Do unused refrigerator filters have an expiration date?
Unused refrigerator water filters do not expire if they are protected from moisture and excessive heat. It is important to store filters with their original packaging to prevent contamination or performance degradation from occurring. Filters that have torn or missing packaging, signs of water damage, or evidence of bacterial growth should not be used, regardless of their age.
In this blog post, we discuss the shelf life of a refrigerator filter, proper storage requirements, and more!
Read my ultimate guide on refrigerator filters.
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Table of Contents
Do Unused Refrigerator Filters Expire
People often ask us, “Do unused refrigerator filters have an expiration date?” The answer is no – provided they are stored properly.
Unused refrigerator water filters do not expire if they are protected from water and high temperatures. Moisture is the enemy of any type of filter sitting on your shelf, as it can cause bacteria to grow and contaminate it.
High temperatures can also degrade the quality of your filter, so it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place. The best way to do this is in the original packaging, as it will help keep the filter dry and free from contaminants.
It’s critical to keep the filter, as well as its packaging, in excellent condition to guard against contamination and performance deterioration. Filters that have torn or missing packaging should be discarded, as should filters with water damage, bacterial growth, or other signs of deterioration.
Materials of construction
Refrigerator filters are made of some very durable materials. Because of their construction, they can last for years if you store them properly.
The filter housing is made of plastic that is very durable and stable. Most plastics have a storage life of more than 10 years.
The filter media is usually activated carbon. Carbon is a very stable material and can last for decades without loss of performance.
Do they have an expiration date?
Refrigerator water filters do not have expiration dates, but it is important to store them properly to prevent any degradation in quality. You should check the manufacturer’s recommendations just to be sure.
None of the filters we examined (and we checked most of them) have an expiration date on the filter or the packaging.
What do the manufacturers say?
We checked the product labels and websites of the major refrigerator manufacturers to see what they recommend.
None of the manufacturers we checked (GE, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, Maytag) had expiration dates on their filters or packaging.
All of them recommend storing the filter in a cool, dry place.
Most also recommend that you store the filter in its original packaging to prevent contamination.
How long can a fridge filter last?
A standard refrigerator filter should last for years. It’s hard to say they would last forever, but it’s reasonable to assume that a filter that wasn’t exposed to moisture or high temperatures would still be good after 10 years of storage.
Proper Storage Requirements and Filter Shelf Life
To ensure your refrigerator filter has the longest shelf life possible, it’s important to store it properly. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific storage requirements.
There are three main storage requirements. They are discussed in the following section.
1- Temperature
Refrigerator filters should be stored in a cool, dark space. The ideal temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The maximum storage temperature for a refrigerator water filter is 100 degrees F.
Higher temperatures can degrade the quality of the filter media, making it less effective.
If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to store your filters in a cool, dry place like a basement or closet.
2 – Humidity
Moisture can degrade and damage a filter, so it’s important to store it in a dry place.
The ideal storage environment for a refrigerator filter is one that has less than 50% relative humidity. If you live in a humid climate, it’s best to store your filters in a cool, dry place like a basement or closet.
Changes in humidity are undesirable because they can cause the filter to absorb moisture from the air.
You can also purchase desiccant packets (silica gel) to help keep the humidity low. Place them with your filters and they will help absorb any moisture in the air.
3 – Package integrity
The filter must be stored in its original packaging or an airtight container to prevent contamination.
You should inspect the packaging for any damage before using the filter. If the packaging is damaged, you should discard the filter.
You should also inspect the filter itself for any signs of damage or deterioration. If the filter is damaged, you should discard it.
Service Life of a Refrigerator Filter
Once you put the refrigerator filter into use and begin treating your water, it must be maintained. This requires replacing the spent filter with a new one at the designated time.
Days in use
Manufacturers typically recommend replacing the filter every 6 months, but this may vary depending on water quality and usage. Some filters only have a 3 month life, but some can be used for as much as a year.
It’s important to note that if you do not replace the filter when it’s required, your water will not be treated and could cause damage to your refrigerator.
Gallons of water treated
The number of gallons the filter can treat also varies. It ranges from 100-300 gallons, with most filters being able to handle around 200 gallons.
Once the filter has treated its maximum number of gallons, it must be replaced regardless of how much time is left on the replacement interval timer.
FAQs
Do unused LG refrigerator filters expire?
No, unused LG refrigerator filters do not expire. You can store them for up to ten years in a cool, dry place.
Do Kenmore Elite refrigerator water filters expire?
No, Kenmore Elite refrigerator water filters do not expire. You should store them in a cool, dry place in their original packaging for maximum shelf life.
Do unused Samsung refrigerator filters expire?
Samsung refrigerator filters have a shelf life of at least five years. If they are stored in their original packaging in a cool, dry place, they will not expire.
How long does a Frigidaire refrigerator water filter last?
Frigidaire refrigerator water filters last for six months or 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
Do refrigerator water filters expire? You may be surprised.
Contrary to popular belief, refrigerator water filters do not expire as long as they are properly stored. The key is understanding the proper storage requirements and filter shelf life. In this blog post, we’ve outlined the three factors that affect a refrigerator filter’s lifespan – temperature, humidity, and package integrity.
We hope this information helps you better understand how to store your fridge filters for optimal performance. Have you ever experienced issues with your refrigerator water flow or ice production? If so, it might be time to check the condition of your filters and replace them if necessary. Thanks for reading!