Coming from a background in industrial filtration, figured I'd offer some info for you DIY folks: The "disposable" HEPA filters are made of an 80/20 Polyester & Cellulose mixture with an ePTFE-like surface coating to increase efficiency. Rinsing these filters results in separation of the individual fibers of the filter media, which is why they fail after 2, 3, or 4 washes. The best method of cleaning if you must do so is going to be a controlled burst of compressed air. With these cheaper filters, you'd be looking for short (.2 or .3 seconds) of approximately 50-60 PSI, blown from the CLEAN SIDE towards the dirty. This will dislodge the dry dust and particulate, while slowing down the efficiency loss. In industry they use between 90-110 PSI to do exactly the same. Getting these filters wet even once will cut the efficiency nearly in half. It may not appear to be the case, but true HEPA Efficiency means 99% efficiency at .3 Microns or less, which is nowhere close to visible. In the case of washable HEPA filters, they are made of a glass fiber, and are therefore much more water resistant. The same surface coating is applied, resulting in a more water resistant, HEPA-rated filter. Compressed air does work well for these too, however it is safe to use water. With these, take care not to bend the filter "paper" or subject them to any impact, as it will break the glass fibers and cause premature failure.
@texasdeeslinglead2401
4 жыл бұрын
After reading many comments , I was wondering this very thing . Thanks
@johnb6520
4 жыл бұрын
Pin this comment!!!
@texasdeeslinglead2401
4 жыл бұрын
@@johnb6520 how do you do that ?
@realfutbol1
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the benefit of your experience Scott. I'd read recently that for N95 filter media, the efficiency can be reduced to ~70% simply by hand washing in soap and water or even dipping in alcohol with NO agitation, simply because the fibers in meltblown polypropylene move apart or clump. Generally I'd use a washing method like what Jeff is doing if I wanted "decent" filtration which is true most of the time- but in case of reducing viral transmission it's important to know the serious limitations of washing. Glad there's also the alternative of compressed air backflush- and of course if anyone does this with a virus-loaded filter be sure to let it sit in a warm dry place for several days before blowing it out...
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
I've washed this filter at least 20 times. No failure
@mecanicageneral615
4 жыл бұрын
Its great not only saving money. But also taking care of the environment. But once the manufacturers saw this video they will produce the filter to desintagrate once wet...
@timcarter1164
4 жыл бұрын
You came up in my feed, regular name, I don't know if I missed videos or not, but I see you pretty regularly in my feed. Timely video. Thanks for posting. Not everybody can get down to the store or afford a replacement.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
thanks Tim!
@Tam58851520
4 жыл бұрын
What the heck -- I was waiting for - or - expecting Danny or O G to clean it with the mass accelerator and a special HEPA slug. That being said good advice, thanks
@parwaz7861
3 жыл бұрын
Now I know how to effectively wash my Dyson HEPA filter, thank you!
@t_c5266
4 жыл бұрын
could you do some tests to see the air particulates it is able to clean? I know the guy over at "Vacuum wars" does tests like this a lot and I would be interested to see if the effectiveness for particles of whatever micron size still get stopped from going through the filter. The original size that the HEPA filter is designed for.
@pamelahaze3211
Жыл бұрын
Thank-you Thank-you I'm going to go soak mine right now
@kathleenspears3952
3 жыл бұрын
Airflow direction is key! Very good info here. You can always establish the airflow direction of the cabin blower fan by holding a light piece of tissue paper over it while running the a/c (don’t stick your fingers into moving parts!) and watch which direction it pulls the paper. That is your air flow direction and that is the direction in which you should install the arrow on your filter.
@gamebred5662
4 жыл бұрын
Deff thought I was going to see this thing get demolished by a crazy slug lol
@thinkingimpaired5663
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, the last time I washed mine I just used plain water and I was dissatisfied. Glad you posted this video I appreciate it. I think Winix rates the filter for 10 cleanings I gave up after one because of the horrible plain water results.
@JohnSmith-hm7eh
Жыл бұрын
Taofledermaus pronouncing High Efficient Particulate Arrestance filter "HEPA" filter like the BOSS, he is! ... The rest of the people in the USA couldn't comprehend how many people in California, will say, "HeePAh" filters. ... Taofledermaus, the real deal, > California Hep-Cat!
@do7hemath937
4 жыл бұрын
You've got to love KZitem videos and the comments. Some say don't wet the filter. Vacuum or use a low pressure blower instead. I love using my leaf blower to clean the dust off the blades inside my tower fan. I could see using it on low to clean a air purifier filter. The only thing i wouldn't recommend from this video is putting the wet filter back in the unit and turning it on to help it dry, but your unit is obviously old and tough as nails. I had an old window fan that I would take out and clean in the bathtub, but I wouldn't tell anyone to put a new fan in the tub and completely wet it like that. Good luck.
@Planespotterdude
2 жыл бұрын
This only works on plastic or metal frames. I tried it on my sunpentown ac3000i hepa and it immediately demolished it. Its got cardboard edges almost paper thin. My new system will have plastic/rubber edges and I should be able to clean them. On my current sunpentown, i place a prefiter over the hepa, i then vacuum the prefilter every 3 mos and also vacuum the hepa at same interval. I make the filter last 18 mos instead of 6. The replacement is $45 to $55.
@shockwavecity
4 жыл бұрын
After this, it's still a filter, but it's not HEPA anymore. HEPA relies on a static action to get the smallest particles out, and it's basically gone after you clean a filter like this.
@ChunkyMonkaayyy
4 жыл бұрын
Wouldn’t air going across it create static? Especially if it’s dry air.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
You're giving that paper medium way too much credit
@shockwavecity
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus It's not paper, HEPA filtration medium is fiberglass. If you see a paper filter and it claims to be HEPA, be very very dubious.
