Your air filters are responsible for keeping the air in your home clean and fresh. But all of the dust and pollutants they pull out of your air have to go somewhere. After a while, your air filters will get full, and if you don’t take the time to clean them out, they could end up doing more harm than good.
Fortunately, cleaning out an air filter is a pretty easy task — once you know how to do it.
Need to clean your air filters but aren’t sure where to start? We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean an air filter.
Method 1: The Vacuum
One of the easiest ways to clean the dirt, dust, and debris out of your air filter is by pulling out your trusty old vacuum cleaner. Keep in mind that this method only works if your vacuum comes with a hose; do not try to vacuum your air filters like you would a rug.
Start by shutting off your air system and removing the filter. If possible, take the filter outside and give it a few good shakes to shake off any loose dust. Then carefully vacuum, both sides of your air filter with your vacuum’s hose attachment. Once you’ve sucked up all of the dust, you can replace your filter and turn your system on again.
While this method is an excellent way to remove excess dust and pollutants from your reusable air filter, you may still want to consider doing a proper deep clean every few months (see Method 3).
Method 2: A Blower
This simple method works a lot like Method 1 — but with one pretty significant difference. If you decide to clean your air filter with an air filter cleaner, you need to be able to take your air filters outside or risk blowing dust and debris all over your home.
Like with the vacuum, start by shutting off your system and removing your air filters. Take your air filters outside and give them a few taps to shake any excess dust and debris loose, and then it’s time to get to work with your blower.
Make sure to pop on some safety goggles and a mask before you start blowing out your filters to avoid breathing in dust or getting it into your eyes.
Once dust stops coming out of your filter, pop it back into place and turn your system on.
Method 3: Soap and Water
No matter how well you vacuum or blow out your air filters, the best way to ensure they’re as clean as possible is by rinsing them out with soap and water.
Start by shutting off your system and removing the air filter. Then, take your filters outside and tap off the extra dust. After that, give them a once-over with either a vacuum or a blower.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the extra dust, it’s time to rinse it. To rinse out your air filter, you’re going to need either a hose or a showerhead. Rinse out your filter with a gentle spray and gently take a mixture of soap and water and pour it over your filter. Finally, rinse the soapy mixture away and let your air filter completely dry before replacing it.
How to Clean an Air Filter
Now that you know more about how to clean an air filter, it’s time to get to work getting your air filters back into tip-top shape.
Are you looking for more advice on how to clean and maintain your home? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles, tips, and tricks today!
Leave a Reply