I’ll admit it—I ignored my refrigerator’s “Change Filter” light for way too long. At first, I thought, How bad could it be? Then my water started tasting a little…off. And my ice? Cloudy and weirdly crunchy. That’s when I knew—it was time to swap out the water filter.
If your fridge water is tasting funky, the ice looks strange, or the filter light is flashing at you, don’t put it off any longer! Replacing the water filter is quick, easy, and totally worth it. I’ve done it many times, and trust me—it’s a simple job you’ll be glad you tackled.
Let’s go step by step, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it without flooding your kitchen.
Step 1: Get the Right Replacement Filter
Before you start twisting and yanking at your old filter, make sure you have the right replacement.
How to Find the Right Filter:
✅ Check your fridge manual (if you can find it… no judgment if you lost it).
✅ Look inside the fridge or behind the kickplate—some models have a sticker with the filter part number.
✅ If all else fails, Google your fridge model + “water filter replacement.”
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid cheap knockoff filters! They might not fit properly and could leak. Stick with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters or reputable third-party brands.
Step 2: Locate Your Water Filter
Fridge filters hide in different spots, depending on your model:
🔹 Inside the fridge – Usually in the upper right corner or behind a small compartment near the ceiling.
🔹 At the base of the fridge – Some filters are behind the kickplate, near the floor.
🔹 Behind the fridge – Less common, but some models have the filter on the back panel.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, check your fridge’s manual or do a quick YouTube search for your specific model.
Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply (Optional, But Smart!)
Some people skip this step, but I always turn off the water supply before changing the filter—just in case.
🔹 Locate the water shut-off valve (usually under the sink or behind the fridge).
🔹 Turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
🔹 This helps prevent leaks or water pressure buildup when you remove the old filter.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve done this before and trust your fridge’s system, you can probably skip shutting off the water. But if it’s your first time, better safe than sorry!
Step 4: Remove the Old Filter (Without Spraying Water Everywhere!)
Alright, time to get that old filter out!
For Push-In Filters:
1️⃣ Grab the filter and twist it counterclockwise (lefty-loosey).
2️⃣ Pull it straight out—some water might drip, so have a towel handy.
3️⃣ If it’s stuck, wiggle it gently while twisting.
For Pull-Out Filters (Button Release):
1️⃣ Press the eject button next to the filter.
2️⃣ Pull the filter out carefully—watch for drips!
For Base-Grill Filters (Near the Floor):
1️⃣ Twist the filter a quarter turn counterclockwise.
2️⃣ Pull it out and tilt it upright to avoid spills.
💡 Pro Tip: If your old filter looks super gross, don’t freak out. That means it was doing its job!
Step 5: Install the New Filter
Now for the easy part—popping in the new filter!
✅ Align the new filter with the slot.
✅ Insert it and twist clockwise (righty-tighty) until it locks in place.
✅ If your fridge has a push-in filter, just slide it in until it clicks.
✅ Wipe up any drips and double-check for leaks.
💡 Pro Tip: If the filter isn’t locking in easily, don’t force it. Take it out, re-align, and try again.
Step 6: Flush the New Filter (Super Important!)
I made the mistake of skipping this step once, and my first few glasses of water tasted…like plastic. 😖
New filters contain trapped carbon dust, and you need to flush that out before drinking.
How to Flush the Filter:
1️⃣ Run 2-3 gallons of water through the dispenser (or fill up a few pitchers).
2️⃣ If your fridge doesn’t have a dispenser, discard the first couple batches of ice.
3️⃣ Keep running water until it comes out clear and smooth.
💡 Pro Tip: If your water still tastes weird after flushing, let it sit overnight and try again. Sometimes it takes a bit longer for the carbon filter to settle.
Step 7: Reset the Filter Indicator Light
Most modern refrigerators have a filter replacement light that stays on until you reset it.
🔹 For most models, hold down the “Filter Reset” button for 3-5 seconds.
🔹 Some fridges require pressing and holding the “Water” or “Ice” button.
🔹 If you’re unsure, check your manual or Google your fridge model + “reset filter light.”
💡 Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to change the filter again in 6 months!
I know changing a water filter sounds like a small thing, but trust me—you’ll notice the difference immediately.
✔️ Your water will taste fresher.
✔️ Your ice will be clear, not cloudy.
✔️ Your fridge will run more efficiently.
And the best part? It takes less than 10 minutes! No excuses—go change that filter and enjoy crisp, clean water again! 🚰💧