@supergeek1418
4 жыл бұрын
*EXCELLENT INFO* !!! Thanks!
@MrBen101199
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you 🙏🏻 was wondering whether HEPA filter for my vacuum cleaner is washable
@kenwinston2245
4 жыл бұрын
Hooray for renewable stuff 😃 still subscribed
@BloodAsp
4 жыл бұрын
Why accelerate air through the filter, when you can accelerate the filter through the air much faster!?!
@AEYE1111
8 ай бұрын
With a little research you can get custom made electrostatic washable filters that will last you a life time and they even work better than the paper carbon filters and you can wash these custom made filters as many time as you want.
@Carlos-ko9zy
4 жыл бұрын
I think you can let it dry out under the sunlight too
@randlerichardson5826
4 жыл бұрын
Be safe out there and GOD BLESS
@aldomoliere380
3 жыл бұрын
I asked Holmes if it was recommended. They warned against… something about the carbon loss in soaking. Thoughts?
@kentcontreras4692
4 жыл бұрын
I've done the same thing, I tend to just rinse mine and then coat with oregano or other anti-biotic oil from my girlfriend's diffuser set. It makes the air smell nice and clean, not only that but you can run an air filter slightly wet depending on where the electrical boards are in the air filter. I do it every month or so as our pets create alot of dander.
@azlannakamoto7913
3 жыл бұрын
how did you make your air purifier slightly wet?
@kentcontreras4692
3 жыл бұрын
@@azlannakamoto7913 simple, the majority of filters have vertically mounted circuits, as long as the transformer and or circuits are not at the lowest level of the filter unit, then the risk is minimal to running it with the filter still damp after rinsing and shaking it out and it will dry itself from the airflow
@zoezacinakayak957
4 жыл бұрын
Saving the planet 👍
@MikeDPlxztc
4 жыл бұрын
That does work but I think it leaves them kind of nasty I have taken to just buying cheap regular air conditioning filters at the Home Depot and cutting them to size it works great
@RistaMotorista
4 жыл бұрын
i feel like this is a late april fools video
@3000gtwelder
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome! I like how you emphasize being gentle, and just letting gravity and things like wicking and air drying vs blowing with a hair dryer. What about using a vacuum chamber?
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
Most people don't have a vacuum chamber
@3000gtwelder
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus Yeah, I guess your right lol. I always forget about that.
@jtjames79
4 жыл бұрын
Anybody ever watch Apollo 13? Remember the duct tape and plastic bag air filter mod? I'm in the process of making one of those for myself. Virus can't get in if you have positive air pressure. A prototype is going to be a hoodie with a plastic mask and gloves, hot glued on. Spray down with Clorox disinfectant when you get home. Also Clorox the filter, and run it a little while disconnected from the air hose. A handful of 18650s can get you several hours. Making a recharging circuit wouldn't be too difficult then you could plug it into USB.
@teekey1754
Жыл бұрын
Water will be whipped or wicked ? Besides hepa filters do not work on viruses.
@huckstirred7112
4 ай бұрын
I am gonna try the wash machine on gentle cycle . If it fails , Well I already have 2 new ones
@wilsonkj
4 жыл бұрын
This came up in my feed , UK
@chauffeurmarco
9 ай бұрын
They don't want for us to know but not all purificator HEPA filter are washable thought
@BuzzinsPetRock78
4 жыл бұрын
What are these filters for? I have never seen anything like it here in Europe....(the Netherlands to be more exact....but I have been around Europe...and honestly haven't seen them). The only filters we use are on the extraction fans above cookers in the kitchen, and that's just to prevent fat/dirt buildup in the chimney (so they don't catch fire too easely)
@randlerichardson5826
4 жыл бұрын
Hey Mouse Wildman Danny and Officer Greg also known as white puff back in his day lolllllllllllllll
@jimouthier4330
4 жыл бұрын
Did you think of vacuuming the filter first so that most of the large particles would be absent.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, but the fine dust is still going to be there.
@mrdynamite71
4 жыл бұрын
Does it have to be laundry detergent? I mean could I use powder dishwasher soap? Or laundry soap is better for the filter material. Couldn't these just be put in a dishwasher cycle, without the heat dry of course would melt the plastic. Just asking 😂
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
I think if you put it in the dishwasher, it would turn to pulp, probably too much heat, and water pressure blasting it. Laundry detergent is an excellent cleaner that I believe has enzymes to help dissolve grime.
@mrdynamite71
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus Thanks ! 😎💪👍
@bazookajoe1459
4 жыл бұрын
Could I wash a shop vac filter like this?
@_spacegoat_
4 жыл бұрын
Take that, Big Filter!
@azlannakamoto7913
3 жыл бұрын
it would be great if you could run some test with pm2.5 meter, comparing these washed hepa filter performance vs brand new. 👍🏻
@loganq
3 жыл бұрын
Many people have. After one wash the filters they lose significant filtering power.
@MiTmite9
2 жыл бұрын
@@loganq Oh, rats. I really was hoping a good wash would do the trick. PM2.5 filtration is the main reason I got my fancy AirDoctor unit.
@loganq
2 жыл бұрын
@@MiTmite9 Yeah, it's a shame this guy couldn't care less and has left this video up to trick people.
@loganq
2 жыл бұрын
It has definitely hurt a lot of people. Imagine some poor asthmatic kid whose parents watch this stupidness, and they suffer or even die because of it. But he's getting his KZitem revenue!
@SmedleyButler1
Жыл бұрын
@@MiTmite9 why? Pm1 is FAR more dangerous and prominent
@0zmosis2001
4 жыл бұрын
I thought this was going to be a goof and the filter was going to get shot by some crazy slug😁
@Holestic_Honesty
4 жыл бұрын
osmosis 01 Me too
@ScottKenny1978
4 жыл бұрын
Me three!
