Can you clean air purifier filters instead of replacing them? Is it really necessary to buy new air purifier filters?

Air purifiers keep your home clean and healthy. However, it’s easy to forget about adequate, frequent air purifier maintenance. Sometimes the equipment that cleans our houses needs to be cleaned as well!

Cleaning your air purifiers on a regular basis increases their longevity and retains their best performance. But is it necessary to replace the filters every six months, or whatever the manufacturer suggests? Or you can just wash your air purifier filters to save some cash instead. Is buying new filters really a must? Continue reading to find the answer.

Note: If you need answers to common questions about air purifiers, please read our air purifier FAQs.

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Do I need to clean your air purifier filters regularly?

Definitely yes! You should clean your air purifier filter on a regular basis to increase its overall efficacy and efficiency. Air purifiers perform best when their filters are not clogged with old particles such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. If any family member relies on clean air from your air purifier to control allergies, asthma, or other respiratory diseases, ensuring your air filters are clean is even more crucial.

  • Not only does the air purifier operate with clean filters. A blocked filter slows the cleaning process and forces your air purifier to work harder. Changing the air filter can extend the life of your air purifier.
  • In addition, with dirty air purifier filters, you might be reintroducing dust and particles caked on the filter into your environment.
  • When air filters become clogged and unclean over time, eventually, they will stop working. This means that when your air purifier is turned on, it will accomplish nothing.

How often should I clean air purifier filter?

This may vary depending on your specific air filter. The basic guideline is to clean your air purifier filters monthly (or when they appear unclean). To be safe, you’d better go with what your manufacturer recommends. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and changing filters in your device’s handbook.

Most air purifiers feature timers that alert you when it’s time to change the filter. You can also set a reminder using Alexa or Google Assistant to assist. It is critical to keep up with maintenance. Otherwise, you may need air purifier repair. A good air purifier may be an expensive investment, so make the most of your money.

Can I wash/ clean my air purifier filters instead of replacing? Are buying new air purifier filters necessary?

The answer is that it depends. Some air purifier filters are washable, while others are not. True HEPA filters, for example, should be disposed of and changed every six to twelve months, depending on usage. Electrostatic and activated carbon filters, as well as some HEPA-style filters, may often be cleaned and reused. Because air ionizers and ozone generators do not use filters, there is nothing to clean or reuse.

If your air filter says it is washable or permanent, you can clean it and use it again.

Check your owner’s manual to see if your filter is washable. If you misplaced your handbook, the majority of it may be obtained online.

How can I wash my air purifiers at home?

The common way to clean the washable filters is to first soak them in warm water for a few hours to get rid of all the dust, then rinse them in cold water. If there is pet hair, scrape it away with a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush). If there is thick dirt, a pre-rinse may be necessary.

If your air purifier is not washable, you can still gently vacuum debris off of the filter. Take the air purifier filter outside and blow it clean. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling flying debris and dust particles.

A soaked filter can clog and obstruct airflow. Mold can also thrive in this environment. You will not like that. Hence, regardless of whether you clean your air purifier filter with a vacuum or with water, allow it plenty of time to dry before reinstalling it into the air purifier. Each filter is unique, but electrostatic filters dry the fastest, in 15 to 30 minutes. HEPA-style filters, on the other hand, might take up to 24 hours to completely dry. Do not expose an air filter to direct sunlight. They should be dried inside or in the shade.

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FAQs

Can I wash my washable air purifier filters with soap?

Warm water is always ideal for air purifier filters, although dish soap can be used on exceptionally unclean filters. Just make sure to rinse off all of the soap residue because it might clog the airflow.

Can I wash my washable air purifier filters with vinegar?

Yes, soak air purifier filters for about an hour in a combination of 50% distilled water and 50% white vinegar. The filter should then be rinsed until the water runs clean.

Is it necessary to clean HEPA filters with water?

True HEPA filters should never be washed with water since the interior fiber layers will be damaged. Check the instructions and follow the advice offered for HEPA-style filters.

Is it possible to clean carbon air purifier filters?

Although many activated carbon air purifier filters, often known as charcoal filters, may be vacuumed, they should not be cleaned.

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