Cleaning air filters is essential for optimal performance and air quality. To ensure your air filters are in top condition, it's important to know the best way to clean them. The most effective way to clean air filters is to use Simple Green all-purpose cleaner and let it soak. Rinse the filter on both sides, starting from the inside to the outside, to prevent dirt from penetrating further into the filter fibers.
Avoid twisting or stretching the filter, as they can easily break. Cloth and carbon filters are generally recommended to be cleaned with soap and water. Be careful when washing with water, as it can damage the filters. Water should not be used to wash paper filters.
After soaking and soaping it, be sure to rinse off any soap residue, as they can restrict airflow. If the air filter is dirty, not enough air passes through it, causing a build-up of carbon that activates the warning light. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the unit and soak it in white vinegar. Wait for the air conditioning filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. Warm water is always better for air filters, but you can use dish soap on filters that are particularly dirty. For a deeper cleaning, immerse the air purifier filters in a mixture consisting of 50% distilled water and 50% white vinegar for approximately one hour.
If the filter is too large to fit inside a sink or bucket, use a garden hose to wash it and let the water run through the filter in the opposite direction of the air flow. The openings in this filter are slightly larger due to the oil trap they contain, which improves airflow. Even if your air filter isn't washable, you can clean these permanent, non-disposable HEPA filters. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the best way to clean the air conditioner or oven filter. It would be best to replace pleated air filters every sixty days and turn fiberglass filters every thirty days. Cleaning the air conditioner filters makes the unit more energy efficient and produces only high-quality air conditioning.
You can also use steam in the air filter housing to make sure that the area where you are going to place the clean air filter is also disinfected. However, if you live in a place with dusty roads or areas of high pollution, the dry air filter needs to be cleaned more often.