@notgray88
4 жыл бұрын
Same dude I was kinda disappointed lol
@thinkingimpaired5663
4 жыл бұрын
Shoot the purifier with frozen Jello shot.... Lol
@AngelSanchez-du8ze
4 жыл бұрын
That's what should have happened. Stick to gun videos please for the love of god
@coyotecom
4 жыл бұрын
Huh, I just cleaned them because I'm poor as hell and "not as good as new but still works" is better than "You didn't make rent"
@billkerr1704
4 жыл бұрын
Lmao same here poor as hell save save I here ya man
@notgray88
4 жыл бұрын
I always worry about my finances when in reality I probably have it a lot better than most. If you ever need a few bucks to help you keep your house, just let me know man and I'd be happy to help.
@coyotecom
4 жыл бұрын
@@notgray88 I'm good lol. I own my place
@OMGWTFLOLSMH
3 жыл бұрын
If it's only providing 50% of its original filtration, it's not really still working.
@Magnulus76
3 жыл бұрын
Buy a furnance filter if possible and skip the machines, then, if you can. They are far more cost-effective.
@Oldmankingspiffy
4 жыл бұрын
I thought you were going to clean it with lead
@evilcanofdrpepper
4 жыл бұрын
Next video, "Getting Better Airflow in Your Home Air-duct Filters"
@backyardforge5568
4 жыл бұрын
me too
@COIcultist
4 жыл бұрын
Waiting for part II where you put the filters through a "Mass Accelerator."
@BloodAsp
4 жыл бұрын
Why accelerate air through the filter, when you can accelerate the filter through the air much faster!?!
@COIcultist
4 жыл бұрын
@@BloodAsp So, so very true.
@dazaspc
4 жыл бұрын
Depending on application washing Hepa filters can cause a problem. This is because the clean side gets contaminated with the dirty side during the wash process. A big deal if you had to absolutely keep out what is on the dirty side say Asbestos. The filter media also looses it's efficiency to trap smaller particles as the fibers lay down. This is amplified by the drying method you are using. This derates the filter allowing smaller particles to pass through with less chance of getting caught. They will still work but wont be the 99.8% that makes it a Hepa. Nothing wrong with washing them but be aware that they will not be as effective as new items. You can clearly see that on the unit displayed with the dust tracks on the draw through fan.
@iofs3338
4 жыл бұрын
Still subscribed. Still shows as taofleurdjn.... Yeah, that 😂
@Robbe902
4 жыл бұрын
Fledermaus - german for "bat" (no idea, why) 🤔😉 (and to split that up as well - 'fleder' (modern) is another term for german 'flatter' (ancient), so "flutter" in english. And 'maus' is simply a "mouse" . 🤷♂️
@WinningTrades4U
4 жыл бұрын
I lost it at the “Coronas” Drain Washing comment 🤣😂 Instant Subscription after that
@caylebsrandomvideos3749
4 ай бұрын
Same :D
@DoRC
4 жыл бұрын
Independent tests have shown that washing with water greatly decreases the effectiveness of it. Yes it will flow more air but it also allows more particulate through. Wetting the filter alters the microscopic structure of the fibers and opens the pores killing its filtering ability. You do you but the filter probably isn't hepa anymore.
@Hawk1966
4 жыл бұрын
This would be my worry. Maybe stretch a filter two years, clean it once. But if you destroy the integrity and ruin the effectiveness you're just running a fan that barely moves air. They're $40 for two replacement filters. Isn't your health, especially now, worth a small investment?
@pupfriend
4 жыл бұрын
Tests funded by Big-HEPA!!
@DoRC
4 жыл бұрын
@@Hawk1966 the first washing basically ruins it.
@TheHappyprsn
4 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, if you want the filter rating you need to follow the instructions. Water obviously damages paper, it's not going to have the same structure after soaking unless it has been designed to be washed. There are even academic papers on bleach/alcohol/heat damaging filters when used to just sterilize them let alone clean them. Some are electrostatic (including facemasks) and almost any cleaning will degrade the charge permanently.
@MikeTrieu
4 жыл бұрын
Wouldn't running an ionizer over the surface of the filter media suffice to "recharge" it? You're basically looking to get the microfibers to repel each other and randomly fill enough space to create that HEPA baffling effect.
@theaudioman4446
3 жыл бұрын
the question is, have you compromised the HEPA filtration specifications, surely you would only know if you analysed it with special measuring equipment? Correct me if I'm wrong!
@Squat5000
4 жыл бұрын
It's a good video. Some information for folks to remember, many of these use a cellulose filter media. HEPA has a few different specifications, but generally you are looking at 99.97% of .3 micron particles. Washing cellulose media is effective for larger particles that most people care about, namely dust and dander. Unfortunately you will not be able to filter at the true HEPA rating. Reuse as needed, but if you need the full rating, be careful what environments and contaminates you are removing. If you are trying to remove fine particles or smoke and virus particles, you are better off using a washed filter as a pre filter and finish off with a new HEPA. That gives you the best balance of life and performance. We built our own 24X12 panel filter using 6 inch HEPA panel, pre filtered with a 4 inch Merv 13, deep pleats
@workingguy6666
4 жыл бұрын
Do you have a video on what you built?
@alphaTrader.oo1
2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant tips
@AkiSan0
4 жыл бұрын
do this with caution! most hepa filters WILL lose efficiency and, depending on the type+use+material they might lose their intended purpose. yes they still work fine as particulate filters, but most of them lose their functionality as "sterile" filters. if you have health issues, be very careful with washing your filters and if necessary rather replace them than washing them. if you just use them bc it is dusty outside and want to have "cleaner air" you are most likely fine with washing them a couple of times until you will notice a loss of flow through capability. :)
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
Even after washing these filters over 20 times the airflow is always much better than before I washed them.
