Homemade Charcoal Air Cleaner

Benefits of Charcoal

• At its tiniest level, activated charcoal contains millions of minuscule pores. Impurities and organic material pass through the tiny pores of charcoal, where contaminants are captured and retained. This process is called "adsorption." Activated charcoal adsorbs impurities such as smoke, pollen, radon and other fumes in vapors and odors carried by microscopic particles in the air. For best results, the cleaner should have a large surface area because the greater the area the more odors can be filtered. The homemade cleaner can be a passive device, filtering out odors without the use of electricity, or an active cleaner that uses a fan to stimulate airflow.

Passive Cleaner

• The passive homemade charcoal cleaner uses powdered activated charcoal. While not as effective as the energy-generated active cleaner, the passive method does not use electricity and requires little maintenance. The cleaner is also uncomplicated in its design and therefore simple to build. Examples of a passive homemade cleaner include a burlap or linen sack containing activated charcoal powder, and several tablespoons of activated charcoal powder sprinkled in small containers. Depending on the adsorption capabilities of the charcoal and the size of the surface area, the passive cleaner can filter air for months to a year before needing replacement.

Active Cleaner

• An active homemade charcoal cleaner requires energy to power a small fan but is much more effective than a passive cleaners. The fan circulates the air in the room, pushing the air through the charcoal filter and enabling the charcoal to adsorb impurities more readily. Homemade devices vary according to tools on hand and the need. The most simple cleaner consists of a wooden or cardboard box fitted with manufactured charcoal filters, available at home improvement and department stores. A small 12-volt fan fits in an opening in the box. Plugged in, the fan draws air from the box into the room.

Maintenance

• Over time, the tiny pores of the charcoal in the cleaner become filled with captured impurities. The cleaner contents need replacing to work effectively. Homemade passive cleaners need merely a fresh amount of powdered activated charcoal. Active cleaners with charcoal filters require cleaning or complete replacement of the filters. Most fans require no oiling or maintenance, but the fan could wear out and need replacement if used very frequently for long periods.