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


A writer shares their unconventional approach to cleaning their water pitcher, ignoring filter change indicators and forgoing regular washing.
AI Summary available — skim the key points instantly. Show AI Generated Summary
Show AI Generated Summary
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.

Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Was this article displayed correctly? Not happy with what you see?

Tabs Reminder: Tabs piling up in your browser? Set a reminder for them, close them and get notified at the right time.

Try our Chrome extension today!


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device


Share this article with your
friends and colleagues.
Earn points from views and
referrals who sign up.
Learn more

Facebook

Save articles to reading lists
and access them on any device