@MonoDiTriSub
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus that because the pore of the filter that suppose to be as small as possible have been spread wider, reducing it efficiency to filter very small particles for more air flow. ie. water the garden by drinking straw compare to garden hose.
@MrZuyeg
4 жыл бұрын
Great comment. Came down here to write something similar. Works fone for larger dust particles, but not much of a "HEPA" after the wash. Here's a short video on how this filters work: kzitem.info/news/bejne/oquMyJesiZWbdKw now imagine what a wash does to the filtration medium.
@Deepwaterjew
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus when people are saying "lose efficiency" they mean lose cleaning efficiency, not flow. Just because something flows better than when you started doesn't mean it's cleaning as good as it's intended.
@RodolfoGeriatra
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus that's because it has lost filtration efficiency!
@jameswitte5167
4 жыл бұрын
PLESSE DO NOT DO THIS FOR ANY MEDICAL PERSONAL BREATHING MACHINES ... Paper is made from wood ... When the paper element gets wet the fibers swell and push against each other ... As they rry the fibers shrink ... This has been known to increase the gaps between the fibers which changes the size of the particles that are trapped ... That's one of the reasons paper filters are seldom used on humidified breathing devices ... I study this sorta thing because I have been using a CPAP for a number of years ... That being said it would be fine for household air purification or vacuum cleaners ...
@irontongue5389
4 жыл бұрын
Before you wash the filters, run a hand vac over the top to remove the majority of loose gunk on the surface. this will remove a large amount of dirt and prevent it from embedding into the ilter paper as you wash it.
@workingguy6666
4 жыл бұрын
I just washed my floor vac's HEPA filter this week (pretty much the same way as the video, used dish soap though) - so it's not like it is saving work by transferring the dirt over unless one has an old-school vacuum with disposable bags.
@kiyoponnn
3 жыл бұрын
@@workingguy6666 I have a different vacuum, it dumps all the dirt in water
@workingguy6666
3 жыл бұрын
@@kiyoponnn That's kinda cool. What make/model?
@kiyoponnn
3 жыл бұрын
@@workingguy6666 Don't know what model it is, but it's from a brand called kalorik
@irishdemarco3828
3 жыл бұрын
But what if the filter your washing is for the vacuum? And I don’t have other filter yet. Lol
@Johnny-xu7kb
9 ай бұрын
happy to say that not all companies deny the washability of these filters. My Electrolux (Swedish company) air purifyer explicitly mention HEPA-filters to be washable (tough they recommend no more than 8 times). Found this video when looking _how_ best to clean it though. Good vid :)
@andynonya6391
4 жыл бұрын
Good to finally see someone stick it to Big Filter! 😂
@DaniGirl6
11 ай бұрын
The fibers are delicate and generally I have seen them through electron scanning microscopes. That said, it is a house hold appliance which means it is not a great filter to start with and is probably made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is tougher than glass fiber. Not by much, but enough to sorta wash it. Also, PET is one of the worst fibers efficiency wise, but it's cheap. Anyway, distilled water and an ultrasonic cleaner is a good route to go. Any soap you use, you want it to a type that can evaporate because you can never rinse it out enough. This because of how HEPA filters are designed. Even water has a hard time getting through the filter (talking about sub-micrometer size here, not the big globs you see going through the world is a bit different as things get smaller). I don't have a suggestion for a detergent, but to sterilize it, food grade hydrogen peroxide is a good option because it decomposes into water and oxygen. Food grade because medical grade has stabilizers for a longer shelf life. There is one cleaning method I read in a research paper not to long ago using supersaturated carbon dioxide that works well even for glass fiber pretty, neat since all other methods require metal fibers or other special fibers. But the average person won't have the equipment to do that and getting the specialty fibers for that little machine would be difficult. It is more for nuclear facilities and their filters to keep radiation particles under control or other manufacturing facilities clean rooms and that stuff. Still, that filter has been damaged, you just can't see it without the right tools. However, I am confident filters for machines like that aren't great to start with so it isn't a big loss, maybe an acceptable loss for the savings. Besides HEPA is more of a method most of the time when it comes to home appliances, MERV rating is more reliable measurement. Companies can say True HEPA or UltraHEPA and the efficiency can be whatever. It is at the point HEPA standard doesn't mean much for the average consumer, just a buzz word.
@MrArcher0
4 жыл бұрын
There are two things I find immediately wrong with this video. ( I work in the Asbestos Abatement field ) 1. Paper filters are designed to filter out partials as small as .5 microns in my field. Getting these fibers wet de laminates their structure and causes them to “ clump together” creating larger holes in the filter that you cannot see with the naked eye, but destroy the usefulness of the filter for what it was INTENDED to filter out. 2. Washing them in the manner shown in the video CONTAMINATES the other side of the filter. This is the equivalent to pissing in one area of the pool and expecting it to stay in that area. Those things that you are TRYING to keep out are now on the other side of the filter. Which when they dry out in the filter may dislodge into the very air space your trying to prevent them from entering. Think about your safety first. Weigh that against what your trying to filter out. Then compare that to the cost of a new filter. To get more life out of a HEPA filter with the LEAST amount of damage is to vacuum it off with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter of its own. ( Yeah kinda stupid I know...) This is the only way I recommend attempting to clean a paper filter. This controls the spread of the contaminants that were trapped in the filter in the first place. ( Do Not Use High Pressure Air to Blow off Filters. Your only pissing in the pool faster) Sadly vacuuming usually only extends the life of the filter by maybe half factoring in humidity and previous saturation. I’m assuming if you watched this video and bothered to read any of this your thinking about the corvid -19 virus. Please check the CDC website for recommendations for cleaning filters. For this nasty little bug I’m not qualified to give you a solution.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
If this didn't work I wouldn't have continued to do it for 10 years
@sveeny
2 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus I gotta say I like your videos but your comment answers are nothing but ignorant. Only because the filter doesn‘t get destroyed during washing and allows for air going through it after drying this doesn‘t mean it still has the same filtering capabilities or HEPA rating. Recommending such methods to someone with serious illness such as strong allergic Asthma is a bad thing to do!
