How to Clean Air Purifier Filter?

Air scrubbers maintain the air quality in your home or office by trapping allergens, toxins, dust, bad odors, and other pollutants from the environment. As they serve you with cleaner air, these devices also need to be served with regular maintenance. Not only does the exterior of the air purifiers demand cleaning, but the internal filters too, to maintain their efficiency and increase their lifespan.

Keeping the air scrubber filters clean ensures their good working performance and protection from various health issues. Read on to learn how to clean air purifier filters with our expert step-by-step guide to learn everything about cleaning a variety of filters you can have!

 

How to Clean Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters 

 

HEPA filters are highly powerful filters that most air purifiers are equipped with because of their 99.97% air cleaning efficiency, which can trap particles of up to 0.3 microns. As HEPA filters on one side offer the finest cleaning, they also require extra maintenance to clear up the surface and retain their abilities. 

Make sure to check the manual provided by the company to find out whether you’ve disposable, washable, or non-washable HEPA filters. Disposable HEPA filters don’t demand cleaning and need to be disposed of after a particular time or usage, usually after 12 months. If you have cleanable filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, head off to learn about the right methods.

Related reading:  What is a Hepa Filter?

 

Non-Washable HEPA Filter Cleaning Steps

 

Non-washable or permanent HEPA filters are not designed to accommodate water cleaning and can result in severe damage. That’s why vacuum cleaning is recommended to remove dust and debris from these filters. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can do its cleaning:   

• Wear personal protective equipment (face mask and gloves) to ensure your safety. 
• Turn off your air purifier and unplug it from the socket. 
• Remove dust and dirt with a soft-bristled, dry brush from the filtered air outlet on the top and back of the air purifier. 
• Carefully remove the device's front grill, clean it with soapy water, and dry it with a towel.
• Take off the non-washable HEPA filter as per the manual instructions. 
• Remove visible dust and dirt from every surface of your air scrubber filter, including its crevices and folds, using a vacuum with a brush attachment. 
• If you notice a vacuum is not enough, you can also use a soft and dry brush to remove the remaining particles with gentle movements.      
• Place the filter and grill back to its place.
• Clean the outer surface of your air purifier with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe down dust from the exterior and make it look new. And you're done! 

 

 

Washable HEPA Filter Cleaning Steps 

 

If your air purifier for dust is equipped with washable HEPA filters and your model states that water cleaning is safe, take out these filters with the similar method described above for non-washable ones and follow these steps for its effective cleaning: 

• After uninstalling the filter from your device, soak it in warm water for a few hours. It will help separate away all of the clogged particles. 
• Rinse it with cold water to clean every surface in depth. 
• Use a soft brush to scrub away stuck pet dander or dirt properly. 
• Let it dry for some time to prevent airflow blockage and mold growth. 
• Reinstall it safely, and it will be ready to offer efficient air cleaning.   

How to Clean Air Purifiers with Carbon Filters

 

If you have a carbon air scrubber at home, they are typically equipped with carbon filters for purifying the air and also need regular cleaning. Remember to read the instruction manual to know if your model has a disposable carbon filter that requires frequent replacement or a cleanable carbon filter that can be reused after service! 

• Turn off your air purifier and unplug it to prioritize your safety first. 
• Remove the carbon filter from your device. 
• Shake the filter with forceful movements to remove any accumulated dirt. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clear up the surface. 
• Wash the filter thoroughly with running warm water. 
• Let it air dry before reassembling to avoid mold growth or damage.   

How to Clean Air Purifier with Pre-Filters

 

The pre-filters or foam filters in air purifiers are washable filters that act as a primary cleaner to trap large airborne particles before they reach HEPA filters for deep cleaning. Let’s clean it easily with these steps: 

• Get it out of your air purifier and rinse it with warm running water. 
• Use a few drops of dish soap and create a foamy lather. 
• Let it soak into it and rinse it with water until it removes all dirt and soap residue. 
• Gently shake the pre-filter to remove excess water and keep it air dry. 
• Reinstall it, and you're ready to enjoy effective cleaning with your air scrubber filter once again!

Note: Don't use spray cleaners, oils, or detergents to clean your air purifier or filter, as it can lead to further damage.

 

 

How Often Do You Need To Clean Air Purifier Filters? 

 

To make the most of your air purifiers, maintain their efficiency, and maximize their lifespan, you should perform regular cleaning of your air purifiers and their filters. It is recommended to clean pre-filters every two weeks or once within three months as long as you find them dirty. 

Carbon filters need cleaning from 3 months to 2 years, depending on their usage and appearance. If your air purifier with HEPA filters is in regular use, check and clean it every six months to ensure its better performance and prolonged replacement times.    

To Summarize

Keep your air purifiers working at their best level by performing their regular maintenance and cleaning. Clean air purifier filters should be used using the recommended methods and the right timings mentioned above. As per the model, you have to restore their trapping efficiency and provide you with improved air quality indoors. 

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