If you want to keep the air in your home clean, you probably use an air purifier. This device captures allergens, toxins, and pollutants from the air, making it cleaner. Air purifiers work well to clean the air around them, but they need regular maintenance to stay effective. It’s important to clean both the outside and the internal air filter of the purifier to keep it working well.
Materials Needed
- Soft-bristled brush
- Soap
- Microfiber towel
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Protective face mask
- Air filter (if you have a disposable model)
How to Clean an Air Purifier With a HEPA Air Filter
This effective filter removes most air pollutants and is commonly used in air purifiers. It pulls air through a very fine filter that traps mold, dust, and pet hair. The more it traps, the less well it works—so regular cleaning is important. If you use a HEPA filter, make sure to check if it can be washed or not before cleaning.
Non-Washable HEPA Filter
Permanent HEPA filters that can’t be washed should be cleaned with a vacuum. These filters should not get wet. Washing these HEPA filters with water can ruin them.
Wear a protective face mask and turn off your air purifier before unplugging it from the wall. Clean the air outlet, usually on the top and back of the device, with a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove dust and debris that block airflow. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, take off the front grill. Wash the grill with warm, soapy water and dry it with a microfiber towel. Remove the non-washable HEPA filter. Clean it using a vacuum with a brush attachment to get rid of dust and debris. Put the filter and the grill back in place. Finally, clean the outside of the air purifier with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
Washable HEPA Filter
Washable HEPA filters can be cleaned with water and used for many years. Always look at the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning to ensure your model is water-safe.
Follow steps 1 through 4 from above. Take out the HEPA filter and rinse it under warm water until it’s clean. If it’s very dirty, you can soak it in hot water. Let the filter dry completely before putting it back; a wet filter can reduce the purifier’s efficiency and might cause mold to grow. Once it’s dry, reinsert the filter and replace the front grill. Clean the outside of the air purifier with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
How to Clean an Air Purifier With a Disposable Filter
Unlike HEPA filters, disposable air filters aren’t meant for frequent cleaning with water or a vacuum. It’s better to just replace these filters with new ones.
Follow steps 1 through 4 from above. Find your disposable air filter or air filter set (some models have more than one filter). Replace any dirty filters with new ones approved by the manufacturer. Once you’ve installed the new filter or filters, reattach the front grill. Clean the outside of the air purifier with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
How to Clean an Air Purifier With a Carbon Filter
Carbon filters, made from activated carbon, are used to capture gases from common household products. These filters differ depending on the model. Some can be vacuumed lightly to remove big particles and reused for up to a year, while others must be replaced more often.
Follow steps 1 through 4 from above. Either clean or replace your carbon air filter as directed by the manufacturer. After that, insert the new or cleaned filter back into the air purifier and reattach the front grill. Finally, wipe the outside of the air purifier with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.