waning time on Earth.I wash the jug exactly never. It’s already filled with water and that’s what I’d use to clean it. I don’t see the point.

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