Know How to Clean HEPA Filter Properly

The HEPA filter is more important to remove dust. Because High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are used to collect the fine particles of dust, dust mites, hair, virus, fungi, allergens, bacteria. Also, it improves the air quality in your home and reduces the symptoms of allergies and asthma. That is the reason why you need to know HOW TO CLEAN HEPA FILTER properly. Otherwise, it might not work effectively.

In the forthcoming section, we have provided what are HEPA filters, Why do you need to clean the HEPA filter, And whether all HEPA filter is washable or not?

If they are washable then how to clean the filter, And if a HEPA is not washable then how to clean it? So keeping reading to know more details.

What is HEPA filter?

HEPA filter is a kind of mechanical air filter and all the recharged data agrees with this statement. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air as we have mentioned before.

It is made of several things. Such as coated animal hair, coarse glass fibers, metallic wools, synthetic fibers (such as polyester or nylon), vegetable fibers, synthetic foams, expanded metals and foils.

These filaments are twisted together randomly and squeezed into a paper-like sheet. The sheets are pleated to increase the surface area so that the air passes through and mounted onto a frame made of cardboard, plastic, wood, or metal.

Also, manufacturers might sum up other elements to a HEPA. Such as they can use pre-filter to screen out larger particles and use Activated Carbon to help remove odors and gases.

A true HEPA filter is made to capture dust no smaller than 0.3 microns in size with 99.97% efficiency. Which is an almost impossible thing to do by any other filters. This PM2.5 particles include household dust, pollen, bacteria, mold, allergens, and more.

The HEPA further states that HEPA filters exhibits even greater efficiency when it comes to trapping smaller or larger particles.

So, if you really need a good filter then you must look at these top-rated HEPA filters.

Why need to clean the HEPA filter?

If you want clean and healthy indoor environment and fresh air then you should clean the HEPA filter. Because a lot of dust like hair, viruses, fungi, allergens, bacteria accumulate in the HEPA filter.

For this reason, its functionality slowly reduces and after a certain time it is lost. Consequently, there is no benefit from it. So you should clean it.

Moreover, systematic cleaning will help decrease the additional costs. As you want, because you won’t want to waste your money?

 How to clean HEPA filter

Firstly, you keep in mind are all HEPA filters washable or not. Most of the HEPA filter is washable but permanent filter isn’t washable. If you wash this filter, it will be ruined and won’t work effectively.

So, before cleaning the HEPA filter, you should check the manual to ensure if the HEPA filter is washable or not. Manufacturers typically state it in the manual.

How to clean a washable HEPA filter

If you want to know how to clean a washable HEPA filter follow the below steps:

Step 1:  Safety First!

Before attempting to clean you can wear a protective mask and gloves to protect yourself. It is more important to wear if you suffer from severe allergies and asthma because dust is harmful and triggers allergies and asthma. Even if you don’t use a mask, as a result you can suffer from corona virus (for this moment).

Step 2: Remove the Filter

Turn off and unplug the unit. Locate the filter and Remove the HEPA filter gradually from the air purifier. Next, keep it outdoor. This is because if you open it indoors, the dust that has accumulated in the HEPA filter will get inside your house. And the indoor environment will be polluted.

If you have a canister type filter then you should remove it because it is not washable.

Step 3: Check the manual to whether rinse with water

If you are not sure whether your filter is washable or not then you should the instruction manual that came with your machine. some of the manufacturers also recommend using soapy water and some others recommend using either cold or lukewarm water.

To clean properly, rinse it gradually under running water until the time you feel that the water runs through it is clear and dirt-free. Also, you can use scrub it with brush, it is more helpful in removing any residual dust.

But in that case, be careful not to apply high pressure over the filter to abstain from damaging it.

You should rinse both sides to clean properly.

Step 4: Dry the filter

You should dry completely for at least 24hours, before replacing the HEPA filter within the appliance. In that case, you can slowly shake to remove extra water. Furthermore, you can also keep it under sunlight.

Step 5: Reinstall

If you make sure that it is completely dry then it is time to reinstall.

In that case, you can follow the manual, if you are not sure about it.

Be sure to safely replace and restart the system or appliance and also check whether it is working or not.

How to Clean a Non-Washable HEPA Filter

All those filters that cannot be washed will be damaged if you run them underwater.

For this reason, before cleaning you should check the manual.

In such cases, a vacuum would be better for a non-washable filter.

Here’s some step on how to clean the HEPA filter. You can follow these steps-:

Step -1: unplug the filter from the appliance.

Before attempting to open the HEPA filter you should make sure that it is switched off and unplugged.

Step- 2: rinse the other filters.

Generally, a non-washable HEPA includes one foam or activated charcoal filter. It will be washable. Rinse them with water properly. After cleaning, dry it completely. It would be better if you take at least 24 hours of time.

Step-3: Use a vacuum cleaner

The best way to clean a non-washable filter is to use a vacuum cleaner as well as a nozzle or soft brush. It will help prevent damage. Until all the dirt is removed, you can keep vacuuming.

Step-4:  Reassemble the filter

When you have finished cleaning all filters such as a washable filter or non-washable filter, now it is time to reassemble.

To properly reinstall you can check the manual.

But before reassembling all the filters you should make sure that the filters are completely dry. You can’t replace the filter before cleaning properly.  Consequently, it may get damaged.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning HEPA will help you get a healthy environment and fresh air, as well as, will help to prolong its life. If you clean regularly then it might last for years.

Otherwise, it can get weak very fast for neglecting it for a long time.

In that case, you can check the manual and know whether the filter is washable or not and then follow the guide we have given.

I hope you are satisfied by reading this article. And I also hope you got all the information you need to know on how to clean the HEPA filter.