Portable home purifier filters can be tricky to clean as uncleaned filters can decrease the performance of an air purifier and you may face serious problems. Speaking of Holmes air purifiers, it is one of the leading brands of air purifiers, famous for its performance as an all-rounder. It works on the principles of a 3-stage filtration system; pre-filters; to capture dust particles and fibers, followed by HEPA filters to eliminate up to 99.97% of microns, and complete the system lastly adding the activated carbon filters to catch smoke particles. As this article is about a three-stage air purifier but can you wash Holmes air purifier filters and if so, how to clean air purifier filters? Continue reading to learn about it.
Can You Wash Holmes Air Purifier?
In this blog, we are reviewing Holmes large 4 air purifier so let’s get started
Holmes Air Purifiers Specification
| Specifications | Holmes Air Purifier |
| Dimensions | 22.84 x 10.4 x 20.87 |
| Weight | 19.42 lbs. |
| Power | AC/DC |
| Filters | True HEPA, Carbon Filter |
| CADR Rating | 225 |
| Coverage area | 349 sq. ft. |
| Filter replacement | 8 to 12 months |
What we liked about it, Pros of Holmes Air Purifier?
- It is inexpensive with such amazing features
- The fan power is good
- It is a three-stage filtration system
What we do not like about it, Cons of Holmes Air Purifier?
- It is quite noisy
- This air purifier although very effective but has a high power consumption
Holmes Air Purifier Review
Speaking of the features of the Holmes air purifier, you can count on it for a large room air cleaning process due to the True HEPA filters it has which remove airborne allergens 99.97%. The remaining pollutants are filtered by the remaining filtration system.
As we said that it is ideal for large rooms, it offers coverage of 349 sq. ft. with a CARD rating of 225 cfm. When it comes to design, it has a sleek body that matches the interior easily, allowing dual positioning i.e. upright or by the sides.
In terms of filtration, this air purifier has a combination of True HEPA and an activated carbon filter to clean the microns and odor, gases, and smoke effectively.
Other options that you have for Holmes air purifier include,
- Holmes True HEPA odor eliminator
- Holmes True HEPA Allergen Remover
- Holmes Desktop HEPA
- Holmes Desktop HEPA, 3 Speed
Can you wash Holmes air purifier filters?
When it comes to cleaning the air purifier filters, the first and the most important thing is to power off and unplug the unit before beginning your cleaning process. While opening any unit, you have to be very careful when opening the grills or changing its filter.
Remember, never drop or insert any kind of object in the unit while opening it also don’t put weight in the unit.
In a nutshell, yes you can but partially but how, let’s find out.
1. Cleaning of Holmes Air Purifier Pre Filter?
Most Holmes units use a washable foam pre-filter. You can simply wash these filters under running water, sink, or in the tub with your regular soap and luke water.
Note: Make it a habit of checking the filter every 14-20 days check the conditions of your Holmes’s pre-filter for better performance.
Here are some steps to wash and check the filter
- Turn off and unplug the unit
- Open the front inlet and remove the pre-filter frame
- Examine the pre-filter and notice if there is any dust and dander accumulation. If so, you wash it in warm soapy water gently and rinse it gently with your hands with soapy water. Or you can use a soft cloth too for this particular action.
- After washing, let it air dry. Make sure it is clean totally and put the filters back into the unit.
Remember, do not use any bleach or harsh cleaning agent as it will deteriorate the filter quality.
When should I change Holmes Air Purifier Pre-filter?
Pre-filters are usually made to run longer than other filters as they only have to capture large particles like fiber, dirt and pet hair, etc. There is no need to change your pre-filter as you can wash it with water after every 15 days. However, it can be changed only if it gets damaged or torn.
2. Cleaning the HEPA filter of Holmes Air Purifier
Holmes Purifier has a HEPA filter too that needs to be replaced every 6 to 8 months. As it is a permanent filter, you need to check the condition first and remove it in case of dirt. The modern air purifier comes with the indicators that will notify probably after every three months or when the performance is compromised.
