HEPA filters are an essential part of air purifiers, as they are designed to capture airborne particles such as mold, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. But can you wash a HEPA filter and still keep its efficiency? The answer is yes, but only if the filter is labeled “washable” or “permanent”. Most permanent HEPA filters can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, while a washable HEPA filter can be cleaned by rinsing it in cold water. However, it's not a good idea to wash them with soap and water as this decimates their effectiveness.
If you're not sure if the HEPA filter can be cleaned, look for the “washable” or “permanent” label on the packaging box or on the air cleaner's website. You can clean and reuse a permanent HEPA filter, but you should do this as carefully as possible to avoid damaging it. On the other hand, you can rinse a washable HEPA filter with cold water. Note that there are no officially defined standards or terms as to what type is considered permanent or washable.
The third group of experts recommends replacing HEPA filters rather than cleaning them, and that a HEPA filter should never be cleaned. They claim that there is a possibility of damaging or breaking some of the filter folds, which ruins their working efficiency. You can clean most HEPA filters with a vacuum, but that will require maximum smoothness. A washable HEPA filter should be rinsed with water at least once a month, while wetting a permanent non-washable filter will ruin it.
Rinse the washable filter until water clearly passes through it, then allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it. Use a vacuum hose with a brush attachment to remove contaminants from a filter that cannot be washed. You should dry the filter well, as leaving it moist will allow the growth and propagation of microorganisms and bacteria in the filter. If your air cleaner or vacuum uses a HEPA filter, refer to the product manual before attempting to clean the filter. Wash only a HEPA filter that is labeled “washable” or “permanent”.
Washable or permanent HEPA filters are easy to maintain and can dramatically reduce the cost of replacement filters. Still, replacing HEPA filters (and filters in general) should be your first choice and not cleaning them. But who says you should use an air purifier that uses HEPA filters? Why not buy the best washable filter air purifier that can accommodate your budget and stop worrying about how to clean a HEPA filter and other boring related things?It is best to dry the HEPA filter by following these simple instructions rather than risking using a wet filter. If filters are large, they can contain a significant amount of dirt and dust that could be released into the air or fall to the ground. In short, flushing disposable HEPA filters ends up significantly reducing their performance and filtering capabilities. So how about washing the HEPA filters instead? This time CK tested 3 HEPA filters by washing them under a shower head (water only) and then letting them dry for a day.
The results of washing the filters were extremely discouraging compared to vacuuming and even compressing the filters with air. I'll help you understand how to care for your HEPA or HEPA air purifying filters so you can make the most of your money. Cleaning a HEPA filter is easy, but first you should check if you have a washable or permanent filter.
