With the number of toxins and pollutants being released in the air every day, it is hard to say that the air inside your house is cleaner. The situation may not be too dire for most of us, but people with dust allergies and respiratory sensitivities are punished the most by the contaminated air that’s entering your house.
Solution? Pretty easy — install an air purifier! This excellent appliance will clean the air in your home from pollutants like dust, funky odors, dirt particles, pet hair, dust mites, pollen, and other contaminants. These particles are trapped in air filters, and in order to keep the purifier working efficiently, you need to know how to clean an air purifier filter properly. In this article, we will take a look at how to clean an air purifier filter. Let’s get into it.
Is Your Air Purifier Filter Washable?
First of all, make sure and check whether your air purifier filter is washable or not. You’ll need to go through the manual that came with your air purifier to check which cleaning options are best suited for your appliance. Sometimes the air filters are easily washable and reusable which means that you can simply wash, dry, and then reinstall in your air purifier. Sometimes the layer of dirt is too thick to be removed simply by washing. In this case, you can soak the filter in very hot water and then clean it with warm soapy water.
Vacuum Your Air Purifier Filter
This way of cleaning your air purifier filter can be used when it’s strictly not allowed that you use water as a means of cleaning. This will be mentioned in your product user manual, so make sure to read it first. If you are using a vacuum, you’ll first need to disassemble your purifier outside the house. This will prevent the dust particles from being released inside the house.
This is mostly preferred for large filters, and if you think you can handle it, then you can remove them indoors as well. After removing the filter, tap it over a trash can to knock off excess dirt and debris. Now lay the filter and closely run the vacuum cleaner hose attachment over it until all the dirt is removed. Remember to do so with light hands, so you don’t puncture the filter.
Cleaning a Permanent Filter
The above methods are easy and best suited when you can disassemble the purifier and remove the filter. However, if the filter cannot be removed, follow these steps to clean the filter:
- Start off by unplugging the air cleaner.
- Check the condition by removing the air inlet grill.
- After pulling the inlet grill on the tab, remove the foam pre-filter.
- Examine it and wash it with warm soapy water if the layer of dust is too thick.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly before placing it back into the grill inlet.
Things to Consider When Cleaning Your Air Purifier Filter
Even though cleaning an air purifier filter is an incredibly easy task, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do:
- Clean your air purifier filter at least 2 to 3 times a week. However, for a permanent filter, it is advised to clean regularly for the best results
- Check the condition of the washable foam pre-filter every 2 to 3 weeks
- Lay the charcoal air filters for about 2 to 3 hours under the sunlight
- Use a stiff brush, vacuum or compressed air for non-washable filters
- Use a vacuum to prolong the life of your filters
- Read the product manual to know when it is time to replace the filters
Don’t:
- Don’t forget to check whether your air purifier filter is washable or non-washable
- Never wash an activated charcoal filter and replace it immediately if it smells of gases
- Clean your activated charcoal filter by either vacuuming or tapping it against the wall
- Do not use detergents, water or household cleaners to clean your permanent filters
- Do not use a hard and wet cloth for cleaning the inside of the air purifier
- Do not allow the main housing of the air cleaner to come in contact with moisture
- Avoid drying the pre-filter in an automatic dryer and only dry it by gently dabbing or tapping with a hand towel
- Do not clean the filter more than necessary
Final Thoughts
Air purifiers are an important appliance in this era of extreme pollution and toxic contaminants in the air. Installing an air purifier in your house will provide a clean environment for your family, especially those with allergies. However, the maintenance and condition of your air purifier depend entirely on you. Make sure the appliance always has clean filters that are checked now and then. Comply with your product manual and use the right method that best suits your air purifier filter. Now you know how to clean your air purifier filter — which is vital to ensure that it can keep doing what it is meant to do: purify your air.