How to Clean a Honeywell HEPA Air Cleaner

The Honeywell HEPA Air Cleaner is a three-speed air purifier designed to reduce airborne allergens. It also has two indicator lights; the first turns on when the HEPA filter needs maintenance, the second when the pre-filter needs replacement. This air cleaner is easy to maintain and can be cleaned in a few simple steps.

Honeywell HEPA Air Cleaner
Vacuum cleaner
Dusting brush
Soft cloth
New Honeywell universal pre-filter replacement

Instructions

- 1
  The Honeywell HEPA air filter is recommended for medium rooms about 14 by 14 feet. Because so much air is drawn through the purifier, dust can be deposited around the purifier. Regularly dust or vacuum the floor or carpet around the Honeywell.
- 2
  
  Turn off the air cleaner and unplug it. Carry it to a kitchen or other area where lighting is good and the floor can be easily cleaned. Put the purifier on a flat surface or on the floor. Turn the purifier on its side. Unscrew the locking handle by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the center HEPA filter together with the black woven pre-filter wrapped around the HEPA filter. Set them aside while you clean the case.
- 3
  
  The plastic housing has ventilation slots that let air in and out of the purifier. Use a brush to clean the vents. Vacuum the loose dust with a vacuum hose attachment. Clean the inside of the housing with a soft cloth to remove dust. Wipe off the inside of the lid. Be sure the round lid seal is clean and has no grit, as this seal helps ensure quiet operation. The hard plastic case can be cleaned with a damp soft cloth.
- 4
  The pre-filter needs to be replaced about every three months. Its light will come on for service more frequently than the HEPA light. This black mesh filter keeps larger particles out of the HEPA filter. It also helps reduce odors. Carefully remove the strip fasteners that hold the pre-filter ends together. Discard the old carbon pre-filter.
- 5
  The new carbon pre-filter is usually sealed in plastic. Open it carefully. This pre-filter is usually perforated in sections. The sections fit several sizes of HEPA filters. The pre-filter must be carefully cut lengthwise along the perforation that most closely matches the width of your HEPA filter. The replacement filter box usually has a measuring template to help you find the right perforation. If the pre-filter has no perforation, line it up carefully with the HEPA filter to cut the right height. After the pre-filter is cut to fit around the HEPA, set it aside with its fasteners.
- 6
  
  Clean the HEPA filter or filters before putting on the new pre-filter. Old-style HEPA filters were discarded and replaced with new filters when the HEPA monitor light came on. These filters lasted one to three years. The new-style HEPA filters are permanent and can be cleaned. Vacuum these big filter cartridges about a twice a year for top efficiency.
- 7
  Wrap the pre-filter around the clean HEPA filter or stack of filters. Fasten the ends of the pre-filter together with the fastener strips. Carefully place the HEPA and pre-filters inside the plastic housing. Replace the lid so that it fits snugly against the HEPA filter. Turn the locking handle clockwise and tighten so the lid is secure. Plug the unit in and turn it on. Reset the monitor lights by pressing the lit button for about five seconds until the light goes out.

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