Reusable HEPA filters are easy to maintain and can significantly reduce filter replacement costs. If your air purifier or vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, read the instruction manual carefully before cleaning it. A washable HEPA filter should be rinsed with water at least once a month, as water splashes on a non-washable filter will render it unusable. Rinse the washable filter until the water is clear and allow it to dry completely before installing. Use a vacuum cleaner with a furniture brush to remove dirt from the non-washable filter.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Washable HEPA Filter
Step 1. Check your user manual to see if the filter can be washed
Before you start cleaning the HEPA filter, find out if it can be washed. Some filters need to be rinsed from time to time, while others may deteriorate from contact with water.
- If you do not have a user manual, search the Internet for the manufacturer and model number of your device and download the manual electronically.
- Washable filters are used in both air cleaners and vacuum cleaners.
Step 2. Disassemble the device outdoors to keep dirt and debris out of the house
Large filters can be very bulky and contain a lot of dirt and debris that should not be carried around the house. If possible, take the device out into the garden or garage to remove and clean the filter without spoiling the air in the house. The main thing is to have a garden hose or faucet close at hand.
If the filter is small and easy to use, you don’t worry about dusting or you simply have nowhere to take it out, remove it at home and rinse it in the sink
Step 3. Remove the filter from the instrument
Make sure the air cleaner or vacuum cleaner is turned off and unplugged. Remove the tank or panel, behind which the filter is hidden, and then remove it from the device.
- Check your user manual if you are unsure how to remove the filter.
- Never run an air purifier or vacuum cleaner without a filter.
Step 4. Tap the filter over the trash can to loosen dirt
Dirt and debris may have adhered to the filter depending on the type of appliance and how often you clean the filter. If necessary, lightly tap the filter above the dustbin to remove some debris and loosen adhering dirt.
Step 5. Rinse the filter with water
Do not turn on the water too much so as not to ruin the filter. Rinse the filter until all dirt is removed and the water is clear. Some manufacturers recommend washing the filter with water at room temperature, while others recommend using only cold water. Check your user manual to find out which water to rinse the filter with.
In general, a washable filter should be rinsed on both sides. Cylindrical filters for wet / dry vacuum cleaners should only be washed from the outside and make sure that no water gets inside
Step 6. Let the filter dry completely and only then install it
All washable HEPA filters must be completely dry prior to installation. Shake off excess water, then let the filter dry for 24 hours.
Never put the filter in a tumble dryer, use a hair dryer, or dry it by any method other than natural air drying
Method 2 of 3: Vacuum the non-washable filter
Step 1. Remove the filter from the instrument
Many air purifiers have non-washable HEPA filters. Switch off the device and unplug it from the mains before removing the filter.
Check your user manual for how to get to the filter
Step 2. Flush other filters on the device
Along with the non-washable HEPA filter, the device must have at least one more foam or carbon filter. These additional filters usually need to be rinsed for 2-3 minutes or until the water is clear.
Dry the foam or charcoal filter with a towel, then dry for 24 hours
Step 3. Vacuum the filter with a brush attachment
Vacuum the non-washable HEPA filter with a spout attachment or furniture brush until all debris is removed from the filter. Be careful not to pierce the filter with the tip.
Step 4. Reassemble the instrument
Collect the appliance after the washable filters are dry. While the rest of the filters are dry or while the device is not being used, the HEPA filter can be wrapped tightly in polyethylene.
Some air purifiers have an electronic signal to remind you to clean the filter. If you have one, you will need to restart it after cleaning the filter
Method 3 of 3: Caring for your HEPA filters
Step 1. Check filters before use and clean if necessary
Typically, the filter for a vacuum cleaner needs to be changed every 1–3 months or after 4–6 uses. The frequency of cleaning the filter will depend on how often you use the vacuum cleaner.
To keep your appliance in top working condition, check the filter before each use and clean it if there is a layer of dirt or debris on it
Step 2. Clean the air cleaner filter every 3–6 months
Most air purifier manufacturers advise cleaning washable and non-washable HEPA filters every 3 months. Note that if you live in a dusty environment or use the appliance frequently, your filter will be dirtier, so check it from time to time and clean it more often if necessary.
Check your user manual for what the manufacturer recommends for your device model
Step 3. Don't be afraid to clean the filter more often than necessary
Don't be afraid to clean your HEPA filter ahead of time. If you clean a washable or non-washable filter properly, then you don't have to worry about cleaning it more often than indicated in the user manual.
The cleaner the filter, the better the device will perform
Step 4. Use an electronic indicator to remind you to clean the filter
Some air purifier models have an indicator that reminds the user that the filter needs cleaning. The timer tracks either the operating hours of the device (which is more reliable), or the calendar date. Check the filter regularly and do not rely on the indicator alone, especially if it does not track the operating time of the device.
- If you rarely use the device, then when the indicator comes on, the filter does not need to be cleaned yet. On the other hand, if you always have it turned on, but the timer tracks calendar days, and not the operating time, the filter will have to be cleaned more often than according to the timer.
- Check your user manual to see if the timer tracks run times or calendar days.
Step 5. Replace the filter when worn out or as recommended by the manufacturer
Since filter replacement standards will depend on the device type and model, refer to the user manual for information on when to replace the filter. Typically, washable and non-washable HEPA filters have a much longer lifespan than their disposable counterparts. Some may not be changed for several years.