Clearly Filtered · Refrigerator Filters
Water Filters Clearly Filtered Water Bottle Filter Replacement 25 Gallons
Lower concern for PFAS in the filter itself; filter's job is removal, not contribution, but verify third-party testing claims independently.
Clearly Filtered positions its replacement filters as targeting PFAS removal from water. The primary material (activated carbon) is not typically a PFAS source. However, the brand does not list third-party verification (e.g., NSF, WQA) for PFAS removal claims on public product pages, so independent efficacy cannot be confirmed here.
Brand says: “Clearly Filtered markets water bottles and filters with emphasis on removing contaminants and states products are designed to filter PFAS/forever chemicals from drinking water”
Shop Clearly Filtered on Amazon →Material
Activated carbon filter media with standard 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
This is a replacement cartridge containing activated carbon media, the standard workhorse for filtering chlorine, taste, odor, and some chemical contaminants from water. The housing is typically plastic (polypropylene or similar food-contact grade). Activated carbon itself is inert and does not leach into water under normal conditions; the housing material is the only potential source of concern, though food-contact plastics used in water filters are regulated for migration limits in most jurisdictions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Clearly Filtered markets itself as PFAS-free and positions removal of PFOA/PFOS as a key feature. The brand has published third-party test results claiming reduction of PFAS and other contaminants, though independent verification of these claims is limited in publicly available literature. No major recalls or safety controversies are on record for this product line. The company's transparency on testing methodology and certification bodies should be verified directly from their website.
How it compares in its category
Activated carbon filters like this are among the most common residential water filtration options and carry a strong safety track record when maintained properly. They are less specialized than reverse osmosis or ion-exchange systems but require no electricity or plumbing modification. Compared to off-brand or unlabeled filters, Clearly Filtered's public PFAS focus and marketing around third-party testing places it in the middle-to-upper tier of transparency in the replacement filter market.
If you buy it
Replace every 25 gallons or 2-3 months, whichever comes first, to prevent bacterial growth and saturation of the carbon media. Do not use hot water with the filter; activated carbon is designed for cold water. Store unused cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Flush the new filter with 2-3 gallons of water before first use to remove loose carbon particles, a standard practice that helps water quality.
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.”
Bacterial growth if unmaintained
All activated carbon filters can harbor bacterial biofilm if not replaced on schedule or if stored wet at room temperature. Clearly Filtered cartridges carry no known design flaw, but user behavior (infrequent replacement, warm conditions) is the primary risk factor.
Housing leachables from plastic
Food-contact plastic housing in water filters is regulated in the US and EU; no public reports of leaching from Clearly Filtered cartridges. Standard polypropylene or similar materials used in these cartridges are not known to release harmful substances at room temperature in contact with cold water.
Loose carbon particles in water
New activated carbon cartridges can shed fine black particles if not rinsed before use. This is cosmetic and not a health hazard, but flushing the filter as directed mitigates the issue.
Filter performance degradation over time
Activated carbon has finite adsorption capacity and degrades with use and time. Performance for PFAS and other contaminants drops after saturation; the 25-gallon lifespan is a manufacturer estimate that varies with source water quality and should be treated as a maximum, not a guarantee.
Third-party testing claim verification
Clearly Filtered publishes test results claiming PFAS removal, but independent lab confirmation of these specific claims is not universally available in peer-reviewed literature. Consumers should request NSF, WQA, or equivalent certification numbers and contact the certifying body directly if performance claims are critical to a purchasing decision.
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 refrigerator 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.