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If you are thinking about buying a top-rated air purifier, you have no doubt wondered how to clean an air purifier filter or how to clean a HEPA filter, which is a little different but not much. After all, these filters are the actual mechanism that purifies the air, removing dust and allergens.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
No. We strongly advise that you check with the instructions that accompanied your air filter to see if the integrated filter should be cleaned or disposed of or replaced. Generally speaking, HEPA filters must be replaced while activated carbon and electrostatic filters should be cleaned. This is not an absolute rule, however, as there are some HEPA filters that can be cleaned and some electrostatic and carbon filters that must be disposed of.
Insider Tip
HEPA filters must be replaced while activated carbon and electrostatic filters should be cleaned.
These metrics may vary depending on your specific make and model, so we again recommend you check with the instructions. Purifiers for larger spaces will operate differently than models designed for cars, for example. Having said that, HEPA filters tend to need disposal and replacement every six months to one year. Activated carbon filters and electrostatic filters should generally be cleaned once a month.
The process will vary depending on the type of filter and the specific design of the filter. Check your instruction manual for details. However, we have assembled some general tips to consider for each type.
HEPA filters tend to need disposal and replacement every six months to one year. Activated carbon filters and electrostatic filters should generally be cleaned once a month.
Activated carbon filters, otherwise known as charcoal filters, are actually quite simple to clean. Here are the steps to take.
Electrostatic filters are a common type of air purifier accessory and should be washed every month. Here are the steps to take.
Why should you clean your air filter?
Air filters can get really dirty and filled to the brim with unhealthy contaminants, allergens, mold, and other icky substances. You don’t want to breathe that stuff in. If it’s too dirty, you m right need air purifier repair.
How often do you need to change an air purifier’s filter?
Generally speaking, change a HEPA filter every six months to one year. Charcoal filters and electrostatic filters should be cleaned once per month. These figures could vary though, so check the instructions.
What if the filter is hard to reach?
If the filter is hard to reach it is likely that it is not intended to be hand-cleaned, unlike most easy-to-clean air purifiers. Check with the instructions that accompanied your air purifier before proceeding.
STAT: A purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is designed to remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, plus all airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger. (source)
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