When it comes to air filters, it's essential to understand the type of filter you have and how to clean it correctly.
Cloth and carbon filters
can be washed with soap and water, but paper filters should not be washed with water. It's also important to make sure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it, as a wet filter can damage the engine. Simple Green all-purpose cleaner is a great option for cleaning air filters without damaging filter material or surfaces found on automotive equipment.HEPA Filters
HEPA filters should be cleaned when there is a visible buildup of dust or particles, or when there is a decrease in air flow through the purifier. Steam can also be used in the air filter housing to disinfect the area. If the air filter is dirty, not enough air passes through, causing a build up of carbon that activates the warning light. Before cleaning a household air filter, turn off the system so that dirt does not re-enter the system during the cleaning process.K&N Air Filters
Victor Belavus, an air conditioning specialist and owner of 212 HVAC, recommends that K&N air filters only need to be thoroughly cleaned when parts of the screen are no longer visible, or approximately every 80,000 miles. When cleaning the car's air filter, it's important to use a cleaner that completely removes dirt and debris without using petroleum-based chemicals, which can damage or dissolve the filter materials.HEPA Filters and Air Quality
George Negron, vice president of operations at air quality company EnviroKlenz, explains that this network of fibers captures small particles and filters them from the air you breathe, ultimately helping improve indoor air quality. However, Myatt warns that it may seem counterintuitive but on the one hand, a HEPA filter may work better when it has a thin, caked layer of accumulated particulate matter.At some point though, air will have a hard time getting through the filter, meaning the filter needs to be replaced.
