How to Clean an Air Purifier With a HEPA, Disposable, or Carbon Filter

If you strive to keep the indoor air quality of your home clean, you likely have an air purifier. The device pulls in allergens, toxins, and pollutants from its surrounding area, leaving you with cleaner air. While purifiers are efficient at removing nearby contaminants, their efficacy depends on how regularly they're serviced. To ensure the device runs properly it's important to clean not only its exterior, but the internal air filter as well.

Materials Needed

• Soft-bristled brush
• Soap
• Microfiber towel
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Protective face mask
• Air filter (if you have a disposable model)

How to Clean an Air Purifier With a HEPA Air Filter

This highly efficient filter is able to remove the majority of contaminants from the air and is a popular option for air purifiers. "HEPA air purifiers work by drawing air through an extremely fine filter that helps to capture mold, dust, and pet dander," says Lane Dixon, vice president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company. "The more particles that have been captured, the less effective the purifier will become—this means regular cleaning is key." If you have a HEPA filter, check whether yours is washable or non-washable before cleaning.

Non-Washable HEPA Filter

Permanent HEPA filters that aren't water-safe should be cleaned with a vacuum. "These types of filters are not designed to come into contact with water," says Austyn Hoelter, air conditioners, fans, air quality, and floor care merchant for The Home Depot. "Cleaning these permanent HEPA filters with water can cause damage."

1. Wearing a protective face mask, start by turning off your air purifier and unplugging it from the wall socket.
2. Clean the filtered air outlet (which is typically located on the top and back side of the device) with a dry, soft-bristled brush. "This will help you remove the dust and debris that can obstruct airflow," says Hoelter.
3. Following the manufacturer's instructions, remove the front grill of your air purifier.
4. Clean the grill with warm, soapy water and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.
5. Remove the non-washable HEPA filter.
6. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
7. Return the filter to the air purifier and put the front grill back on.
8. Wipe down the outside of the air purifier with a dry or lightly damp microfiber cleaning cloth.

Washable HEPA Filter

Washable HEPA filters can be rinsed with water and used for years to come. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning to make sure your model can withstand water cleaning.

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 outlined above.
2. Remove the HEPA filter and run it under warm water until clean. "You can also soak your filter in hot water if it is extremely dirty," says Hoelter.
3. Let the filter dry before reinstalling. "Your air purifier might not work as efficiently if the filter is wet, plus this can lead to mold growth," says Dixon.
4. Once it's dry, reinsert the filter and put the front grill back on.
5. Wipe down the outside of the air purifier with a dry or lightly damp microfiber cleaning cloth.

How to Clean an Air Purifier With a Disposable Filter

Unlike HEPA filters, disposable air filters are designed to stand up to frequent water or vacuum cleanings. For these models, it's best practice to buy a replacement filter.

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 outlined above.
2. Locate your disposable air filter or air filter set (some models have multiple filters). "Replace dirty filters with a manufacturer-approved filter or filter set," says Hoelter.
3. With your new filter or filter set in place, put the front grill back on.
4. Wipe down the outside of the air purifier with a dry or lightly damp microfiber cleaning cloth.

How to Clean an Air Purifier With a Carbon Filter

Made from activated carbon and typically used to filter out gases released by common household products, carbon filters vary greatly depending on the model. Some can be lightly vacuumed to remove larger debris and reused for up to a year, while other iterations need to be disposed of and replaced more frequently.

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 outlined above.
2. Clean or replace your carbon air filter following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Place the new or freshly cleaned filter into the air purifier and put the front grill back on.
4. Wipe down the outside of the air purifier with a dry or lightly damp microfiber cleaning cloth.