Need to clean RO membrane? Follow this guide, it is very easy!

I was tinkering with my RO system the other day and I got to wondering about cleaning the membrane. So, I did some digging and thought I’d share what I found and how I ended up cleaning mine.

Get Started

First things first, I turned off the water supply to the system – wouldn’t want any unexpected showers! Then, I grabbed my wrench and got to work. I removed all the housings that hold the filters.

Take Out the Filters

Once I had the housings off, I carefully took out all the filters. This included the sediment filters, carbon filters, and any in-line filters. It was a bit messy, but I managed to keep things relatively tidy.

Why Clean the Membrane?

Now, why bother cleaning the membrane? Well, from what I gathered, these membranes are great at filtering out all the nasty stuff from the water, but over time, they get clogged up. This means the system has to work harder, which can lead to higher water bills and less water output. No one wants that!

Cleaning Methods

I found out there are a few ways to clean these membranes. Some folks use special chemicals, others use a method called “Clean in Place” (CIP). It is quite a range of options, and it all depends on your needs.

My Cleaning Process

• After removing all pre-filters and post-filters from the system, I removed the membrane from its housing, rinsing the membrane under the faucet with cold water.
• I prepare a bucket of warm water with some mild dish soap. I soaked the membrane in this soapy water for about an hour.
• Next, I gently scrubbed the membrane with a soft-bristled brush. I made sure to be careful not to damage the delicate membrane surface.
• After scrubbing, I thoroughly rinsed the membrane with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Finally, I reinstalled the membrane back into its housing and put the whole system back together.

Results

After cleaning the membrane and putting everything back together, I tested the water. I have to say, I noticed a difference! The water pressure seemed better, and the water tasted cleaner. I was pretty happy with the results.

So, that’s my little adventure in cleaning an RO membrane. It is not too complicated, and it can make a real difference in the performance of your RO system. If you have been thinking about it, I say go for it!