How to Clean Alen Air Purifier Filters

If your air purifier is working, then your air purifier filter is probably filthy. In fact, the dirtier the filter, the better the job your purifier is doing. However, buying new filters all the time can be a strain on your household budget. Many people do not realize you can actually clean an Alen air purifier filter--and most other types of air purifier filters--up to once a week for several months before you replace it. This can dramatically increase the effectiveness of your air purifier and lower your household expenses at the same time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Handheld vacuum
• Sink sprayer
• Liquid dish soap
• Cleaning rag
• Paper towels

1. Vacuum the air filter first. Most air filters will have a pretty gross collection of dust bunnies, hair and dirt on them. If you try to wash them right away, you will create a huge muddy mess in your kitchen sink. Use the handheld vacuum to pick up the clumps of dirt and debris on the filter before you move to the wet part of the process.

2. Spray hot water through the filter. You will need to do this first from one side, and then the other. You can even clean disposable filters this way, but bear in mind that the water pressure can damage them. Start out with a slow stream of water and then turn it up once you get a feel for how much your particular filter can take. Continue to spray the water through until it runs clear and you have removed all the muck.

3. Wash the filter with a damp, soapy cloth. Put 3 drops of liquid dish detergent on a cleaning rag. Use this to gently wipe down both sides of the filter. Use very light pressure and circular scrubbing motions.

4. Rinse the filter. Using the sprayer, rinse the soap out of the filter.

5. Dry the filter. Paper towels should sop up most of the water. Then let the filter air dry until there is no moisture left. This may take several hours. Once the filter is dry, it can be replaced in the air purifier.

References

• Cleaning air filters of various types
• EPA on different types of air filters