@curtisjackson3556
3 жыл бұрын
I’m an hvac technician and I do not approve... when in doubt throw it out, your wash will deteriorate a layered fiber medium and tender it useless and even make it more restrictive... also moisture attracts everything so why clean a filter to put it back in wet to immediately impact again and put more stress on your purifiers motor pulling through a wet filter. Buy a new filter this is the most dollar store thing I’ve ever seen. A step away from extreme cheapskates.
@Marcuswelby-nx2te
3 ай бұрын
Buzz off
@thomasesr
4 жыл бұрын
This wont work with filters that have activated charcoal or activated carbon inside as the carbon becomes saturated. But you can try and replace the charcoal.
@wiktorwisniewski5748
3 жыл бұрын
How to clean charcoal ones??
@gretajane802
3 жыл бұрын
You don’t don’t know that it’s actually still working after you wash it. Water ruins the fine filtration of HEPA filters. You may think you’re saving money, but you must factor in the cost to your health for a more accurate idea of “savings”. Look for studies on the filtration results before and after washing.
@Bacteriophagebs
3 жыл бұрын
Washing a HEPA filter will make in no longer HEPA-rated because it causes clumps in the fibers. If you don't NEED HEPA rating (most people do not), then this is fine. Of course, if you don't need HEPA rating, you'd save even more money by building a filter with a 20" box fan and one or more 20" furnace filters. FAR more airflow, it just won't stop the really tiny particles. There's a video on YT from a university where the guy is actually selling HEPA filters, but shows that just sticking a furnace filter in front of the fan is 90% effective (HEPA filters are 99%+). For maximum air-cleaning speed, put 5 of them together with duct tape to make a cube with the fan as the sixth side. Just be sure to only run the fan on low, as higher speeds will created more back-pressure and possibly burn out your fan motor.
@GMCLabs
4 жыл бұрын
I just got an air purifier on clearance at walmart for like $20. It said it had a permanent washable hepa filter. Figured thats why its on clearance, ppl see that and think BS, you gotta eventually replace the filter, and you can't buy em. I was actually skeptical, but figured for the price it be worth it, and found you can order the filters from the company. Nice to see though that you actually can just wash them.
@TEAMCREAM_96
4 жыл бұрын
I doubt it would work well if they rely on activated carbon but other then that hell yeah as long as they dont stink
@brianwest2775
Ай бұрын
There washable (teflon) an unwashable (paper) HEPA filters. They're made with different materials.
@programagor
Жыл бұрын
So I tried this, and my results say: don't do it if you care about filtering of microscopic particles. Before I washed the filter, it was used for 12 months in a dusty room. After those 12 months, he air flow decreased by 30% compared to new, and the PM2.5 levels increased by 10% compared to new. After washing, the airflow increased by 110% compared to dirty (increase by 50% compared to new), while the PM2.5 particle levels INCREASED by 50% compared to dirty (increase by 65% compared to new) So washing it makes the filtering faster, but it's actually doing less than if you just not wash it. I suspect because the water makes the fibres clump together, which makes the pores larger, allowing microscopic particles to pass through more easily. I repeat that my measurements are looking at invisible PM2.5 particles, not visible dust. If you care just about the dust, then sure, wash your filters. But a lot of the negative health effects are caused by microscopic particles, so I will just keep buying new filters. I've heard about a trick of using compressed air to blow the particles out, but have not tried that yet.
@Nozzlejockey2
4 жыл бұрын
A "Shamwow" would be great for drying this out.
@umbratherios5614
4 жыл бұрын
lol
@hakrj12
4 жыл бұрын
... and then you can slap me nuts
@FusionDeveloper
Жыл бұрын
It all depends on your purpose of a HEPA. If 1 single mold spore in a sterile environment will completely ruin your lab work and cost you a lot of time and money, then you need to buy new filters and store them correctly. If cleaner air (compared to no air filtering) is your goal, washing is worth a try. Even a fan blade and countertop will collect dust, so anything with air moving through it will help trap airborne particles, regardless of any change in efficiency.
@farah-5538
8 ай бұрын
I'm trying to kill/ clean black mold air... could you elaborate some more plz ? Think it's a tough one so i'm looking at a Hepa 14 industrial air purifier after the mold you can see is cleaned
@ryandavis3393
4 жыл бұрын
One thing you got to watch out for washing those filters or any washable or non washable filter doesn't matter is what I noticed I had a washable filter for my air conditioning in my home used it for years washed up many times at least once a month and what we found is because we had hard water deposits in the tap water it unbeknownst to us we didn't think of it at the time we should have it clog the filter however we cleaned it it knocked you know most of the dirt and dust and dander and pollen and microscopic organisms out of there however over time and not probably very long either we didn't notice it cuz it was so gradual and we got used to the way it sounded in performed but when we replaced it with a brand new one the different even after just washing and letting it dry up you know all day and all night we replaced it with a brand new one same one but brand new never used before and the difference of airflow sound and the way it felt coming out of the vents compared to the amount of flow coming out even after a clean filter was night and day just from the hard water deposits calcium lime rust whatever so keep that in mind if you have hard water you may want to use filtered water or something like a detachable hose filter or Brita filter PUR Filter Zero Water something like that to get out the hard water deposits and and debris and stuff that will end up mineralizing in the filter material and really destroying the air flow and straining your air system whatever it is air conditioning heater or filter system so unless you have incredibly soft water or filtered water I would be careful of using oh Priya wash filters over and over and after we realize that we ended up buying some very high quality disposable not the cheap fiberglass ones but very high quality 3M brand Filtrete filters and got the best ones money could buy and the airflow was fantastic get it caught guaranteed like until almost one micron of material in there for over 90 days and then we just threw it away the wash one had to be washed at least once a month where we were living and with the all the dust and pet hair and dander and stuff and even though we did that overtime and probably not very long it built up a lot of minerals we didn't even know about it because it was so gradual it sounded find us it wasn't such an Abrupt change that we we knew something was sounding different or feeling different but it was straining our system
@ScottKenny1978
4 жыл бұрын
Breathe, dude. Paragraphs.
