I.Core Reasons
1.Damage to the filter media structure: Most air filters (such as HEPA filters and non-woven filters) are made of ultra-fine fibers. Rubbing or high-pressure water flow during cleaning will cause fiber breakage and deformation, enlarging the filter pores. As a result, tiny particles that could originally be trapped can no longer be captured.
2.Pollutant residues and secondary pollution: Dust and oil deep in the filter are difficult to clean thoroughly. Residues will block some effective filter pores, reducing air circulation efficiency. If the filter is not completely dried after cleaning, the humid environment is prone to bacterial and mold growth, which will affect the purification effect instead.
3.Deteriorated sealing performance: Cleaning may damage the sealing rubber ring on the edge of the filter, or the filter may not fit tightly during installation. This causes air to leak through the gaps and be discharged directly without filtration, which manifests as reduced filtration efficiency.
4.Failure of electrostatic adsorption: Some filters (such as electrostatic fiber filters) rely on static electricity to adsorb particles. Cleaning will destroy their electrostatic layer, making them lose adsorption capacity. They can only rely on physical interception, leading to a significant drop in filtration efficiency.
II.Key Reminders
1.Not all air filters are washable: Disposable filters such as HEPA filters and composite filters are strictly prohibited from being cleaned. Cleaning will not only reduce the effect but also may release pollutants. Only a few washable filters (such as metal mesh and primary non-woven filters) can be cleaned a limited number of times.
2.Correct cleaning method (only for washable types): Rinse with low-pressure water flow, avoid rubbing. After cleaning, fully dry (it is recommended to dry for more than 24 hours) before installation. The number of cleanings should not exceed 2-3 times, otherwise, structural aging will still occur.
