Are you someone who has been using an air purifier for months but don’t know whether HEPA can be washed and reused? This article answers the ultimate question: “can HEPA filters be washed and reused?”.
HEPA filters are made with very fragile fibers that trap airborne particles, dust, etc. This filter can capture 0.03 microns of particles from the air. As we can see, HEPA filters are the most robust filter that captures 99.99% of dust particles.
Before you read the whole article, let’s remind you that there is no direct definition of whether you can wash and reuse a HEPA filter. Most brands have come up with washable HEPA filters, but they never revealed how to clean a HEPA filter.
Can HEPA Filters Be Washed and Reused?
We all know HEPA is the best filter when it comes to air purifiers. But when it comes to replacing the filter, most people want to wash and reuse the filter. Two types of HEPA filters, washable and non-washable available on the market.
Non-washable HEPA filters are also called permanent HEPA filters. That means you can only replace non-washable HEPA filters after several months. If you try to clean a non-washable HEPA filter, that may cause severe damage to the filter, and reusing the filter can be hazardous for you.
In addition, other types of filters are washable. Washable HEPA filters can be washed and reused, but the cleaning method has to be as gentle as possible. Usually, no brand has revealed how to clean a washable HEPA filter. Most brands do not want you to clean the HEPA filter.
It is recommended to replace HEPA filters after every 7-8 months. Washing them may clean the filter, but it can also cause damage if you are not concerned enough. Hence, HEPA Filters are washable, but it depends on which filter you use in your air purifier.
How to Know if HEPA Filters Are Washable?
Many brands have a label on their HEPA filter written “washable” on them. If you see your HEPA filter has a washable sign, then you can clean the filter. Otherwise, you can also read the air purifier manual to know if your HEPA filter is washable or not.
There is another method, search your brand name on the internet and check if the HEPA filter is washable. If you can not find any information anywhere, we recommend not washing and reusing the HEPA filter. You can gently clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner, but using water can be damaging to the HEPA filter.
How To Clean Washable HEPA Filters
HEPA filters can be challenging to wash because it requires patience, time, and gentleness. But we will demonstrate the method of washing HEPA filters in a few simple steps. Remember, you have to be extremely careful while washing a HEPA filter. You could tear the filter paper or destroy its efficiency if you are not careful enough.
1. first Method (Vacuum Cleaner)
The first method of cleaning the HEPA filter is to use a vacuum cleaner in the lowest setting. The pressure must be very low to suck out the dirt because HEPA filters can be fragile. Moreover, it would be best to use a vacuum cleaner with a fabric attachment to avoid damage.
After cleaning with the vacuum cleaner, clean the filter with a gentle brush or cloth. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the filter and ensure that you have squeezed out 90% water from the clothing. After that, keep the filter to air dry away from the direct sunlight.
2. Second method (cold water)
Another method of washing the HEPA filters is to rinse with cold water. You only need tap water to rinse the filter. First, put the filter under the tap and turn on the tap. You must lower the water pressure to avoid damaging the HEPA filter. Then shake the filter thoroughly to get rid of excess water. After that, leave the filter to air dry, and do not keep the filter under direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can ruin the efficiency of the filter.
After doing one of the two methods, you have to re-attach the filter to the air purifier. Make sure the filter is 100% dry before you attach the filter. It may take one whole day to air dry the HEPA filter.
Is There Any Risk of Cleaning a HEPA Filter?
HEPA filters are still very sensitive, and there is some risk of cleaning the filter by yourself. You can make yourself sick by inhaling the dust particles while cleaning the filter. You can also damage the HEPA filter’s fiber density without concern.
Not only that, inserting a damp HEPA filter can destroy the purifier as well as the growing microorganism in the filter. You are also re-polluting your air while detaching and washing the filter.
FAQs
- Can you disinfect a HEPA FILTER?
You should replace your old HEPA filter with the new one rather than disinfect it. Disinfecting will damage the fiber of the filter and lose its efficiency.
- What happens when you wash the HEPA filter?
Washing HEPA filters will cause severe damage to the density of the filter’s fiber. You may make the gaps between the fibers larger than before, which can not capture small airborne particles.
- How Long do HEPA filters last?
HEPA filters can last up to 9-18 months, depending on the brand and maintenance.
Conclusion
HEPA filters are very effective filters for capturing small dust and particles. That’s why many brands are featuring HEPA filters to keep their air purifier’s performance top-notch. o the answer to your question, “can HEPA filters be washed and reused” is both yes and no.
Moreover, at least we can say the answer depends. Leaning HEPA filters can be both good and bad for you. are still recommend not replacing the HEPA filter rather than washing and reusing it.
If you are looking for the best HEPA air purifier, you can see these articles:
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