You should change your Brita filter approximately every 40 gallons of water, which is about every 2 months for the average household. If you have hard water, you may need to replace the filter more frequently. Many Brita pitchers come with an electronic or SmartLight filter indicator that helps you know exactly when to replace the filter

. There are different types of Brita filters with slightly different lifespans:

• Standard Brita Filter (white): replace every 40 gallons or about 2 months.
• Brita Longlast Filter (blue): replace after about 129 gallons or 6 months.
• Brita Stream Filter (grey): replace every 40 gallons or 2 months

When installing a new filter, it is recommended to flush it with cold water for about 15 seconds before use, and discard the first three pitchers of filtered water to remove any carbon dust

. Additionally, it is important to clean your Brita pitcher every 2–3 weeks and always when changing the filter to prevent mold, bacteria growth, and mineral buildup, which can affect water taste and filter performance