For heavy manganese (stains everywhere): Go with a whole-house greensand or catalytic media filter. It’s the nuclear option, and it works. For low levels (just drinking water): A reverse osmosis system under your sink is the cleanest, most consistent solution. For in-between (small household, moderate staining): A point-of-entry catalytic carbon filter might hit the spot—but test your water pH first.
And whatever you do, test your water before buying anything. A simple lab test costs $30 and saves you from buying a filter that’s either overkill or useless. I learned this the hard way after buying a $500 system that did nothing. Spoiler: my water pH was 6.4, and the filter needed pH 7.0. Ouch.
Now go save your socks—and your sanity. Your tea deserves better than a metallic aftertaste.
