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How to Clean & Maintain Your HEPA Filter Download Article Easy and effective ways to keep your HEPA filter clean Co-authored by Laura Smith
Last Updated: March 10, 2025
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Cleaning a Washable HEPA Filter
|
Vacuuming a Non-Washable Filter
|
Maintaining Your HEPA Filter
|
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This article was co-authored by Laura Smith. Laura Smith is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of All Star Cleaning Services. With over 16 years of experience, her team specializes in providing natural and eco-friendly house cleaning services. All Star Cleaning Services has earned the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International’s (ARCSI) Seal of Approval and maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 128,592 times.
Washable or permanent HEPA filters are easy to maintain and can drastically cut the cost of replacement filters. If your air purifier or vacuum cleaner uses a HEPA filter, you should check its product manual before attempting to clean the filter. A washable HEPA filter should be rinsed with water at least monthly, while getting a non-washable permanent filter wet will ruin it. Rinse your washable filter until water runs through it clearly, then let it dry completely before reinstalling it. Use a vacuum cleaner hose with a brush attachment to remove contaminants from a non-washable filter.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Cleaning a Washable HEPA Filter
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1 Check your product manual to see if you can wash your filter. Before attempting to clean a HEPA filter, you’ll need to find out whether or not it’s washable. Some filters need to be rinsed out periodically, while any contact with water will ruin others.
If you don’t have your product manual, you can search online for your appliance’s manufacturer and model number to download a digital copy.
Washable filters are used in both air purifiers and vacuum cleaners.
2 Disassemble the appliance outside to prevent releasing dirt and debris in your home. Larger filters can be cumbersome and hold lots of dirt and debris that you might not want to release into your house. Take your appliance outside or to the garage to remove and clean the filter if you’re concerned about your home’s air quality. Just make sure you’re within reach of a garden hose or water faucet.[1]XResearch source
If your filter is small and easy to handle, or if you’re not worried about spilling any dust, you can just remove the filter indoors and rinse it in a sink.
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3 Remove the filter from your appliance. Make sure your air purifier or vacuum cleaner is turned off and unplugged. Remove the canister or panel that encases the filter, then slide the filter out of the appliance.
Check your product guide if you’re not sure how to access the HEPA filter.
Never operate an air purifier or vacuum cleaner without a filter.
4 Tap the filter over a trash can to loosen debris. The filter might be caked with dirt and debris, depending on the type of appliance and how often you clean the filter. If necessary, you can gently tap the filter over a garbage can. This will knock off excess debris and loosen any built up dirt.
5 Rinse the filter with water. You should use gentle or moderate pressure, as high pressure could ruin the filter. Rinse the filter until the water runs clear and dirt free. Some manufacturers recommend a lukewarm water rinse, while others stipulate cold water only, so check your product guide for the best water temperature for your specific filter.
In general, you should rinse both sides of a washable flat filter. Cylindrical wet/dry vacuum filters should only be rinsed on their exterior and should not get wet inside the cylinder.
Filters can also be cleaned and washed within a washing machine.[2]X Expert Source Laura SmithHouse Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
6 Let your filter air dry completely before reinstalling it. All washable HEPA filters must dry completely before reinstallation. Shake off excess water, then leave your filter out to air dry for at least 24 hours.[3]X Expert Source Laura SmithHouse Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Never put your filter in a clothes dryer, use a blower dryer, or use any method other than natural air drying.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Vacuuming a Non-Washable Filter
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1 Remove the filter from your appliance. Many air purifiers use non-washable HEPA filters. Turn off and unplug your appliance before accessing the filter.
Check your product manual for specific instructions on how to access your appliance’s filter.
2 Wash your appliance’s other filters. At least one foam or activated charcoal filter usually accompanies a non-washable HEPA filter. These accompanying filters typically need to be rinsed for two to three minutes, or until water runs clear.[4]XResearch source
Towel dry your foam or activated charcoal filters, then let them air dry completely for at least 24 hours.
3 Run a vacuum cleaner hose attachment over the filter. Use your vacuum cleaner’s hose with a nozzle or brush attachment to clean your non-washable HEPA filter. Run the attachment over the filter until you’ve removed all debris. Take care not to puncture the filter with the vacuum attachment.
