Download ArticleDownload Article

If you have a home with a furnace, your filter will need periodic cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. Make sure your filter is reusable. Reusable filters should be labeled as such and are usually made of plastic-like materials. If your filter is not reusable, replaceable/disposable filters are available to purchase online or at hardware stores. To clean a reusable filter, remove the filter carefully, run it under water, and set it out to dry. When you're done, your filter should be clean and can be reinstalled.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Removing the Filter

Download Article
  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Turn off the furnace.
    Never remove a furnace filter while the furnace is running. Make sure to switch the furnace off before you begin.There is usually a handle somewhere near the furnace that can be switched off.[1]
    • If you're unsure how to turn off your furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Locate the filter.
    Inside the furnace, you should see a filter. Usually, the filter is either just inside the furnace or just inside the air vent. The filter should have an arrow on it indicating airflow direction.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Mark the direction of air flow.
    Before you remove the filter, take a sharpie. Draw an arrow pointing in the direction of airflow somewhere on or near the furnace. This way, you will reinsert the filter in the right direction.[3]
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Remove the filter.
    Once you've located the filter, you can remove it. You should not need any special tools. Simply grab the filter with your fingers and slide it out of place.[4]
  5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Filter

Download Article
  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Make sure the filter is reusable.
    If your filter has a plastic frame, it's a reusable model. You can clean it out and place it back in your furnace.[5] Disposable filters tend to have cardboard frames. For disposable filters, discard the old filters. You will have to get the same type of filter at a hardware store to replace the old one.[6]
    • Make sure to note the type and size of filter if yours is not reusable. You will need to purchase the same type/size to replace it.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Rinse away the dust with water.
    Filter cleaning is actually very simple. No special cleaners are required. You simply rinse your filter under running water water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris caught in the filter. When necessary, turn the filter around to get all the sides clean.[7]
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Let the filter dry completely.
    Set the filter somewhere to dry once you've cleaned it. It's best to let the filter air dry. Drying times will vary depending on the temperature of your home, but make sure the filter is completely dry before reinserting it in the furnace.[8]
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Put the filter back in place.
    Again, no special equipment is required to reinsert the filter. You simply need to slide it back in place.[9]
    • Make sure to pay attention to the arrow you drew. Place the filter in the right direction of airflow.
  5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Caring for the Filter

Download Article
  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Figure out how often your furnace filter needs cleaning or replacing.
    Different types of furnace filters should be cleaned more or less often. Check your filter's label to see what type it is and clean it accordingly.[10]
    • Electrostatic filters need to be cleaned every three months.
    • Electronic filters should be cleaned weekly.
    • Mechanical filters are not reusable and should be replaced once a month.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Keep records of when you cleaned your filter.
    Each time you clean your filter, make a note of it. Write it down on a physical calendar or one in your home. Make a note of when the filter needs to be changed next. This will help you stay proactive about cleaning your furnace filter.[11]
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Replace your filter regularly.
    Even reusable filters have a shelf life. Check your filter's label or read your furnace's instructions manual. This will tell you how long your filter will last. Electromagnetic filters, however, do not need replacing unless they are severely damaged.[12]
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about keeping a well functioning furnace, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Belavus.

      About This Article

      How.com.vn English: Victor Belavus
      Co-authored by:
      Air Conditioning Specialist
      This article was co-authored by Victor Belavus. Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems. This article has been viewed 60,298 times.
      3 votes - 100%
      Co-authors: 5
      Updated: April 11, 2023
      Views: 60,298
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,298 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How.com.vn English: Hicham Jalboukh

        Hicham Jalboukh

        Aug 7, 2019

        "It's well explained for a beginner like me. Thank you."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      ⚠️ Disclaimer:

      Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
      Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.

      Notices:
      • - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
      • - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
      • - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
      • - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.

      Advertisement