How To Clean Air Purifier Filter At Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Your air purifier is a silent hero in your home, working tirelessly to trap dust, dander, and pollutants. But once that filter is clogged, your air purifier has to work twice as hard, consuming more electricity in the process and cleaning less air. While most HEPA filters need to be replaced entirely, many air purifiers come with washable pre-filters or permanent parts that can be cleaned with a few simple tools. Learning the art of filter maintenance will not only save you money in the long run but also ensure that your indoor air quality is at its best.

How To Clean Air Purifier Filter At Home

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Identify Your Filter Type

Before you use water, check the labels.

• True HEPA: Although it’s not washable, vacuuming the surface is the only DIY option.

• Washable: Designed to be rinsed.

• Charcoal: These cannot be cleaned; water ruins their odour-absorbing properties.

2. Safety First

It is always important to unplug the device before opening the casing. This is important for the safety of the motor and your safety as well.

3. Vacuum The Big Things

You should always use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clean the area. Gently run it over the surface to remove the direct particles, hair and lint. For non-washable HEPA filters, this is the final step.

4. The Deep Wash

If your filter is made of plastic mesh or is marked as washable:

• Rinse it under lukewarm water.

• Do not use high-pressure water sprays, which can damage the mesh.

• Use a drop of mild dish soap if there is an oily residue, then rinse thoroughly.

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5. The Bone-Dry Requirement

This is the most important step. Never re-install a wet filter. The moisture that is trapped in the filter fibres will cause the growth of mould and bacteria, which the machine will then blow into your room.

• Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours.

• Do not use a hair dryer, as the high heat may cause the filter frame to bend.

6. Reset and Test

Now, you can put the clean, dry filter back into the machine. In most machines, there is a ‘filter reset’ indicator light that is not triggered by cleaning the filter; you will probably have to press the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds to turn off the reminder.

Image credits: Freepik

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