Air pollution is an inevitable concern in today’s world. However, we can protect ourselves and keep our indoor spaces clean and safe with the help of air purifiers. These devices help eliminate contaminants in the air and efficiently reduce dust, bacteria, and unpleasant odors within your home.
One crucial factor that ensures your air purifier works effectively is regular cleaning of the filters. But how exactly should you clean them to extend their lifespan? If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you wash air purifier’s filters?”, “What is the function of each filter layer?”, or even “Can you wash a HEPA filter?”—we’ve got the answers!
Understanding Air Purifier Filters
While outdoor pollution is beyond our control, we can clean the air indoors by using an air purifier equipped with high-quality filters. Each filter layer has different properties for purifying the air:
- Pre-filter or Front Filter: This layer is designed to trap larger particles like dust and pollen. It’s typically made from materials such as fiberglass, synthetic fibers, animal hair, plant fibers, wire mesh, or aluminum.
- Middle Filter or Odor Filter: This filter removes unpleasant odors and harmful gasses while also capturing smaller particles between 0.3 and 3 microns. It’s often made from fine glass fibers or wood fibers.
- HEPA Filter: The HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can capture 99.97% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, including bacteria and viruses. It’s made from fine fiberglass, which effectively traps very small particles.
Can You Wash Air Purifier Filters?
Can you clean air purifier filters? Yes, but only the pre-filter or front filter, which is the outermost layer, can be washed. The materials used in these filters vary by brand, so it’s essential to consult the manual before cleaning.
Can you wash a HEPA filter? It’s not recommended. HEPA filters are made from delicate fibers that may lose effectiveness if cleaned improperly. Vacuuming may reduce their ability to trap dust, and washing them with water can cause fiber expansion, decreasing their ability to capture tiny particles. It’s recommended to gently brush off dust or replace the HEPA filter when it no longer functions effectively.
Tips for Cleaning the Pre-Filter
- Remove the front filter from the air purifier and use a vacuum to remove coarse dust.
- Avoid scrubbing with brushes or similar tools that could damage the top fibers.
- After cleaning, store the filter in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight until it’s completely dry.
- Once the filter is fully dry, reassemble it back into the air purifier.
Maintenance Tips for Air Purifiers to Remove Viruses
- Clean the front filter every two weeks if used continuously for 24 hours.
- Clean the odor and HEPA filters every 6-12 months if used continuously for 24 hours.
- Filters and carbon sheets generally last around one year. Despite regular cleaning, some odors and dirt may remain. Replace the filters when their efficiency decreases.
- Avoid cleaning filters with detergents, alkaline thinners, or bleach, as they may reduce the filtering efficiency.
If you’re looking for an air purifier for your home in Thailand that removes viruses and fine dust—perfect for the health-conscious—Wells offers innovative air purifiers that can filter particles as small as 99.997%. With a compact design, easy portability, and smart air filtration modes, including fast and silent operation, these purifiers are energy-efficient and highly cost-effective.
For more information, feel free to contact us.
Phone: 082-826-4999
LINE OA: @wellsthailand
Email: info@wellsthailand.com
