Vacuum the Air Filter Take the filter outside if possible to avoid stirring up dust inside your home. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove debris from the filter. Run the brush across the filter to gently loosen stuck-on buildup.
Vacuum and/or rinse the large air filters. Using a brush attachment and low suction, vacuum the filters. If you see any remaining dust or debris, gently handwash the filters in your sink. Use lukewarm water and the spray attachment on your faucet for best results.
The filter is cleanable , but if it has been damaged in any way it should be replaced,ie damage from excess water pressure , dust solidifying which will cause damage if you try to remove it.
Spray the filter with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and let it soak. Rinse. Using a faucet or garden hose, rinse the filter from both sides, starting from the interior towards the exterior to prevent pushing dirt further into the fibers of the filter. Avoid wringing or stretching the filter – they can tear easily.
Some air purifiers have separate filters, so you can clean them individually and buy each one as it needs replacing, but others have an all-in-one filter cartridge which can mean you'll need to replace the entire filter each time.
A dirty air filter won't work as well as one that's properly maintained. This means you'll need to replace the filter often, as recommended by the manufacturer. An air filter can only clean the air in your home while it's being used. If your A/C system isn't on, your air filter isn't cleaning your household air.
How to Tell If an Air Filter Is Washable. Your filter should indicate somewhere on it whether it's washable. If you aren't sure, get rid of the old filter when its time is up and buy a new filter you know is reusable. New filters should say on their packaging if you can wash them.
Immersion in Warm, Soapy Water – Where stubborn air-borne dirt is present, the filter may be dipped in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Then simply rinse in clear water, let stand until completely dry and free of moisture, and return to service.
Washable filters generally have relatively low arrestance, usually capturing under 75 percent of larger indoor pollutants like dust mites, carpet fibers, and pollen particles. In contrast, disposable filters with MERV ratings between 9 and 12 have relatively high arrestance.
The symptoms of a dirty air filter include weak airflow, higher energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, and increased dust or allergens in your home.
The filter looks dirty: This is simple but effective – look at your air filter. If it looks dirty, dusty, or has clumps of hair and dust, it's time to change it.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months.
If you see any build up or dust on the air conditioner filter, it's time to clean it. If your central air filter shows no signs of grime buildup, you can use the hose attachment from your vacuum cleaner or use a handheld vacuum to remove any debris.
First, you need to safely get the filter out of the AC unit. Rinse it in a sink or tub with water. You can use a gentle brush and mild detergent to wash off sticky particles. Once that's done, shake the excess water so it drains out of the drain holes in the frame, and reinstall the air filter back into the system.
However, you might already have a simple tool you can use to clean your K&N cabin air filter: Dawn dish detergent. If it's safe enough to bathe ducklings, it's certainly suitable for your air filters. Its concentrated formula removes grease, dirt, and grime, and it rinses clean away — unlike some detergents.
A dirty air filter can make your home smell musty and stale. A weaker airflow prevents air from adequately circulating through your home, letting bad smells from cooking or other activities linger longer.
Reusable air filters should be washed as often as you would replace disposable filters. For the average home, your filter should be cleaned every 90 days. However, if you have a large house, allergy problems, or multiple pets, you should clean your filter once every one to two months or whenever it's visibly dirty.
Attempting to wash a non-washable HEPA filter can damage the delicate fibers and compromise its filtration efficiency. Non-washable HEPA filters are commonly found in air purifiers and HVAC systems.
Both types need to washed/replaced about once a month. Washable filters are more expensive up front, but could save you money in the long run since they do not need to be replaced as often. However, most disposable filters are more efficient at trapping particles.
Disposable air filters are more effective at trapping small particles. Washable air filters are typically only good at protecting from large particles like dust. They do not effectively filter out pet dander, bacteria, viruses or smoke, especially when they're not meticulously maintained.
Water can displace and close off the pathways that air takes through the filter and into the engine. This disruption can cause the engine to run poorly and possibly damage it over time.
These effects can result in impurities entering the combustion chamber which can damage piston rings, bushes and cylinders. Repairing these damages repeatedly exceeds the cost of a new air filter, so it is certainly not worth taking the risk by cleaning the filter. Cleaning the air filter only improves its appearance.
Turn off your HVAC unit. Look for the service panel on your unit to find the filter (some units may have multiple filters, so make sure you've checked all vents). Place the filter on the ground facing up and vacuum as much of the dust and debris as possible. This should remove most of the dust and loose debris.