Open the box. You’ll find a pitcher, a lid, a little black filter disc, and a packet of frustration—I mean, a packet of instructions. Ignore the instructions. No, seriously. Put them in the recycling bin. They’re just there to make you feel smart when you don’t need them.
You’ll see the filter. It looks like a tiny hockey puck that accidentally fell into a washing machine. It’s heavy, which is a good sign. Heavy means it’s full of that magical black powder that catches all the “ick” from your faucet.
Step One: The Rinse of Shame
You have to rinse the filter under cold water. Not warm, not hot—cold. This isn’t a spa day for the filter; it’s just a quick shower to wake it up. Hold it under the tap for about 15 seconds. Watch the water bead up and try to escape. It’s like the filter is saying, “No, I’m not ready! I’m still sleeping!”
Do not skip this step. I once did, thinking I was above the rules, and my first glass of water tasted like I had licked a new shoe. Learn from my hubris.
