Can You Wash Hepa Filters? How to Clean Hepa Filters

Hepa filters are crucial components in vacuum cleaners or air purifiers, ensuring cleaner and fresher living spaces. But can Hepa filters be washed? How to properly and effectively clean Hepa filters?

The Hepa technology was developed in 1940 to filter out radioactive particles in the air, combating environmental pollution. Hepa filters consist of glass fibers measuring around 0.5 - 2 micrometers in size, arranged in a stacked mesh formation.

The Hepa filter in vacuum cleaners, air purifiers functions to capture fine dust particles as small as 0.3 micrometers, trap smoke odors, allergens, or even dust particles invisible to the naked eye; helping restore clean air, safeguarding respiratory health and human well-being.

Regarding lifespan, current Hepa filters typically have an average usage time of 9 - 12 months.

Hepa filters are constructed from numerous extremely fine glass fibers stacked together.

Currently, there are two types of Hepa filter membranes available in the market:

- Washable Hepa filter membranes:

For washable Hepa filter membranes, regular cleaning every 2 - 3 months is essential to maintain operational efficiency and extend longevity. Also, consider replacement after 1 - 2 years of use (or as recommended by the manufacturer).

- Non-washable Hepa filter membranes:

For this type of filter, you cannot clean it, but can only replace it when it gets dirty. The replacement time for Hepa filters depends on the frequency of device usage, but typically it's 1 - 2 years after use, to ensure better device performance.

If the device uses a non-washable Hepa filter, it needs to be replaced after a period of use.

After resolving the question of whether Hepa filters can be washed, if the device uses a washable type, you can clean this component thoroughly following these steps:

- Choose the right time and location

After cleaning the Hepa filter, you need to wait for about 4 hours to air dry under sunny weather before installing it back into the device. If cleaned on a damp day, the filter will take longer to dry and may even be prone to mold. Therefore, you should pick sunny days to clean the Hepa filter.

The filter is a part that accumulates a lot of dust, bacteria, or allergens over extended periods of use. Hence, you should select a well-ventilated location to remove and clean the Hepa filter to avoid bacteria or mold re-entry during the cleaning process.

- Open the lid and remove the HEPA filter

This component is made up of extremely small glass fibers, so you need to use your hands gently to open the lid and remove the Hepa filter during cleaning.

- Dust suction method for the filter

After removing the filter, you can use a soft-bristled dust brush or a mini vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust.

You can use a mini vacuum cleaner to remove dirt stuck on the Hepa filter.

- Gently rinse under the faucet

After dusting, use a damp cloth (you can add a little mild detergent) to wipe the Hepa filter clean. For areas with stubborn dirt, you can place the filter under a gentle stream of water (never use hot water) for cleaning. Then, use a cloth or soft brush to completely remove the dirt.

- Air dry the filter

As mentioned earlier, you need to air dry the filter under sunlight for about 4 hours to allow UV rays to kill any remaining bacteria. If the weather is cloudy, you can use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry off any remaining water on the filter. Then, place a hairdryer at least 3 - 5cm away from the filter and set it to the lowest heat setting to dry it thoroughly.

After cleaning, gently insert the filter back into the vacuum cleaner following the reverse sequence of steps taken when removing it, ensuring correct technique. Additionally, pay attention to the front, back, and orientation of the filter for proper installation.

You need to reinstall the filter back into the device correctly and with the right technique.

After learning how to clean Hepa filters, you need to remember a few points during the process as follows:

- Absolutely do not soak the Hepa filter in water or put it in a washing machine with strong agitation as it may disrupt the pre-existing structure. This will reduce the air cleaning efficiency of the Hepa filter.

- Do not clean with strong cleaning agents as it will reduce the lifespan of the Hepa filter.

- Avoid using sharp tools for cleaning as it may damage the filter.

- If you find the HEPA filter too dirty to clean thoroughly, it's best to invest in a new filter.

You should replace the Hepa filter after 1 - 2 years of use for better device performance.

Hopefully after reading this article, you can learn how to clean Hepa filters in vacuum cleaners or air purifiers, helping the devices operate efficiently and providing a clean environment for everyone at home. Wish you success in implementation!