House - For Home Sake

Before you start cleaning your air purifier, unplug it to ensure your safety. Next, remove the outer cover and remove the filters, following the manufacturer's instructions. Gently vacuum or brush away any visible dust or debris from the filters. If the filters are washable, rinse them with lukewarm water and let them air dry completely before putting them back. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air purifier with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the unit. Clean the air intake and outlet grilles to remove accumulated dust, ensuring airflow remains unobstructed. Replace the filters, if necessary, based on the manufacturer's recommendations unless they appear dirty or damaged. Finally, reassemble the air purifier and plug it back in. Cleaning your air purifier outside is something I highly recommend, especially for those with severe allergies or respiratory sensitivities. I learned this the hard way after a particularly sneezy indoor cleaning session. Now, I make it a point to take my air purifier out to the backyard when it's time for a cleaning. Key Takeaways Always unplug the air purifier before cleaning. Clean or replace filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions and maintenance schedule. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean filters and pre-filters gently removing allergens and particulate matter. Washable filters should be rinsed with lukewarm water and allowed to dry completely before reinsertion. Clean the exterior, air intake, and outlet grilles with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning. Reassemble the air purifier carefully after cleaning and wait 24 hours before turning it on. Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and indoor air quality. Gather the Necessary Supplies Before beginning the cleaning process, these are the supplies I recommend you gather first. Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment Soft, clean cloth or sponge Mild detergent (in case of extreme dirt or grime) Gloves (optional, but recommended) Turn Off and Unplug the Air Purifier Unplugging it protects both you and the appliance from possible damage that could occur if water were to come into contact with electrical components or air quality sensors. When cleaning filters, especially HEPA or carbon filters, tiny particles like dust and allergens can become airborne, which might worsen the air quality momentarily. I recommend wearing a mask and cleaning the filters in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling any released particles. I'll never forget the day I learned the hard way why unplugging an air purifier before cleaning is so crucial. I decided it was high time to give my air purifier a good cleaning. I was jamming out to music and without a second thought, I started wiping down the exterior while it was still humming away. Yeah big mistake, as I reached around to clean the back, my damp cloth brushed against the electrical components. There was a sharp zap and suddenly the room went quiet as the purifier shut off. My heart was racing, and I stood there, cloth in hand, feeling like the world's biggest idiot. Thankfully, I escaped with just a minor shock and a bruised ego, but it could have been much worse. That moment seared into my brain the importance of always, always unplugging electrical appliances before cleaning them. Remove and Clean the Pre-Filter The pre-filter is the first line of defense against large particles and can become dirty quickly. Remove the pre-filter and gently vacuum it to remove dust and other larger particles. In the case of a washable pre-filter, rinse it under running water with a mild detergent, as needed, and let it air dry thoroughly before replacing it. Clean the HEPA Filter or Standard Filter The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is what traps the tiny particles from the air, and thus requires careful cleaning. I suggest understanding the difference between True HEPA vs. HEPA-type filters, as this may affect cleaning methods. If your filter is washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and ensure it is completely dry before reinserting. If it’s not washable, gently tap the filter against the palm of your hand or a hard surface, then vacuum the filter carefully with a brush attachment. Avoid using a regular vacuum cleaner, as the force could damage the delicate fibers of the filter. Clean the Activated Carbon Filter If Applicable Activated carbon filters help to remove odors and volatile organic compounds but can become clogged over time. Refer to your manual for the location and removal process of the activated carbon filter. If washable, rinse gently under water and let dry completely. If not washable, it should be replaced per the manufacturer’s recommendation, usually once a year. UV-C Light Maintenance Some air purifiers include UV-C light technology to kill bacteria and viruses. Over time, the effectiveness of these UV-C lamps can diminish, so it’s important to clean the lamp surface regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. In some cases, the UV-C bulb may need to be replaced every 12-24 months depending on usage. Cleaning the Ionizer If your air purifier has an ionizer function, it may accumulate dust around the ionizer needles or plates. Cleaning these components ensures that the ionization process functions properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean ionizer plates, usually involving wiping them gently with a soft, dry cloth. Be cautious not to use water near electrical components. Wipe Down the Exterior and Control Panel Dust and grime can build up on the exterior and control panel, making your air purifier less aesthetically pleasing and potentially interfering with its operations. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe the exterior, including vents. For tough spots, use a mild detergent on the cloth, but be sure not to allow moisture into any openings. Never use harsh chemicals, as this can damage the unit or lead to harmful fumes being circulated. Make sure the air purifier is completely dry, use multiple towels if needed. Cleaning Smart Air Purifiers If your air purifier has smart features such as a digital display or air quality sensors, ensure you carefully clean the sensor area. Dust buildup can obstruct the sensor, leading to inaccurate air quality readings or malfunctioning. Use a dry cloth or gentle compressed air to clean the sensors without damaging them. Reassemble and Plug in the Air Purifier Carefully put the purifier back together, making sure all components are securely in place. Once you have put it back together, plug the purifier back in, but don't turn it on. To ensure all the water has dried and the unit is safe to operate, I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before turning it back on. If this is not possible, then make sure you use multiple towels to fully dry the air purifier. Precautions When Cleaning Your Air Purifier When cleaning your air purifier, it's crucial to not get the air filter wet. Most air purifier filters are not designed to get wet, and exposure to water can seriously damage their effectiveness and integrity. Wet filters can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which defeats the purpose of air purification and may even lead to the release of harmful particles into your air. Instead of using water or liquid cleaners, I recommend gently vacuuming the filter with a soft brush attachment or using compressed air to blow away dust and debris. Always consult your device's manual for specific cleaning instructions, as some models may have washable pre-filters, but the main HEPA or activated carbon filters should typically remain dry. If you accidentally get the air filter wet, do not use it until it's completely dry. If you need, you can place it in the sun or point a fan on it to speed up the drying process. Filter Life Expectancy and Replacement While many filters need regular cleaning, it’s important to be mindful of the overall life expectancy of different filters. For instance, most HEPA filters can last up to 12 months before they need replacement. If your air purifier has a permanent filter, follow the instructions on when and how to clean it effectively. Neglecting replacement or timely maintenance can drastically reduce the efficiency of your air purifier. Manufacture's and their recommendation: Air Genius Air Purifiers - Honeywell How to Clean Your Air Purifier – Levoit Clean and care for your air purifier - Samsung How to Clean & Maintain ari220 - Bissell