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Water Filters & Purifiers

Replacement Water Filter Cartridges Guide

 

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When to replace your water filter cartridges (and how to keep them performing well)

This replacement water filter cartridges guide is a simple, Australia-friendly reference for when to replace common Awesome Water Filters cartridges and mineral media, plus the basic care steps that help maintain flow and fresh-tasting water. Replacement timing is a guideline—your actual schedule can vary with household size, water usage, and local water conditions.

Key benefits

  • Less guesswork: A clear replacement schedule for popular cartridges and domes.
  • Better day-to-day performance: Timely changes can help maintain flow rate and taste/odour reduction (depending on your cartridge type).
  • Simple care steps: Easy cleaning instructions that don’t overcomplicate things.
  • Fast help if you’re unsure: If you can’t match a cartridge, send us a photo and we’ll help you identify it.

How it works

Most cartridges work by trapping particles (like sediment) and/or using media (like activated carbon or ceramic) to improve the everyday experience of your tap or cooler water. Over time, a cartridge can load up and performance may drop—so replacement (and the right cleaning routine) matters for consistent results.

Quick replacement & care schedule (AWF guideline)

Use this table as a guideline. If your flow slows down, taste/odour changes, or your usage is higher than average (large households, busy offices), you may need to replace sooner.

Product Replacement guideline Maintenance / care notes
7 and 8 Stage Water Filters Replace every 6 months Soak in water and run under tap water before installing and during regular water cooler cleaning.
Magnesium Prill Beads No need to replace (guideline) Wash to remove dust. Submerge in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to “re-energise”.
Maifan Stone Replace every 12 months Boil stones every 3 months with 1 tsp salt. Note: boil stones only (not the outer plastic container).
97% Fluoride Reduction Dome Replace every 6–12 months (depending on water consumption) Scrub ceramic surface lightly with a new scouring pad under running cold water. Do not use soap or detergent.
Sediment Dome Filter Replace every 6–12 months (depending on water consumption) Wash, wipe and clean. Change felt pads at the same time as replacing the filter cartridge.
Ceramic Dome Filter Replace every 6–12 months Clean by rubbing with a soft sponge or non-abrasive pad. Do not use soap or detergent.

Compatibility note: These AWF water filter cartridges are compatible with our water coolers, except for bottle-less models.

Signs it’s time to replace (or service) your cartridge

  • Flow slows down: A common sign the cartridge is loading up (especially in higher sediment areas).
  • Taste/odour changes: If water no longer tastes as “fresh” as usual, it’s often time to replace.
  • You’ve hit the time interval: If you’re at (or past) the guideline schedule above, replace to reset performance.
  • Busy household or workplace use: More daily litres usually means earlier replacement.

Installation & maintenance

Before installing a new cartridge: Follow the product’s instructions. As a general rule for many cartridges, a brief soak and a flush under running water helps reduce any harmless initial carbon dust and primes the media.

For ceramic and dome filters: Clean gently and avoid soaps/detergents unless the specific product instructions say otherwise. A light scrub under cold running water is often all that’s needed.

For mineral media: Rinse/wash to remove dust. If boiling is recommended (e.g., stones or beads), boil only the media—never plastic housings.

If your setup is plumbed-in (under-sink / whole-home), use a qualified tradesperson where required in Australia.

What you get (when you shop replacements)

  • A clear path to the right product: browse our replacement water filter cartridges collection and match by your current cartridge type.
  • Helpful support if you’re unsure: send a photo of your cartridge and housing via our contact page.
  • Related options if you’re upgrading: explore our 8 stage water filters for multi-stage filtration setups.

Learn more

If you’re replacing filters for a cooler, start with our water coolers range and confirm whether your model is bottle-fed or bottle-less. For shopping, head to replacement water filter cartridges. For help with returns, delivery and warranty terms, refer to Shipping | Return | Refund | Warranty.

FAQs

  • How often should I replace 7 and 8 stage water filter cartridges?
    The AWF guideline is every 6 months. If you have higher usage (large household or office), or notice reduced flow/taste changes, you may need to replace sooner.
  • Do I need to flush a new cartridge before use?
    Often yes. Many cartridges benefit from a quick soak and a flush under running tap water to prime the media and clear any harmless initial dust. Always follow your product’s instructions.
  • How do I clean a ceramic dome filter?
    Clean under running water with a soft sponge or non-abrasive pad. Avoid soap or detergent unless your product instructions specifically say it’s safe to use.
  • My water flow is slow—does that mean I need a new filter?
    Slow flow is a common sign a filter is loaded with sediment or nearing the end of its service life. First try the recommended cleaning steps (where applicable). If flow doesn’t improve, replace the cartridge.
  • Do magnesium prill beads need replacing?
    The AWF guideline says they don’t need replacing. You can wash them to remove dust and submerge in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to “re-energise”.
  • Can I boil Maifan stones?
    Yes—boil the stones only (not the plastic container). The guideline suggests boiling every 3 months with 1 tsp salt, and replacing the stones every 12 months.
  • Which cartridges fit my AWF water cooler?
    This guide notes compatibility with AWF water coolers except bottle-less models. If you’re not sure what you have, send a photo of your cooler/model details via our contact page and we’ll help match the correct part.

We’re here to help you match the right cartridge and keep your system running smoothly. You’ll find support via phone and email, secure checkout, and Australia-wide delivery options. For the latest details on shipping, returns and warranty terms, please refer to our policy page.

Last revised: January 2026

External references: Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC) and NSW Health guidance on household water treatment and activated carbon (for general context).

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