4 Reassemble the appliance. Reassemble your appliance after the washable filters have dried. You can wrap the HEPA filter tightly in plastic while you’re waiting for the other filters to dry or during any other extended period of non-use.[5]XResearch source
Some air purifiers have an electronic filter clean reminder. If yours has one, reset it after cleaning your filter.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Maintaining Your HEPA Filter
Download Article
1 Check the filter before using it and clean as needed. As a rule of thumb, you should change your vacuum filter every one to three months or every four to six uses. However, the frequency with which you clean a vacuum filter depends on how often you vacuum.
To keep your appliance in the best working order, check the filter before each use and clean it if it's covered with a layer of dirt or debris.
2 Clean your air purifier filter every three to six months. Most air purifier manufacturers recommend cleaning both washable and vacuum-only HEPA filters once every three months. Remember that your filter will get dirtier if you live in a dusty environment or use your appliance more frequently, so check the filter periodically and clean it more often if necessary.[6]XResearch source
Check your user guide for your product manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model.
3 Don't be afraid to clean your filter more often than recommended. There's no need to be afraid of cleaning your HEPA filter before it's due. As long as you clean your washable or vacuum-only filter using the correct method, you shouldn't worry about cleaning it more often than the user guide recommends.[7]X Expert Source Laura SmithHouse Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
In general, the cleaner you keep your filter, the more efficiently your appliance will operate.
4 Use the electronic clean filter reminder light as a general guide. Some air purifier models come with an electronic filter clean reminder. The timer either keeps track of the appliance's hours in use, which is a more reliable guide, or just tracks calendar days. You should check your filter regularly instead of relying on the reminder timer alone, especially if it doesn't track actual time in use.[8]XResearch source
If you don't use the appliance often, the filter might not need to be cleaned when the timer light comes on. On the other hand, if you always keep the appliance on, but the timer tracks calendar days instead of actual time in use, you'll likely need to clean the filter more often than the timer recommends.
You can check your user guide to find out if your appliance tracks use time or calendar days.
5 Replace your filter when it's worn or as the manufacturer recommends.[9]X Expert Source Laura SmithHouse Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview Since filter replacement standards will depend on your appliance type and model, it's best to check your user guide for information about replacing your filter. In general, washable and vacuum-only HEPA filters are designed to last much longer than disposable filters. Some can go years without needing replacement.[10]XResearch source
Some manufacturers suggest replacing your filter when it becomes visibly worn or discolored, so inspect your filter's condition when you clean it.
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↑ Laura Smith. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
More References (1)
↑ https://www.rabbitair.com/pages/biogscare#c
About This Article
Co-authored by: Laura Smith House Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Laura Smith. Laura Smith is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of All Star Cleaning Services. With over 16 years of experience, her team specializes in providing natural and eco-friendly house cleaning services. All Star Cleaning Services has earned the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International’s (ARCSI) Seal of Approval and maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 128,592 times. 9 votes - 58% Co-authors: 18Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 128,592 Categories: CleaningArticle SummaryX
The right way to clean a HEPA filter depends on whether it’s washable or non-washable. If you’re not sure, check your product manual or download a digital copy online. For washable HEPA filters, first remove the filter from your appliance. Tap it over a trash can to knock off any loose debris. Then, rinse under a gentle stream of water until it runs clean. Let it air dry for at least 24 hours. For a non-washable HEPA filter, remove the filter from your appliance. Then, simply run a vacuum cleaner hose attachment over it until all of the debris has been removed. To learn how to figure out whether to clean or replace your HEPA filter, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Jun 19, 2017
"I was surprised to learn that a carbon filter can be washed with plain water, then allowed to dry completely before it's ready for use. I thought some chemical was required."..." more
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Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Laura Smith House Cleaning Specialist 9 votes - 58% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 18Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 128,592
Anonymous
Jun 19, 2017
"I was surprised to learn that a carbon filter can be washed with plain water, then allowed to dry completely before it's ready for use. I thought some chemical was required."..." more
Bikash Sah
Jun 25, 2019
"There are sufficient pictures that explain the entire process. Exact process description is available."
