Clearly Filtered · Water Filters
6-Pack Filtered Water Pitcher Replacements
Lower concern for PFAS in the filter media itself; focus verification on actual removal claims if contamination risk is your driver.
Clearly Filtered's replacement filters use activated carbon, a well-established safe filter medium with no known PFAS manufacturing pathway. The brand claims PFAS removal capability, though no independent third-party lab verification or certification is publicly documented.
Brand says: “Clearly Filtered markets filters as PFAS removal and has stated filters reduce PFOA/PFOS and other contaminants”
Shop Clearly Filtered on Amazon →Material
Activated carbon filter media; plastic housing
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states the product is PFAS-free (self-declared).
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
These replacement filters use activated carbon as the primary filtration medium, a well-established material for adsorbing dissolved chemicals and chlorine from tap water. The housing is plastic, typically polypropylene or similar food-contact grade polymers. Activated carbon itself is inert and does not leach harmful compounds under normal use; the plastic housing is the only material component with any leaching potential, though food-contact plastics used in pitchers are regulated for migration safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clearly Filtered has explicitly marketed PFAS-free filter media and claims third-party testing for PFAS removal performance. The brand has positioned itself as a PFAS-aware manufacturer and publishes test results on its website. No major recalls or safety controversies have been documented for this product line in public records. The company's transparency on PFAS is notably higher than industry average, though independent verification of all removal claims is not within this assessment.
How it compares in its category
Pitcher filters are generally lower-risk than under-sink or whole-home systems because they use passive carbon absorption with no electrical components or complex plumbing. Clearly Filtered's activated carbon approach is standard and comparable to competitors like Brita or PUR. The main differentiation is Clearly Filtered's explicit PFAS-free positioning; most competitors do not highlight PFAS removal or testing. All pitcher filters depend on user maintenance (timely replacement, proper storage) to prevent bacterial growth.
If you buy it
Replace filters every 2-3 months or after 100-150 gallons, whichever comes first; do not extend use beyond manufacturer guidance as carbon becomes exhausted and water quality declines. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator to slow bacterial growth between uses. Do not use hot water in the pitcher, as heat can degrade the plastic housing and accelerate carbon bed breakdown. Rinse the housing between filter changes and avoid stacking heavy items on top of the pitcher.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Plastic housing leachables (BPA/BPS, phthalates)
Clearly Filtered filter housings are manufactured from food-contact grade plastics; no documented leaching incidents or material composition violations reported. Standard polypropylene used in these pitchers does not contain BPA or phthalates by design, though independent testing of each batch is not publicly available.
Bacterial growth in stagnant water or unmaintained filters
Like all pitcher filters, bacterial colonization can occur if the filter is not replaced on schedule or if the pitcher sits unused for extended periods. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing hazard, but remains the most realistic health concern for this product category.
Activated carbon dust or media escape into filtered water
Activated carbon can produce fine particles if the filter medium is damaged or improperly seated. No recalls or complaints on record for Clearly Filtered products; proper filter installation and replacement prevent this risk.
Degradation of filter housing plastic over time or with hot water exposure
Repeated exposure to hot water or prolonged sunlight exposure can compromise polypropylene housing integrity, potentially allowing water bypass or minor plastic leaching. This is avoidable with correct use (cold/room-temperature water only, cool storage location).
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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.