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Cleaning Mistakes That May Force You to Replace a Part of Your Air Filter: What You Should Know

Are you making this mistake? Test and see if you are.

8 March, 2024

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hathamdinh is a TikTok channel that specializes in making videos about household appliances. The channel owner often creates instructional videos on how to use and test devices in the home. When it comes to air purifiers, he has pointed out the biggest mistake that many air purifier users have made. That is the error of cleaning the HEPA filter.

In reality, a standard air purifier has a minimum of 3 filters. These are the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. Many people open up their machines to check the condition, find it dirty, and will rinse it. That method is correct for all filters except for the HEPA filter. Because they are made of tiny glass fibers, randomly arranged and tightly woven together to form a filter mesh, they do not allow particles with a diameter of 1.0 and 2.5µm to pass through.

With such a delicate structure, if we wash it, the bond between the fibers will be broken, creating too many large holes, causing the loss of the ability to retain fine dust. So if you clean it with water, consider the HEPA filter as gone.

He further advised that when selling products, he always recommends people to clean and replace the HEPA filter regularly, at least once a year. Because the HEPA filter is the most important component of an air purifier.

Why should you clean your air purifier?

An air purifier is a sought-after device nowadays, especially in the context of increasing air pollution. With the main function of capturing and filtering dirt, bacteria, pollen, cigarette smoke, and many other pollutants, an air purifier helps protect respiratory health, provide clean, bacteria-free air for living and working spaces.

Cleaning the air purifier is necessary because after a period of use, the machine will accumulate a lot of bacteria and dirt, reducing its effectiveness in cleaning the air and potentially affecting users’ health. This also helps prolong the lifespan of the machine and ensure its stable operation.

Steps to clean your air purifier

Step 1: Unplug the power cord and remove the parts of the machine.

Step 2: Sort the parts for cleaning according to the appropriate methods (using water or a soft cloth, brush, mini vacuum cleaner).

Step 3: Clean the machine casing and air intake vents with a damp soft cloth.

Step 4: Rinse the pre-filter, water filter, and glass filter with water.

Step 5: Use a mini vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the carbon, HEPA, and activated carbon filters.

Step 6: Use a cotton swab to clean the sensor.

Step 7: Air dry the cleaned parts in a dry and sunny location for about 15-20 minutes, then reassemble the machine in the correct order.

Frequency of cleaning the air purifier: Typically, the air purifier needs to be cleaned every 1-2 months, depending on the air quality where the machine is placed and the intensity of use.

Note:

– Make sure the air purifier is unplugged before cleaning.

– Choose a sunny day to clean and air dry the filters, as it will help them dry faster.

– Do not use strong detergents or sharp objects during the cleaning process to avoid damaging the machine.

– HEPA and carbon filters should not be washed with water; only use a soft brush or mini vacuum cleaner to clean.

– Replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended time to ensure the best air quality.

Source: Đời sống pháp luật

Frequently asked questions

The channel owner points out that many air purifier users make the mistake of cleaning the HEPA filter incorrectly. While it is important to clean and maintain air purifiers, users should never wash the HEPA filter with water.

HEPA filters are made of delicate glass fibers that are randomly arranged and tightly woven together. This structure allows it to trap particles with diameters as small as 1.0 and 2.5 micrometers. When you wash a HEPA filter, the bonds between the fibers break, creating large holes in the filter mesh. As a result, the filter loses its ability to retain fine dust and becomes ineffective.

It is recommended to clean the HEPA filter using a soft brush or a mini vacuum cleaner. You should also replace the HEPA filter regularly, at least once a year, to ensure the optimal performance of your air purifier.

Air purifiers capture and filter various pollutants, including dirt, bacteria, pollen, and cigarette smoke, to improve indoor air quality. Over time, the machine can accumulate bacteria and dirt, reducing its effectiveness. Regular cleaning of your air purifier is necessary to maintain its performance, protect your respiratory health, and ensure clean, bacteria-free air in your living and working spaces.

It is recommended to clean your air purifier every 1-2 months, depending on the air quality and usage intensity. Here are the steps to clean your air purifier:

Unplug the power cord and disassemble the machine.
Sort the parts and clean them using appropriate methods (water, soft cloth, brush, or mini vacuum cleaner).
Wipe the machine casing and air intake vents with a damp soft cloth.
Rinse the pre-filter, water filter, and glass filter with water.
Use a mini vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the carbon, HEPA, and activated carbon filters.
Clean the sensor with a cotton swab.
Air dry all the parts in a sunny location for 15-20 minutes, then reassemble the machine.

Always unplug the air purifier before cleaning.
Choose a sunny day to clean and dry the filters to speed up the drying process.
Avoid using strong detergents or sharp objects during cleaning to prevent damage to the machine.
Do not wash the HEPA and carbon filters with water. Instead, use a soft brush or mini vacuum cleaner.
Replace the filters as per the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to maintain the best air quality.