@saralazaro4555
2 жыл бұрын
I would not use laundry detergent to clean a filter as you are trying to filter out the chemical toxins in the air from detergents and cleaners not apply them directly to the filter to be blown vigorously through your air. Also I imagine running the air filter with the filter still damp would cause dust and dirt to clump into the filter causing problems. Inside a HEPA filter is also a stage of filtration for the smallest particles which uses tiny fibers. I would imagine that getting those fibers wet would make them less effective. You may still be able to use the first layer of filter for large particles but layers 2 and 3 would be damaged.
@johnpossum556
4 жыл бұрын
This was why I liked my Ionic Breeze air purifiers so much as they had stainless steel filters that were easier than this to clean. Too bad the ozone destroys the machines internally.
@WildWestRaider
4 жыл бұрын
That is still a fairly legit product for being sold on TV lol.
@scottomalley3948
4 жыл бұрын
A lot of furnaces have similar air cleaners made by Honeywell. The filtration technology is called Electrostatic Precipitation. Very, very efficient, I can understand why you liked it lol
@johnpossum556
4 жыл бұрын
@@scottomalley3948 Yeah, my first ones only took 11 watts and that included moving the air. Thanks for the tip about what it is called. I'll look into that.
@johnpossum556
4 жыл бұрын
@@WildWestRaider Why the lol? They are a great product but they have more miniature safety interlock switches than most microwaves have. Plus mine has a CMOS 68HCXXX computer chip in it. And people wonder why they are expensive. The later models even include a honeycomb filter that turns the ozone back into oxygen. You wouldn't think there is a computer chip in there because there is no screen. I've upgraded to an airocide.com which is a great product but takes a lot more energy and the replacement filters are glass tubes so tao's method doesn't work for them. Plus they are not cheap. Almost $150 a year to replace. But they're top notch. They even kill viruses via some NASA engineered magic.
@ashakabeta
2 жыл бұрын
This works. Mine had mold growing on it, so I used a large ziplock freezer bag, with white vinegar. I used it undiluted initially, agitating it inside the bag, then after about an hour, added some water and a little dish soap. Agitated gently, rinsed in the bag, agitating gently several times ... A long, free flow rinse with cold water at the end, then allowed it to dry. I reset my filter replacement, and it is blue! Meaning, it's working just fine! I put the new replacement filter back into the bag to use for the future. I have 3 filters total, and am rotating them. I have the 2nd in a bag, soaking in white vinegar. We've moved out of our moldy icky place, and don't want to introduce those microbes into our new environment! Thank you for prompting me to test this!
@DarkMetal.
Жыл бұрын
I washed my hepa filter with water All black water came from the filter.. I used jet spray Thew water using mugs And then putting the filter in running tap water. All the dirt came out yucks now keeping it to dry the shiiit outtt
@MinistryOfMagic_DoM
4 жыл бұрын
I wasn't aware I wasn't supposed to be washing these things... I wash the ones I'm my vacuum too.
@flanflanjp_
4 жыл бұрын
Washing them turns the dust to mud clogging the very tiny holes. It also damages the material making the holes larger and ruining its filtration capacity. It may seem usable but they lose their capacity to remove small particles.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
In that case I shouldn't be getting any airflow at all after cleaning these for 10 years.
@mwj5368
23 күн бұрын
Hi! I liked and subscribed. I have an Oreck WK17002QPC tower style air purifier I bought used for $5 at Salvation Army today. Because the store is big and my 481sq ft apartment is very small I didn't realize it has this "old house" annoying strong smell that makes me sneeze. The filter looks perfectly white. The folded accordion material looks very much like the material in your filter in the demo. I paid $5 for the tower and it looks never used. What causes that characteristic "old house" smell? I can't see the inner works but the white filter shows no sign of black mold etc. Is just buying a new filter the answer? Is it had to wash out such an odor? Any feedback is much appreciated. I live in a 131 apartment building made in 1968. They are on all 9 floors tearing out the old hallway carpet plus sanding the walls to prep for painting. 15 years ago when I moved in I had to sign a disclaimer due to lead in the paint when I moved in. The manager said you have to chew into the walls in order to release the led. My white fan gets black fuzzy material on the blades and I live about 2 air miles from an oil refinery and about 1 mile from a busy freeway. I have asthma, but it is controlled with an inhaler. I'm just on a budget and trying to save money. Any help is much appreciated!! Thanks for this video! You can be frank with me if it means tossing this out, just hoping for the best or to give it a try...
