Once you've used your elements:
The storage method depends on how long the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements will remain unused:
If the filters are not used for 4 to 15 days and you want to avoid having to prime them again, remove the filters from the water filter, place them in a sealable bag or container, and put them in the front of the refrigerator to prevent them from freezing. This keeps the filters mostly saturated (wet), so that re-priming is usually not necessary. If, for any reason, the filters are working more slowly than usual, prime them again until water droplets begin to form on the outer wall of the filter for 10 seconds.
For long-term storage, we recommend drying the filters and storing them in a sealed container. It is important that they are completely dry before being stored long-term to prevent potential bacterial growth. One way to dry your filters is to leave them on a windowsill for one to three days and let them air dry. We also offer a tool to assist with both priming and purging. This is the BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric) or Black Berkey Primer. The advantage of purging the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements is that they dry very quickly. Once the filters are bone dry, place them in a storage bag, such as a large, sealable bag. The elements are extremely powerful and can absorb odors and smoke from the air. By sealing them in a bag, they cannot absorb odors from the air. When you’re ready to use the filters again, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a scouring pad or a stiff brush. Then, prime the filters again—either manually or using the BOROUX Automatic Filter Primer Pump (electric) or Black Berkey Primer—before reinserting them into the water filter.
In theory, the shelf life of the BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements is unlimited.
**Please note that the storage methods listed above apply only to BOROUX Foundation™ Black filter elements.
If you've never used these elements before:
If the cartridges are unopened and still in their original packaging, make sure not to store them in a room with strong odors (such as a laundry room or garage). Since the elements contain carbon as one of their components, they may absorb odors from the room in which they are stored. For example, if they are stored in a laundry room, they may pick up the scent of strongly scented items such as laundry detergent.
** If you’re also storing the top and bottom containers of your water filter, it’s best to empty both containers before storing them. Water that sits for a long time promotes the growth and reproduction of bacteria and mold. We recommend washing your water filter with soapy water before letting it dry.