What Do Fridge Filters Filter Out of Your Drinking Water?

If you use the water dispenser on your refrigerator every day, you may have wondered, what do fridge filters filter out of your drinking water? The answer is that fridge filters remove common contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and certain heavy metals, leaving you with cleaner and better-tasting water. While they are not designed to remove every possible impurity, they are an affordable and practical way to improve the quality of the water your family drinks. In this guide, we will explain exactly how fridge filters work, what they filter out, what they don’t, and why regular replacement is key.

How Fridge Filters Work

Fridge filters use activated carbon block technology to clean water. This type of filtration relies on millions of tiny pores in the carbon material. As water flows through, those pores trap sediment and absorb chemicals that affect taste and safety.

The filtration process step by step:

1. Water enters the refrigerator from your home’s water line.

2. A pre-screen catches larger particles like rust or sand.

3. The activated carbon block absorbs chlorine, lead, and other contaminants.

4. Fresh, filtered water exits through your dispenser or ice maker.

This process happens instantly, giving you filtered water every time you press the dispenser or make ice.

What Do Fridge Filters Filter Out?

So, what do fridge filters filter out of drinking water? Here are the most common contaminants that certified fridge filters reduce:

• Chlorine taste and odor: Improves water flavor and smell.

• Sediment: Traps particles such as sand, rust, and dirt.

• Heavy metals: Reduces lead, mercury, and other harmful metals.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Filters out certain chemicals that can enter water through industrial pollution.

When tested and certified to NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53, fridge filters provide real performance that goes beyond just improving taste.

What Fridge Filters Do Not Filter Out

While fridge filters are effective at removing common contaminants, it is important to understand what they do not remove.

• Chloramine: Many U.S. cities use chloramine instead of chlorine to disinfect water. Standard fridge filters do not remove chloramine. This typically requires Catalytic Activated Carbon (CAC), a more advanced media.

• PFAS (forever chemicals): These emerging contaminants require reverse osmosis or specialized whole-house systems.

• Fluoride: Most fridge filters are not designed to remove fluoride.

• Microplastics: Some studies suggest that standard carbon block filters may not consistently reduce microplastics.

If you are concerned about these contaminants, consider pairing your fridge filter with a reverse osmosis system or another advanced filtration method.

Why You Should Replace Your Filter Regularly

Even the best fridge filter does not last forever. As the carbon pores fill up with impurities, the filter becomes less effective.

Signs it is time to replace your filter:

• Water tastes or smells different.

• Ice cubes are cloudy or have an off taste.

• Water flow slows down.

• Your refrigerator’s filter indicator light turns on.
  
  

Industry guideline: Replace every 300 gallons or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

Fridge Filters vs Bottled Water

Many homeowners buy bottled water thinking it is safer, but fridge filters are usually the smarter choice.

• Cost savings: Certified fridge filters cost far less per gallon than bottled water.

• Environmental benefits: Reduce plastic waste and pollution by avoiding disposable bottles.

• Convenience: Fresh water is always available from your refrigerator.

In fact, in the U.S., some bottled water is simply filtered tap water. With a fridge filter, you get the same clean taste at a fraction of the cost.

Do Fridge Filters Filter Out Water Entirely?

Some people ask a funny but important question: do fridge filters filter out water itself? The answer is no. Fridge filters are designed to keep beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium while filtering out contaminants. You still get healthy, refreshing water that contains natural elements your body needs.

Air Filters in Refrigerators: A Related Feature

Along with water filters, some refrigerators also have air filters. These help reduce odors and neutralize ethylene gas, which is released by fruits and vegetables. By doing so, air filters keep your food fresher for longer and improve the overall experience of opening your refrigerator.

Recommended Fridge Filters

Here are three excellent replacement options you can trust.

MWF GE SmartWater Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement by USWF

• Compatible with many GE models that use the MWF cartridge.
  

• Helps reduce chlorine taste and odour for cleaner, fresher water.
  

• Check the product page for model list and any stated certifications.
  

• Replace every 6 months or at rated capacity.

LT600P LG Comparable Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement by USWF (5231JA2006A)

• Designed for LG refrigerators that use LT600P, also listed as 5231JA2006A.
  

• Reliable taste and odour improvement with steady flow.
  

• See the listing for compatible models and certification details.
  

• Replace every 6 months or at rated capacity.

644845 UltraClarity Bosch Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement by Tier1

• Fits select Bosch models that use UltraClarity 644845.
  

• Great for reducing chlorine taste and odour to keep water and ice clear.
  

• Review the page for full compatibility and any stated certifications.
  

• Replace every 6 months or at rated capacity.

Why Certification Matters

Always check for NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certification. These standards confirm that a filter has been tested for both taste and odor improvement as well as contaminant reduction. Several independent organizations, including IAPMO, CSA, and WQA, test filters to ensure they meet NSF/ANSI standards.

A Note on Counterfeit Filters

Be wary of ultra-cheap filters from international discount sites. Many are counterfeit, with no guarantee of what is inside or how well they filter. Always buy from trusted sources like fridgefilters.com.

Replacement Cadence

Replace every 300 gallons or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Fridge Filter

• Flush after installation: Run 2 to 3 gallons of water through before drinking.

• Replace consistently: Even if water looks fine, performance declines over time.

• Use genuine filters: Only certified filters protect both water quality and your refrigerator’s warranty.

• Know your water: If your city uses chloramine or you are worried about PFAS, add an extra layer of filtration.

Conclusion

So, what do fridge filters filter out of your drinking water? They remove chlorine, sediment, VOCs, and harmful metals like lead, giving you cleaner and better-tasting water right from your refrigerator. While they do not remove everything, they are one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to improve water quality at home.

To keep your family safe and hydrated, always use certified replacements and remember to change your filter every six months. With the right filter, your fridge provides more than just cold water, it delivers peace of mind.