@RookKnight
2 жыл бұрын
I just wanted to thank you for this video, I was paying around 24, to 30 dollar for filters. A week ago I went to reorder, and the price rised to 50 bucks (and these were the generics) My old ones were so clogged I was maybe getting 5% to 8% air flow. Anyways I watched this video yesterday, did all the steps, and ended up letting them dry by my coal stove over night. I put them in today, and my air flow has got to be 90% to even 100% back, and with bleaching them I'm confident the air will be cleaned, and not spreading any old bacteria, and whatnot. So just wanted to give you a big thank you for saving me money. You definitely got a subscriber out of me (it's the least I could do) as well as a few thumbs up. Really though thank you 🙏
@taofledermaus
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I don't normally do these types of videos. Just wanted to share this technique with others since you have NOTHING to lose by trying it. Just save some money and reduce trash going to the landfill.
@kchididdy
2 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus Nothing to lose? How about health? You might be using your purifier for nuisance dust but some people rely on these devices for health reasons. E.g. asbestos reduction during construction, immunocompromised or asthma folks, covid19, wildfire situations, etc, etc. You do realize that with your large viewership, you may be putting many people in harms way, right? I'm not trying to put you down for pleasure -- I'm not that kind of guy. Your video is misinforming those who actually rely on true HEPA for health reasons. I hope you understand where I'm coming from.
@taofledermaus
2 жыл бұрын
@@kchididdy It's a simple medium - not black magic.
@kchididdy
2 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus BTW, your video comes up as a top hit when you Google search "wash HEPA filter". This has the potential to come back and bite you hard. I'm just trying to be constructive and look out for all of us including you, Jeff.
@SurvivalRussia
4 жыл бұрын
Well done Jeff. My viewers have also complained to me about being unsubscribed automatically. I'm not sure what's going on but at one point I could literally see the subscriber count dropping after uploading a new video. It is normally the other way around.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lars. Yeah, I told my YT manager about these issues - all I get is "we'll look into it" but they never do.
@marissamalfeasance
3 жыл бұрын
i think they make you unfollow when you haven’t interacted (like consistently making comments or whatever) to better reflect a subscriber account bc of fake or unused profiles
@jjohnston94
4 жыл бұрын
3:39 Can't get to the barber either, eh?
@anomamos9095
4 жыл бұрын
Recommend vacuuming the filter and area gently before removing it. Activated charcoal filters cannot really be washed as they are just a filter by the time you wash them. If you have the right type of unit you can replace the filter with a vehicle air filter. Be careful of units that use electrostatic to increase filtration, depending on the design they could have metal elements in the filter media or elsewhere. A spritz with Tea Tree oil and Vodka will not only kill mould etc but it will smell nice.
@chrisgraham2904
2 жыл бұрын
Good point! Vehicle engine filters are made in a huge variety of sizes and thicknesses, so with no or slight modifications, they may extend the life of a discontinued filter system. Vehicle engine filters have no MERV rating since they are not intended for breathable air, but will trap dust and other large particles.
@anomamos9095
2 жыл бұрын
@@chrisgraham2904 You can usually find the particle size rating for auto filters and compare that to the Merv rating.
@mrsigns100
Жыл бұрын
Once , when I was really broke, I just draped toilet paper over the intake and replaced every week or so. Worked like a charm.
@mateonavarro7443
6 ай бұрын
i used 2 dryer sheets 😢 smelt good for about a day, but definitely most likely did nothing for air quality lol
@OGsDangerShow
4 жыл бұрын
Now to clean those filtered cigarettes...
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
lol
@GrantLanning
4 жыл бұрын
I would bet the replacement filters today come with a cardboard enclosure around the paper medium rather than plastic just so you can't do this anymore.
@notgray88
4 жыл бұрын
I just bought a few filters a couple weeks ago. Not hepa filters, but they didn't have anything keeping you from washing it.
@Nozzlejockey2
4 жыл бұрын
We know how well it stops dust and pollen's, how well does it stop a projectile???
@someguy2741
4 жыл бұрын
The purpose of the HEPA filter is to filter tiny tiny particles like viruses for instance. You can wash it and it will work but it wont be a HEPA filter anymore since it wont stop tiny things like viruses anymore. It will be fine for dust and pet hair and big things.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
I haven't seen data saying these can even filter viruses.
@someguy2741
4 жыл бұрын
@@taofledermaus The definition of "HEPA" is indicative of the size of particle filtered. Otherwise it would be just a filter or have a particle size or a MERV rating. I am a structural engineer who has sat through countless site meetings with hvac engineers droning on and on and on. The filter magic is based on electrostatic charge to catch the smaller particles. Your choice of washing liquid may remove this electrostatic coating. Much like running fabric softener on some clothing like fire resistant clothing you may be modifying this cleaning mechanism making it ineffective.
@aboriani
4 жыл бұрын
I've been cleaning the same original HEPA filter on my vacuum cleaner for like 10 years now... Still running good... I've bought a second filter, so when one is drying out in the wind, I install the other on the vacuum and it's ready to go. P.S.: The video was on my YT front page, fourth video to be exact
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
ah thank!
@kchididdy
2 жыл бұрын
For vacuum cleaners, sure! But for true HEPA air purifiers relied upon for health, you can't just wash with detergent. Be careful folks. Don't wash your covid masks either.
@Blurns
4 жыл бұрын
Chuck it in the washing machine, gotcha.
@ExplizitDuester
4 жыл бұрын
That is good to know, very informative!
@marcok6959
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Keeps the environment from being filled with these. Been running a AEM Dryflow filter in car. Reusable and no oiling. Great video/tips
@thecheeze9001
4 жыл бұрын
I’m guessing that it’s a bad idea to wash HEPA filters with an activated carbon layer?
