Cleaning and sanitizing a reverse osmosis system is mostly done with the traditional under-sink reverse osmosis system. Other reverse osmosis systems, such as tankless RO systems and countertop RO systems, require simple maintenance, such as the replacement of filters and membranes. The traditional under-sink reverse osmosis system should be sanitized and cleaned every year. Continue reading to learn how to clean and sanitize a reverse osmosis system.
The best time to clean and sanitize your RO system is during a filter change since most of the filters are changed every year.
Step by step to clean and sanitize reverse osmosis system
Make sure your hands and service area are clean.
Shut off the cold water supply valve.
Turn on the RO faucet to drain water from the system and storage tank.
Remove the filters from their housings.
Clean the housing using warm water and dish soap. Make sure you rinse them.
Return the housing into place.
Use unscented household bleach or reverse osmosis system sanitizer. Pour the bleach into the stage 1 housing (sediment filter housing)—consult your RO system owner for the right bleach and the process that takes place.
Best Reverse Osmosis System Sanitizer
Pro Products SANI-SYSTEM (SS24WS) Liquid Sanitizer
It is a liquid cleaning concentrate ideal for water softeners, reverse osmosis (RO) units, and water coolers.
Turn on the water supply valve.
The system will run without a filter, and the storage tank will refill quickly.
Open the RO faucet until water comes out.
Close the tap and check for a leak.
Let the storage tank fill with water.
Let the bleach stay in the system for 1 to 2 hours.
After 30 minutes, flush out the water.
Run the system for at least two cycles.
Shut off the water supply valve.
Return or replace the filter into the housing and make sure the whole system is returned to place.
Turn on the water supply valve.
Wait for the reverse osmosis storage tank to fill with water.
Drain the water once as you check the leak.
At this time the system is cleaned, sanitized, and ready to use.
How to clean reverse osmosis membrane
As you wait for the storage tank to sanitize, soak the RO membrane in unscented household bleach such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, or any NSF-approved sanitizer. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Why sanitize your RO system?
Sanitizing your RO system helps kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
How to clean Reverse Osmosis filters
Reverse osmosis filters include sediment, carbon, and polishing filters. The filter is not supposed to be cleaned but replaced after the life span period expires.
Replace sediment filter every 12 months, carbon block filter every 6 to 12 months, and polishing filter every 6 to 12 months.
How to Sanitize a Reverse Osmosis System with Sani-System
How often to sanitize reverse osmosis system
It’s good to clean and sanitize the Reverse osmosis system once a year.
