The cost of replacement filters can be cut in half if the filters are Washable or Permanent.You should check the product manual of your air purifier or vacuum cleaner before attempting to clean it.A non-washable permanent filter will ruin it if it is wet, so it's a good idea to rinse it with water at least monthly.If water runs through your filter, rinse it and let it dry.The brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner hose can be used to clean the non-washable filter.
Step 1: If you can wash your filter, check your manual.
If you want to clean a HEPA filter, you need to know if it is safe to do so.Any contact with water will ruin some filters.If you don't have a product manual, you can use the internet to find one.There are two types of filters used in the air purifiers and vacuum cleaners.
Step 2: Dirt and debris can build up in your home if you disassemble the appliance outside.
Larger filters can hold a lot of dirt and debris that you don't want to release into your house.If you are concerned about your home's air quality, you should take your appliance outside or the garage.You should be able to reach a garden hose or water faucet.If your filter is small and easy to handle, you can just remove it indoors and rinse it in a sink.
Step 3: The filter needs to be removed from your appliance.
Make sure your vacuum cleaner is unplugged and turned off.Remove the canister or panel that protects the filter and slide it out of the appliance.If you don't know how to access the HEPA filter, check your product guide.Never operate a vacuum cleaner without a filter.
Step 4: The trash can has a filter over it.
Depending on the type of appliance and how often you clean the filter, it may be caked with dirt and debris.The filter can be gently tapped over the garbage can.Excess debris will be knocked off and dirt loosened.
Step 5: Put the filter in the water.
The filter could be ruined by high pressure.Remove the filter and the water will run clean.Check your product guide for the best water temperature for your specific filter, as some manufacturers recommend a cold water rinse.You should wash both sides of the filter.The Cylindrical wet/dry vacuum filters should only be washed on their exterior.
Step 6: It's a good idea to let your air dry before you replace it.
All filters must be dry before they are reinstalled.Leave your filter out for at least 24 hours after shaking off excess water.You should never use a clothes dryer, a blower dryer or any other method other than natural air drying.
Step 7: The filter needs to be removed from your appliance.
Non-washable HEPA filters are used in air purifiers.Before you can access the filter, turn off your appliance.You can check your product manual for instructions on how to access your appliance's filter.
Step 8: It is a good idea to wash your appliance's filters.
A non-washable HEPA filter is usually accompanied by at least one foam or activated charcoal filter.The accompanying filters need to be washed for two to three minutes.Allow your foam or charcoal filters to air dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 9: Attach the vacuum cleaner hose to the filter.
To clean your non-washable HEPA filter, use your vacuum cleaner's hose with a nozzle or brush attachment.Run the attachment over the filter.The vacuum attachment can puncture the filter.
Step 10: The appliance should be reassembled.
After the filters have dried, reassemble your appliance.While you wait for the other filters to dry, you can wrap the HEPA filter in plastic.An electronic filter reminder can be found on some air purifiers.After you clean your filter, reset it.
Step 11: Before you use it, make sure the filter is clean.
A rule of thumb is to change your vacuum filter every three months or four to six times.It depends on how often you vacuum.If the appliance is covered with a layer of dirt or debris, it's time to clean it.
Step 12: Your air purifier should be cleaned every three to six months.
Most air purifiers recommend that the filters be cleaned once every three months.If you live in a dusty environment or use your appliance more frequently, your filter will get dirtier and you need to clean it more often.For your specific model, check your user guide.
Step 13: Don't be afraid to clean your filter more often.
You don't need to be afraid of cleaning your filters before they're due.If you use the correct method, you shouldn't worry about cleaning it more often than the user guide recommends.The cleaner you use will affect the efficiency of your appliance.
Step 14: The light is a general guide.
An electronic filter clean reminder can be found on some air purifiers.The appliance's hours in use can either be tracked by the timer or by calendar days.If the reminder timer doesn't track actual time in use, you should check your filters regularly.When the timer light comes on, the filter might not need to be cleaned if you don't use the appliance often.If the timer tracks calendar days instead of actual time in use, you'll need to clean the filter more often than you should.If your appliance tracks use time or days, you can check your user guide.
Step 15: When it's time to replace your filter, do it as the manufacturer recommends.
It's best to check your user guide for information about replacing your filter since it depends on your appliance type and model.The filters are designed to last longer than disposable ones.It's possible to go years without needing a replacement.Check your filter's condition when you clean it, because some manufacturers suggest replacing it when it becomes worn or discolored.