How an air purifier is cleaned depends on the air purifier filter. Some air purifier filters cannot be cleaned and would have to be replaced. While some can only be cleaned by vacuuming, blowing with compressed air, wiping with a damp cloth, or soaking in water.
As for a carbon air filter, you can clean it by soaking it in water and carefully washing it with a mild detergent. However, you have to note that carbon air filters are not meant to be used for a very long time. As a result, you would have to do this cleaning process very carefully, and you can only perform it a few times before replacing it with a new one.
I have prepared an in-depth guide to help you figure out the ways you can clean your carbon air filter, how often you should do it, and how long these kinds of filters would usually last.
Table of Contents
Can Carbon Filter Be Cleaned And Reused?
Yes, you can clean and reuse a carbon filter, but not for long.
An activated carbon filter deals with smoke and any other unpleasant smell and odor, for starters. It is widely used in air purifiers as this air filter is excellent for removing unpleasant odors from the air.
However, an activated carbon filter never goes as a stand-alone air filter in air purifiers. You must at least combine it with other air filters to remove the microscopic particles in the air. A typical air purifier should have at least three filters – one pre-filter system, one activated carbon filter, and one true HEPA filter.
You can reuse your purifier’s activated carbon filter (also called activated charcoal) simply by baking out the odors and reactivating it.
How Often Should You Clean Carbon Filter?
Cleaning your carbon air filter would typically depend on how often you use it, but since these filters absorb smoke, unpleasant smell, and other odors, cleaning it every 2 to 4 weeks of use is suggested.
How To Clean Carbon Filter For Air Purifier?
Here is a step-by-step guide in cleaning your activated carbon air filter:
- First, mix your cleaning liquid by filling your bucket or pan with hot water and adding 1 cup of mild cleaning soap or detergent.
- Then, soak the carbon filter in the liquid mixture.
- Make sure to shake the filter from side to side and then back to front while submerged.
- When the dust and dirt attached to it are removed, rinse off the filter immediately.
- Lastly, place the filter in the sun to dry.
How Long Does Carbon Filter Last? Do I Ever Need To Replace It With New One?
A carbon air filter is quite an essential component of air purifiers. However, it does not last for an extended period. Usually, a carbon air filter lasts around 2 to 4 weeks. Then, you would need to clean the filter before you can use it efficiently again.
The carbon air filter itself would have to be changed between 3 to 4 months to perform its duty fully. Remember that its absorption process can fill up inside the activated carbon bed. In turn, this causes the bed to be saturated, and the filter might not function effectively when this happens.
So, can you reuse your activated carbon filter? The short answer is yes, you can. However, do note that you can only reuse it a maximum of 2 to 3 times, and afterward, you would have to replace it with a new one.
Also, note if your carbon air filter is marked as washable or not. If it is, you can wash it without the fear of damaging it. I remember neglecting this step and ended up with an unusable filter.
People Also Ask
Can you wash the air purifier carbon filter?
It depends if your carbon air filter is marked or labeled as washable or not. If it is washable, you can follow these steps:
- First, mix your cleaning liquid by filling your bucket or pan with hot water and adding 1 cup of mild cleaning soap or detergent.
- Then, soak the carbon filter in the liquid mixture.
- Make sure to shake the filter from side to side and then back to front while submerged.
- When the dust and dirt attached to it are removed, rinse off the filter immediately.
- Lastly, place the filter in the sun to dry.
If it is not washable, you can leave it out in the sun for several hours before reusing it again.
How do you refresh a carbon filter?
To refresh a carbon filter, make sure to follow these steps:
- First, remove the filter from the device and wash with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid (or other mild soap and detergent). Rinse the filter well.
- Next, turn on the oven to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the oven to preheat.
- Place the carbon air filter in the oven on an oven pan. Close the oven door and leave the filter in the oven for about 10 minutes.
- Then, remove the charcoal filter from the oven using protective oven pads and cool before touching it. When the filter is excellent, put the filter back in the device.
However, if your filter looks like it cannot withstand the heat of the oven (e.g., some parts are made of plastic that might melt when placed inside an oven), then put it in direct sunlight for a few hours.
I recommend placing your carbon air filter under the sun instead of using the oven technique. Either way, these are effective ways to refresh your carbon air filter. Just be sure to keep an eye out on your filter when opting for the oven technique.
When should I clean my carbon filter?
You should clean it every 2-4 weeks and replace your carbon air filter every 3 to 4 months, or when you start to notice that the smell of your air filter has suddenly changed.
Conclusion
I hope that you could gain insight into how you can clean your carbon air filter when you should do it and how often you should replace it.
Remember that not all filters can be washed, so you should pay close attention to the marks or labels on your carbon air filter before performing any cleaning.