@TexasTimelapse
4 жыл бұрын
By the way, I always get notifications. To my knowledge, I've never had KZitem unsubscribe me from any channel. I wonder if most of these issues are caused by outdated devices used....smartphone, laptop or desktop. Here are my top theories. 1. Other than Apple and Google Pixels, smartphones aren't updated (system and security) at all after 2 years unless you root. Older phones running an older OS, sometimes don't like to play nice with newer user apps like the KZitem app...even though they're supposed to. Planned obsolescence. 2. People tend to load their phones up with apps using valuable system resources. This may create hiccups with push notifications. 3. For the laptop/desktops...well Windows 10. Enough said! ;)
@markfergerson2145
4 жыл бұрын
I'm running Win10 on my laptop and have not been unsubbed or missed a notification. I suspect it's a regional thing subject to the whims of state and national internet censo... admins. I also always wash the things because I'm cheap, but they always still work.
@ToolofSociety
4 жыл бұрын
Windows 10 pro is an excellent OS when setup properly. It also has nothing to do with any of the "problems" being voiced. The lack of notifications can be a result of multiple people using the same computer/browser. It confuses the suggestion algorithm to some extent when multiple people are using the same login via using the same browser. Multiple users on the same machine can lead to intentional or accidental unsubscribing from channels. I watch a very very WIDE range of topic related videos on youtube so my feed is constantly changing as a result. Sometimes TAOFLEDERMAUS falls off my suggested feed but since I clicked the notification option I'm always informed when a new video appears. A lot of this is people not realizing how algorithms or the interface works. I see the same complaints across a wide range of channels most of which aren't considered "hot topics" like guns.
@d4rk0v3
4 жыл бұрын
If you're just looking to filter dust and dirt out of the air, dander and hair, this is fine. After 20 washes your filter may structurally be intact but its ability to filter micron sized microscopic particles is definitely gone. Viruses and bacteria will nonchalantly wave at the filter as they pass right on through. For most home use applications this doesn't matter. Most people don't need HEPA level filtration of their air.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
That's all the manufacture claims these filters ARE for. Nothing about filtering viruses.
@Lazy_Tim
4 жыл бұрын
You can and I do wash my paper car air filters. My first Toyota Hilux had instructions for cleaning on the genuine filter.
@Hawk1966
4 жыл бұрын
Not sure about yours but I know even the charcoal filter I tried one year in my Accent have never been hepa compliant, they're just air filters to catch the big stuff.
@Kluneberg
4 жыл бұрын
I'm very skeptical that after washing that filter will have the same ability to filter microscopic particles yet not restrict air flow that much, as it does when brand new. It may looks semi clean and clear from large dust but that doesn't mean it's still filtering fine particles and performing to the same specs. I'd like to see someone get a particle detector and properly test this.
@taofledermaus
4 жыл бұрын
that's what THEY want you to think... lol
@ZingTowPootWerkins
4 жыл бұрын
Crackin video mate. You're just one of those friendly positive people who if you know something which helps or makes the day better you just like people to know. :)
@warrenphilips8441
4 жыл бұрын
I can't help but think, what is meant by "no failure" after washing? Air flows through it? It didn't come apart? There were no visible holes in the filter? The machine turned on? Also, is "no failure" anything like success in cleaning the filter and restoring it to full service-ability? My point is that there is a standard, X percentage of particles of X size are captured by these filters for X duration of usage. How do you know that your cleaning process is restoring the filter to that standard?
@e2go
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this! The prices for replacement filters are unbelievable outrageous.
@overheardatthepub1238
4 жыл бұрын
AKSHULLY once you wash it there's no guarantee it's still HEPA rated. Still filtery enough to pull crap out of the air, sure. But yknow.
@disgruntledegghead6923
4 жыл бұрын
We live in a disposable society these days. Common sense would tell you to wash it, but common sense isn't so common anymore.
@recklessroges
4 жыл бұрын
That's why consumables are disposable. Imagine someone washing their filter and then giving their entire household Legionnaires' disease because they didn't use UV or bleach as part of the cleaning process. (Its easier for the company to design these parts to be replaced than to teach micro biology to every customer.)
@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG
4 жыл бұрын
I was so waiting to see a hole blown through that thing, and then O.G or Eagle-Eye Danny's finger pokin' through!!! Still a great video otherwise Jeff, and a great way to save money 😁
@rb-ex
2 жыл бұрын
washing a hepa filter with water will destroy its hepa efficiency. there is no such thing as a water washable hepa filter that isnt a gimmick. hepa filters rely on physical trapping of particles in a fiber matrix, AND electrostatic adhesion of very small particles to the matrix surfaces. these very small particles would flow right through the matrix if there is no electrostatic adhesion. the use of water, which is highly polar and normally ionic as well, permanently destroys the electrostatic properties of the fiber surfaces. the filter will still kinda work afterwards, but at a much lower level of efficiency. a combination of high pressure air and physical shock/vibration will not harm the filter medium. however, a dirty filter likely already has compromised electrostatic capacity and reduced air flow and efficiency. so no, there isnt a cheap way to use your hepa filter indefinitely while maintaining hepa efficiency. when manufacturers tell you to discard the filter after so much use, it's not because they want you to buy more filters, it's because their filter is used up at a certain point and they want you to know that. if you're not prepared to pay for the cost of hepa filtration, you can always get a lower efficiency filter that is washable and enjoy better air flow than you get with a hepa, especially one that is used up
@MikeTrieu
4 жыл бұрын
If you have a sizeable enough ultrasonic cleaner, you can get a much more thorough agitation and a better cleaning effect. They're not even that expensive these days and has multiple uses beyond simply cleaning things.
@Nathan-H
4 жыл бұрын
Good Video, Thank you I tend to just use my mini compressor that i use for blowing up kids beach inflatables, and give it a blast from the clean side through the dirty side. Obviously I do this outside and aim down wind so the wind blows the dust away from me and my house. Yes you guessed it, I didnt think about which way the wind was blowing the first time and got covered.
@elmartillo7931
4 жыл бұрын
great tip! I've been washing and reusing HEPA filters for years as well
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