Daryl Craypo
Sep 15, 2018
"Just wanted to be double sure that it could be washed. Great work and research, thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Easy and effective ways to keep your HEPA filter clean Co-authored by Laura Smith 
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Co-authored by: Laura Smith House Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Laura Smith. Laura Smith is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of All Star Cleaning Services. With over 16 years of experience, her team specializes in providing natural and eco-friendly house cleaning services. All Star Cleaning Services has earned the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International’s (ARCSI) Seal of Approval and maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 128,592 times. 9 votes - 58% Co-authors: 18 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 128,592 Categories: Cleaning Article SummaryX
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1 Check your product manual to see if you can wash your filter. Before attempting to clean a HEPA filter, you’ll need to find out whether or not it’s washable. Some filters need to be rinsed out periodically, while any contact with water will ruin others. 
2 Disassemble the appliance outside to prevent releasing dirt and debris in your home. Larger filters can be cumbersome and hold lots of dirt and debris that you might not want to release into your house. Take your appliance outside or to the garage to remove and clean the filter if you’re concerned about your home’s air quality. Just make sure you’re within reach of a garden hose or water faucet.[1] 
3 Remove the filter from your appliance. Make sure your air purifier or vacuum cleaner is turned off and unplugged. Remove the canister or panel that encases the filter, then slide the filter out of the appliance. 
4 Tap the filter over a trash can to loosen debris. The filter might be caked with dirt and debris, depending on the type of appliance and how often you clean the filter. If necessary, you can gently tap the filter over a garbage can. This will knock off excess debris and loosen any built up dirt. 
5 Rinse the filter with water. You should use gentle or moderate pressure, as high pressure could ruin the filter. Rinse the filter until the water runs clear and dirt free. Some manufacturers recommend a lukewarm water rinse, while others stipulate cold water only, so check your product guide for the best water temperature for your specific filter. 
6 Let your filter air dry completely before reinstalling it. All washable HEPA filters must dry completely before reinstallation. Shake off excess water, then leave your filter out to air dry for at least 24 hours.[3] 
1 Remove the filter from your appliance. Many air purifiers use non-washable HEPA filters. Turn off and unplug your appliance before accessing the filter. 
2 Wash your appliance’s other filters. At least one foam or activated charcoal filter usually accompanies a non-washable HEPA filter. These accompanying filters typically need to be rinsed for two to three minutes, or until water runs clear.[4] 
3 Run a vacuum cleaner hose attachment over the filter. Use your vacuum cleaner’s hose with a nozzle or brush attachment to clean your non-washable HEPA filter. Run the attachment over the filter until you’ve removed all debris. Take care not to puncture the filter with the vacuum attachment. 
4 Reassemble the appliance. Reassemble your appliance after the washable filters have dried. You can wrap the HEPA filter tightly in plastic while you’re waiting for the other filters to dry or during any other extended period of non-use.[5] 
1 Check the filter before using it and clean as needed. As a rule of thumb, you should change your vacuum filter every one to three months or every four to six uses. However, the frequency with which you clean a vacuum filter depends on how often you vacuum. 
2 Clean your air purifier filter every three to six months. Most air purifier manufacturers recommend cleaning both washable and vacuum-only HEPA filters once every three months. Remember that your filter will get dirtier if you live in a dusty environment or use your appliance more frequently, so check the filter periodically and clean it more often if necessary.[6] 
3 Don't be afraid to clean your filter more often than recommended. There's no need to be afraid of cleaning your HEPA filter before it's due. As long as you clean your washable or vacuum-only filter using the correct method, you shouldn't worry about cleaning it more often than the user guide recommends.[7] 
4 Use the electronic clean filter reminder light as a general guide. Some air purifier models come with an electronic filter clean reminder. The timer either keeps track of the appliance's hours in use, which is a more reliable guide, or just tracks calendar days. You should check your filter regularly instead of relying on the reminder timer alone, especially if it doesn't track actual time in use.[8] 
5 Replace your filter when it's worn or as the manufacturer recommends.[9] Since filter replacement standards will depend on your appliance type and model, it's best to check your user guide for information about replacing your filter. In general, washable and vacuum-only HEPA filters are designed to last much longer than disposable filters. Some can go years without needing replacement.[10] 