How to Clean RO Membrane With Citric Acid Easily (Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

Okay, so, I’ve been dealing with this RO system for a while now, and I noticed the water flow was getting weaker and weaker. Figured it was time to give the membrane a good cleaning. I decided to go with citric acid ’cause I heard it’s pretty effective and not too harsh. Here’s how I did it.

Getting Started

First things first, I turned off the water supply to the system. Safety first, you know? Then, I took out all the filters – the sediment filter, the carbon filters, even those little in-line ones. Just to be clear, you gotta remove the RO membrane itself, too. Once everything was out, I gave the filter housings a good scrub with some soapy water and a soft brush. Rinsed them really well to make sure no soap was left behind.

Mixing the Citric Acid Solution

Now for the cleaning solution. I mixed up a batch of 2% citric acid solution. How did I figure out the percentage? Well, I did some reading and found that around 2% is a good concentration, and my pH meter showed it was about 2.17, which seemed right. I also heated the water to about 40 degrees Celsius, ’cause warm water tends to work better for cleaning.

Cleaning the RO Membrane

With the solution ready, I carefully put the RO membrane into a clean container and poured the citric acid solution over it. I made sure the membrane was fully submerged. Then, I just let it soak for a while. I didn’t time it precisely, but it was probably around a few hours.

Rinsing and Reassembling

After the soak, I took the membrane out and rinsed it thoroughly with clean water. I made sure to rinse it really well to get rid of all the citric acid. Then, I put all the filters and the membrane back into the system, following the reverse order of how I took them out. Turned the water supply back on, and checked for any leaks.

The Results

After all that, I tested the water flow and quality. Let me tell you, it made a huge difference! The flow was much stronger, and the water tasted a lot better. I also measured the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the water, and it had dropped significantly. It’s amazing how much gunk can build up in those membranes over time.

So, yeah, that’s how I cleaned my RO membrane with citric acid. It’s not a super complicated process, but it does take a bit of time and effort. Still, it’s totally worth it if you want to keep your RO system working efficiently and your water tasting fresh.

• Key Takeaways
• Turn off water supply and remove all filters and the RO membrane.
• Use a 2% citric acid solution, heated to about 40°C.
• Soak the membrane, then rinse thoroughly.
• Reassemble the system and check for leaks.
• Enjoy improved water flow and quality!

Hope this helps anyone else out there looking to clean their RO membrane. Just remember to be patient and thorough, and you’ll be good to go!