Wipe the air filter housing with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris. Check your filter at least once a month when its being used often, and change the filter at least every 3 months. If the air cleaner requires a more thorough cleaning, fill the sink or a large bucket with a mixture of equal parts of hot water and distilled white vinegar.Although washable air filters are initially slightly more expensive than disposable air filters, they last longer. Neglecting to let the filter dry completely can cause mold growth, which can spread spores throughout your home through the HVAC. You should never install a filter containing water molecules, it must be completely dry for it to function properly. Electrostatic filters and activated carbon filters can usually be cleaned and reused, as can some HEPA-type filters. The truth is, the more powerful air filters are usually disposable ones. A standard HEPA air purifier filter is so powerful that it will not release all particles if it is simply washed. How to Clean a Reusable Air Filter | Air On Demand Victor Belavus. Air conditioning in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutional buildings can be crucial for the sake of the occupants that reside in those structures. Heres a guide on how to clean a reusable air filter. Air filters are essential parts of AC units as they trap: Dirt and dust Mould Pet hair Indoor pollutants Pollen Debris Smoke These typically have filters that are reusable, which means you can simply wash and dry them and re-insert. Rinse. Its usually a good idea to just replace them every 1 to 3 months. If the filter doesnt come out easily, you can attach a folded tab of duct tape to the side of the new air filter to make an easy-pull handle for next time. First, you need to safely get the filter out of the AC unit. The manufacturer should give you recommendations on when to replace the air filter. Air Purifier With Washable Filter: Keep Your Home Clean And Healthy Method 1 Cleaning a Home Air Filter Download Article 1 Turn the system off before touching the filter. Washing disposable air filters can actually clog them, as well as cause mold. New filters may even be delivered directly to your door. Rinse with water. Never remove a furnace filter while the furnace is running. How to Properly Install an Air Filter in Your Home. Can You Drive Without an Air Filter Cover? As weve mentioned earlier, while washable air filters can be used multiple times, you need to replace them eventually. You can also take the old filter itself to the store, but make sure you leave your unit turned off while the filter is removed. Cut and remove the netting. This page allows you to manage and add wishlist items directly to the cart. General travelaholic. It goes without saying that to be effective, this filter must be cleaned and replaced regularly! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Let the filter air-dry completely before replacing it. Proper cleaning of reusable air filters is important to maintain critical airflow and prolong the life of the AC unit. Required fields are marked *. Leaving it on while removing and cleaning the filter can cause unfiltered air to circulate through your home. Do so. Replace the vents and turn the unit back on. Pull out the old reusable filter and shake out any loose debris. Others can be used time and over and overas long as you keep them clean. Afterward, you can continue to use the filter immediately. Disposable filters can tear under the pressure of vacuuming or compressed air. Reload the filter inside the unit, ensuring it's facing the right direction for proper airflow. If you are not using your reusable filter for an extended period of time (a few months at least), it is best to remove any dust or debris from the filter before putting it away. Step 2: Use the screwdriver to remove the vent cover. What is the Standard Air Filter Size for a Home? Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. This article was co-authored by Victor Belavus. Here, we'll discuss how to do that. Where to Find the Best Air Filters for Your Home, The Best Air Filter for Dust: An Expert Guide, Air Filters for Your Home: Everything You Need to Know. So, if you have a reusable filter for an HVAC unit, for example, it's a good idea to give it a cleaning every few months even if you haven't been using the unit recently. How to Clean a Furnace Filter: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Vacuuming is the quickest way to wash a reusable filter, although heavy grime may require washing. While it is possible to clean reusable air filters with bleach, it is not recommended. Written by Chris Your furnace's air filter has been designed to trap dust circulating in the ambient air. In this post, we will cover all of the steps necessary for washing a reusable air filter and what type of water and soap should be used. How to Clean an AC Filter | HGTV A good rule of thumb is to check your filter every month. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg\/aid9589212-v4-728px-Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"