The Honeywell brand has some of the most efficient air purifiers in today’s market. They are designed to quickly rid your home of foul odor, pet dander, and dust. as well as kill molds.
These high-performance devices use filters to trap airborne particles and purify the air. Unfortunately, over time, the particles can clog the filters, rendering them ineffective.
Therefore, it is essential to know how to clean Honeywell air purifier filter to make the most out of it.
What You Need to Clean the Filter
The tools you require for this task will depend on the type of filters you have. For example, your Honeywell air purifier can have between two to four filters.
Of these, the most common filters are washable pre-filters, permanent HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters.
In any case, you should expect to have at least one pre-filter and permanent HEPA filter. With this in mind, you may want to have the following:
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Handheld vacuum
- Soft-bristled brush (or toothbrush)
- Garden hose
While all the filters perform a purification role, each of them requires a different cleaning method. But, the basic steps to follow remain the same.
How to Clean Honeywell Air Purifier Filter Step-by-Step
Step1: Power off the unit
Cleaning the filters will require taking apart some of the components of the air purifier. Before you can do that, make sure you turn it off so that you do not get electric shock or risk damaging a thing or two.
Once the machine is off, you can then remove the filters one by one. The filters are located behind the front grille.
Step 2: Remove the front cover of the unit
This should allow you to access the filter area. Next, study the filters to identify what type of filter the unit has. In most cases, your cleaner will have a pre-filter before the other filters.
Remove the pre-filter to give way for the other filers in the unit.
Step 3: Clean the pre-filter
Start by taking the pre-filter out and shaking it to remove all loose dirt and debris on it.
The reason for taking it outside for shaking is so that you don’t mess up your indoor space with dirt. Oftentimes the filter will have sticky dirt and debris that refuses to come off from shaking.
To remove this dirt, gently scrub it out with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush until it all comes off.
Check to see if the pre-filter is still serviceable or if it is timeworn. You will need to get yourself a new pre-filter if the one you have is worn out. It just won’t do its work if it is too old or damaged.
If the filter is fine, go ahead and wash it up with running water. This is where your garden hose comes in. Make sure you do not use any strong detergent or bleaches on the filter; just water.
Notice that you can use running hose water or warm tap water for this task, whichever you prefer better.
If the user manual recommends it, you can wash the filter with soap and a soft sponge. Use the latter to wipe out dirt on every part of the pre-filter.
After cleaning, air dry the pre-filter completely before inserting it back in the cleaner.
Step 4: Vacuum the filter(s)
For the remaining filters that are not washable, use the soft-bristled brush to clean them or vacuum them meticulously to remove all dirt.
Step 5: Wipe down the unit
Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down every inch of the outside of the unit. Next, use the vacuum to draw out every particle that might be trapped inside the unit, including the fan.
Vacuuming – especially after brushing the unit – should effectively remove every particle or excess dirt from the filters and the rest of the air purifier. Air purifiers work best when the filter is clean.
As with the pre-filter, study the HEPA filter(s) for any signs of wear. Usually, this filter will not require constant replacement.
But it still helps to ensure that it is still in good working condition before returning it into the unit for use. Ideally, the permanent HEPA filter should last for about two to three years before it needs a replacement.
If your filter is worn out, returning it into the cleaner will be a bad idea. Instead, consider ordering an identical one from the many Honeywell HEPA filters on Amazon.
Always be sure to get the description right to ensure a seamless purchase. All said, be sure to put back each filter in the correct order.
The HEPA filter that you removed last should be the first to go back in. The pre-filter that was the first to come out will be the last to go back in, after which you replace the grille.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Clean Honeywell Air Purifier Filter
1. Can I vacuum all the filters?
Yes, vacuuming is an effective way to remove dirt and debris from virtually every part of the unit. However, for the pre-filter, be sure to brush out the excess dirt and debris first before vacuuming.
Brushing will also help dislodge any dirt stuck on the filters, making it easy to remove by vacuuming.
2. How often should I check my Honeywell air purifier filters?
Just like any other type of air purifier, you may want to wash washable pre-filter(s) of the Honeywell unit every once a month or so.
However, your filters can get clogged sooner if there is more dust and loose dander in your home, such as if you are a pet owner.
So it will help to check the filters at least twice every month to see if there is any sign of discoloration. If the filters are grayish, that would be a call to action; time to touch them up.