Disposable HEPA filters consist of mainly two fibers; 80% polyester and cellulose blend. These two fibers are tightly weaved into a webby structure that has ultra-small holes to trap VOCs and other particles and finally an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene coating is laid on the filter that is called efficiency-enhancing coating. That is why we never recommend washing your Holmes HEPA filter.
While you are washing your Holmes HEPA filter, try not to take it directly under running water because the pressure will widen the pores of the weaved fiber, and weakens the structure of the HEPA filter.
For cleaning your Permanent HEPA filter, you can use a blower or vacuum (at low speed). The burst of compressed air up to 50 PSI will remove all the dirt particles easily.
Here are the step to clean the filter
- Turn off and unplug the air purifier
- Remove the air grill from the front side by pushing Tab
- Check the condition of the permanent filter and remove it if there is dirt. Remember, don’t wash it with water. Clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
- You can also run the brush on both sides of the filter. The filter may disappear its color but it will not affect its performance.
Don’t use water or even a damp cloth to clean the HEPA filter of Holmes.
When should you replace the HEPA filter?
HEPA filters are usually made for long-term use. In general, a HEPA filter can be used for 12 to 18 months depending upon the usage and the quality of air in your area. However, for some units, it is recommended to replace the air purifier within 6 to 8 months. The HEPA filter will cost you within the range of $ 20 – $ 95 depending upon the quality, size, coverage area, and manufacturer.
3. Carbon Filters of Holmes Air Purifier
A carbon filter, also known as an Odor filter or charcoal filter plays a vital role to eliminate the particles left by the HEPA filter, usually gases and smoke. The perfect carbon filter can reduce wildfire smoke particles, irritating smells, and digger smoke.
Holmes air purifier carbon filter is not recommended to wash however, you can clean this filter using a vacuum similar to the HEPA filter.
Here are the steps to clean Carbon/odor filter
- Turn off the unit and unplug the device
- Attach a crevice tool to your vacuum and move the vacuum on both sides of the filter from distance.
When should we replace the Carbon filter?
As the carbon filter is the last stage of filtration it captures every particle skipped by the other two filters. Halmos suggest replacing their carbon filter every 3-6 months depending on the usage and coverage.
Here is a tip, It is better to replace the carbon filter than to clean it by vacuum. Change the Carbon filter when it gets too dirty. An activated carbon filter can cost around $5 to $10 depending upon manufacturers and unit capacity.
How to clean a Halmos purifier?
Well,, you simply clean your outer part of the purifier by turning it off, unplug the device and take a damp cloth and rinse it well on your Air purifier.
For cleaning inside of the Halmos purifier follow these steps
- Power off the device
- Remove the plug of the unit and grills
- Take a microfiber cloth (dry) and give a quick wipe.
- You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the Halmos air purifier.
Finally, in the end
Cleaning your air purifier is essential while washing it is never an option and the same applies to the Holmes. Holmes air purifier filters are not washable and are not recommended either by the company or by experts. This is because will decrease the performance as well as life. However, if you are not tight on budget, it is better to replace them (HEPA and Carbon filter).
Frequently Asked Questions | Can you Wash Holes Air Purifier Filters
Can you wash halmos air purifier filters?
Yes, You can wash the pre-filter but it is not recommended to wash the permanent filters.
Can you wash pre-filter in sink?
Yes, you can wash pre-filter in your sink using any dish soap and a cloth. Dry it once you have clean it completely
Can you wash Holmes HEPA filter?
It is not recommended as it can affect it efficiency and it can also decrease it performance but you can clean it with a vacuum or compressed air. It is better to replace the filter when it gets dirty. Other than that, you can get assistance by reading the user manual of filter where you can find the directions for the cleaning process.
How can you check if you need to replace the filter?
This is easy as this model comes with the filter replacement indicator that will let you know. There is a yellow light indicator on the top of the Halmos filter which will begin to blink when the air purifier may need to replace its permanent filters.
How often you should clean your purifier?
It is recommended to clean your air purifier every three months and clean its pre filter every 20 days.