Diagnosis
The "dusty" or "weird" taste is almost always caused by residual carbon fines (a harmless, food-grade dust) from the manufacturing process of a new Brita Longlast filter. This is normal but should dissipate after proper priming. A persistent off-taste indicates improper installation or a compromised filter seal, allowing unfiltered water to mix in.
How to Fix It
To eliminate the taste, you must fully prime and flush the new filter. Follow this sequence:
- Before installing, hold the filter under cold running tap water for 15 seconds while rotating it to rinse the exterior.
- Insert the filter into the reservoir, ensuring the groove on the filter aligns with the ridge inside. Press down firmly until it clicks or seats completely.
- Fill the reservoir with cold tap water and let it filter through. Discard this first pitcher of water.
- Repeat the fill-and-dump process two more times (for a total of three discarded pitchers). Do not drink this water; use it for watering plants.
If That Didn't Work
If the dusty taste remains after three full pitchers, the filter is likely not sealed. Remove it and re-install, checking for proper alignment and pressing down firmly until fully seated. A loose filter bypasses the filtration media. Also, ensure you are not using softened or well water with very high mineral content, as this can affect taste. If the problem continues with a correctly installed filter, the unit may be defective; contact Brita customer support for a potential replacement.
Heads Up
The Longlast filter has a different media mix than standard Brita filters. A brief initial "break-in" taste difference is possible but should not be strongly unpleasant or persist beyond the initial flush. Never use hot water, as it can cause the filter housing to crack and release media.