Clearly Filtered · Water Filters
Clearly Filtered Replacement Filter for the Clean Water Pitcher
No coating of concern recorded, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The brand has published no PFAS statement for this product that we could find.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Activated carbon + coconut shell filtration media
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Clearly Filtered Replacement Filter is made of, ingredients and materials
This replacement filter uses activated carbon derived from coconut shell, a naturally porous material that traps dissolved contaminants, chlorine, and some volatile organic compounds through adsorption. Coconut-shell carbon sourcing involves different manufacturing processes than some synthetic alternatives, potentially avoiding certain byproducts. The filter contains no synthetic binders, adhesives, or coatings of public record; it relies on the granular carbon media itself to perform filtration.
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Bacterial growth in filter housing if unmaintained
Activated carbon creates a moist, high-surface-area environment favorable to microbial colonization if filters are not replaced on schedule or the pitcher is left standing with stagnant water. No recalls or complaints are on record for Clearly Filtered specifically, but this is a known risk across all pitcher-based carbon filters.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Activated carbon dust inhalation during filter handling
Loose carbon particles may shed during cartridge insertion or removal. No adverse events are documented for this brand, but users with respiratory sensitivities should rinse the filter before installation and avoid prolonged exposure to airborne particles.
Pitcher housing material leaching (plastic or rubber seals)
The replacement filter itself contains no plastic housing; leaching risk depends on the pitcher body and lid seals, which are outside the scope of this cartridge. If the pitcher is BPA-free and made from food-grade plastics (common but not always certified), this risk is minimal.
Reduced filtration effectiveness over time without replacement
Coconut-shell carbon becomes saturated after 2-3 months of typical household use. Continued use of an exhausted filter provides no safety advantage and may allow chlorine and some contaminants to pass through; this is a performance issue rather than a toxicity hazard.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Clearly Filtered does not publish detailed ingredient or manufacturing transparency statements on this replacement filter. The brand's PFAS stance is silent; no official statement about per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemical absence or testing has been recorded. No recalls, safety complaints, or third-party certifications (NSF, WQA) are documented for this specific product, limiting independent verification of claims.
How it compares in its category
Activated carbon filters are not materials linked to leaching heavy metals, BPA, or other polymer-derived toxins. Compared to ion-exchange resin filters or reverse-osmosis membranes, coconut-shell carbon avoids synthetic housing materials and complex chemical regeneration. This product sits in the middle tier for transparency; premium brands like Brita publish NSF certifications, while budget alternatives often lack any third-party validation.
If you buy it
Replace the filter every 2-3 months or per the pitcher manufacturer's instructions to prevent bacterial colonization inside the cartridge and housing. Store unopened filters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; once installed, do not expose the pitcher to heat above 40 degrees Celsius. Rinse the new filter under cold water for 15-30 seconds before first use to remove any loose carbon dust. Inspect the pitcher's rubber seals and plastic housing regularly for cracks or discoloration, which would signal degradation.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Clearly Filtered has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Water Filters
Aquamira
Water Storage Treatment 2 oz Glass Bottles 60 gallons Purification
- glass bottles, sodium dichloroisocyanurate treatment chemical
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Chemical overdose or misuse
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Big Berkey
Empty Housing with NO Filters Included
- Stainless steel housing and spigot
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth and biofilm if filters not replaced
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
LifeStraw
Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher
- Borosilicate glass pitcher, replaceable activated-carbon filter cartridge
- Bacterial growth in filter cartridge if unmaintained
5 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More water filters grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.