In addition to removing fine particles like smoke, pollen, and mould fragments, HEPA filters eventually become debris-filled. As a result, the purifier will lose airflow, and fewer particles will be captured as the filter fibres become clogged. You might have wondered how to clean a HEPA filter instead of replacing it numerous times with vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and HVAC systems.
As it may seem, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it appears. In this article, we will examine different HEPA filters to determine whether they can be cleaned and, if so, how to do it properly to ensure they continue functioning as claimed.
What are HEPA filters?
High-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA filters, are defined by how well they filter particles. Using a filter that meets the HEPA standard, 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns (micrometres) can be removed from air passing through the filter.
HEPA filters are made from a range of materials. These include coarse glass fibres, coated animal hair, vegetable fibres, synthetic fibres (like polyester or nylon), synthetic foams, metallic wools, or expanded metals and foils. The threads are tangled at random and compressed into sheets. The sheets are pleated so more air can pass through. They are mounted on cardboard, plastic, wood, or metal frames. Some manufacturers add pre-filters to HEPA filters to remove larger particles, activated carbon to remove odours and gases, and chemicals to bond particles to the fibres.
Where you can find HEPA filters
The HEPA filter was initially designed for use in nuclear testing laboratories to remove radioactive particles from the air. However, they are now found in a wide range of consumer products. Such are:
- Air purifiers
- Vacuum cleaners
- HVAC systems
- Cars
HEPA filter use
People with sensitive immune systems, such as infants or the elderly, must be concerned about indoor air quality. Dust mites (and their faeces), mould spores and other airborne allergens can cause allergies and asthma. People use filter media in portable air cleaners, special vacuums, or HVAC systems to remove them from the air.
To improve the air quality, your HVAC system, vacuum cleaner, or air purifier uses an AHEPA filter to filter particles from the air. As a result, air purifiers with HEPA filters may help reduce particulates in the air and improve the overall air quality. In contrast, some harmful pollutants, such as most airborne chemicals, are much smaller than HEPA filters. Because of this, almost all HEPA air purifiers will also have other technologies for dealing with airborne chemicals.
Is it possible to clean the HEPA filter
While your HEPA filter may still filter air if it is not labelled as washable or permanent, it will not be as effective after washing as a washable or permanent one. This is because, besides rinsing the filter in water, tapping off excess dust or vacuuming some dust can damage its fibre mesh, which removes air pollutants. In addition, some fibres will be broken or stretched out even if the filter looks undamaged. So regardless of how clean it looks, your filter will not do its job of filtering effectively.
A HEPA filter can meet its claims because the glass fibre weave is consistent. When the fibres are stretched or torn, air and contaminants will take the path of least resistance and bypass the fibres altogether, which will cause air and impurities to avoid the threads entirely. Frame integrity is also essential. A compromised frame or the gaskets that seal it to its mounting location can allow air to pass around rather than through the filter.
If the filter is marketed as being washable or permanent, it is possible that you can wash or clean it off, and it will still work. You can rinse washable HEPA filters with cold water, but you need to avoid touching the filter material during rinse. Remember that some washable HEPA filters should only be flushed outside so they won’t get wet inside. It’s always a good idea to read the instructions on your appliance before you start washing.
Why cleaning HEPA filter might be a bad idea
The excellent mesh of fibres in a HEPA filter that allows it to perform its function will almost certainly be damaged by cleaning it. Therefore, cleaning a HEPA filter is not a good idea, even if you were 100% certain it wouldn’t be damaged.
The filters are dirty. If you don’t take them outside to clean them, you may introduce airborne pollutants into your home while cleaning them. The reason you might want to use a HEPA filter is to get rid of those pollutants. Those pollutants may include microbial growth on the filter, which could be introduced back into the air.
Some particles from your HEPA filter will be in the air during cleaning. Even if you clean your filter outdoors, you might inhale some. An allergic reaction could result if you inhale the pollutants without a respirator.
Using a vacuum to clean out a HEPA filter will also require a HEPA filter. Otherwise, the vacuum cannot keep the particles in the canister from the dirty filter. A vacuum with a HEPA filter will disperse all those particles into the air.
HEPA filters should be completely dry before use. This is because the fine mesh of fibres in a HEPA filter requires longer drying. Manufacturers recommend at least 24 hours for this process. In addition, a wet HEPA filter could further allow mould to form on the filter surface.
How to clean HEPA filter when you have to
HEPA filters should not be cleaned but should be replaced instead. But you have two options if you have to clean a HEPA filter. Which method you use depends on which type of HEPA filter you have. Since there are no official standards for cleanable HEPA filters, the types of cleanable filters are not defined. However, manufacturers have adopted specific marketing terms with some consistency, washable and permanent.
Ensure that you rinse washable HEPA filters under cold water when cleaning them. You should not touch the filter material, only allowing it to come in contact with water. Ensure that you will enable the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. Keep in mind that some filters have special instructions. In some cases, vacuum cleaners with canisters should only be cleaned on their outside so as not to get their central parts wet while washing.
Cleaning a permanent HEPA filter requires gently sucking away dust and debris from the surface of the filter using a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, water should not be used on this type of filter.
Conclusion
Knowing what type of HEPA filter you have will save you loads. Do not hesitate to contact professional cleaners if you are uncertain about the maintenance of your HEPA filter. Taking care of items that benefit your life should be a priority.