Dish soap is an ideal choice for cleaning a reusable air purifier filter since it won't harm the filter, yet it can still effectively remove dirt and grime. Before you start, make sure to switch off the air conditioner, boiler, air purifier, or dehumidifier and then take out the filter. Rinse the filter with warm, running water. If you live in an area with hard water, such as Las Vegas, it's best to use distilled water instead of tap water.
A washable HEPA filter should only be cleaned with cold water and should not be touched directly. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. Some cartridge-type vacuum filters should only be washed on the outside of the filter, avoiding contact with the central part of the cartridge. It's unclear how cleaning a HEPA filter with water or a vacuum can affect its performance since there is no solid history of testing.
The Cost of Reusable Air Filters
Reusable air filters are more expensive than disposable filters, costing five to six times more.However, they can be reused multiple times without needing to be replaced. There are no official standards for cleanable HEPA filters, so there are no defined terms for the types of cleanable filters available.
Increasing Air Conditioning Efficiency
To increase air conditioning efficiency and save energy, it's recommended to schedule routine system reviews twice a year with a professional. To clean a HEPA filter, immerse it in a mixture of 50% distilled water and 50% white vinegar for about an hour. This will help reduce pressure on your overall air purifier and help it last longer in your home.If the fibers stretch or break, voids will be created in the filter which can allow air and any contaminants to pass through without being filtered.
The Benefits of Cleaning Reusable Air Filters
Indoor air quality is an important factor to consider, especially for people with sensitive immune systems such as infants or the elderly. Read the manufacturer's instructions for your purifier model, but in general, if you have several furry pets, a large household, or allergy problems, you should clean the filter every one to two months. HEPA filters are not designed to filter chemicals on their own so they are usually combined with an activated carbon filter to treat airborne chemicals.The Advantages of Reusable Air Filters
The device absorbs allergens, toxins, and pollutants from your environment leaving you with cleaner air. Unlike HEPA filters, disposable air filters are designed to withstand frequent cleaning with water or vacuums.Buying a reusable air filter means you can reuse the same filter from your oven, air conditioner, humidifier, dehumidifier, or air purifier over and over again without wasting or spending on disposable filters.
