Do you own a Shark air purifier? What about the air quality from the air purifier, is it the same as it was before in the starting days?
The Answer is Obviously No! This is because the filter in an air purifier is clogged with dust particles.
This ends up with a question in your mind, Is Shark air purifier filter washable?
In this article, we have answered this question and other related questions such as How to clean the filter, how long the filter lasts, how to replace the filter, and how to reset the shark air purifier filter life.
Without any further ado, Let’s start reading!
Is Shark Air Purifier Filter Washable?
No, the Shark air purifier filter is not washable. The Shark air purifier uses a HEPA filter that is non-washable, you need to replace this filter every six to twelve months.
However, if you are sensitive to allergies changing the filter sooner will benefit you.
HEPA filters are capable of trapping airborne particles of size about 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency.
Shark air purifier remove mold spores, allergens, pollen, and other dust particles from the air.
You will find both washable and non-washable HEPA filters in the market. Non-washable HEPA filters are used one time and then discarded. Then the new filter is placed in the air purifier.
You need to be careful while getting a filter for a shark air purifier. You need to look for a non-washable, manufacturer-approved HEPA filter that is compatible with the air purifier.
If you try washing and using the filter, you will observe poorer indoor air quality though you are running your air purifier for a longer time.
This is because after washing the filter, fibers in the filter are stretched increasing the pore size and this ends with the filter not capturing the particles.
How Do You Clean a Shark Air Purifier Filter?
While cleaning the Shark air purifier filter, you will remove the loosely clogged dust particles from the filter by gently tapping on the surface.
This in turn improves the efficiency of the air purifier to some extent.
But the fact is that the Shark air purifier comes with a Non-washable HEPA filter. You need to replace it with a new filter when your filter life is completed.
You can clean the Shark air purifier filter by tapping on the surface or you can also use a brush to gently remove the dirt without pressing the HEPA filter fibers.
Do not wash the filter with water to remove the dust particles, and if in case you washed the filter with water, then you need to discard that filter. It is better to replace it with a new filter.
If you try to place the wet filter in the air purifier then there is a possibility of mold growth on the filter. There are chances of introducing this mold into the air.
That being said, to avoid this experts recommend replacing it with a new filter as the right decision.
How Long Do Shark Air Purifier Filters Last?
Shark Air purifier filters generally last for six months to twelve months. The filter’s life expectancy depends completely on the usage of an air purifier and also the quality of the outdoor air it is filtering.
You need to check the manual of the shark air purifier if you want to know the life expectancy of the filter. Sometimes filter’s life expectancy is mentioned in hours in the manual.
You need to replace the filter immediately if the air purifier indicates filter replacement and if ignored can result in poorer quality of air in the room.
If you are wondering how should we know the right time for the filter replacement? You can check this with two approaches.
The first approach is the manual one, where you need to remove the filter cover and check the filter condition. If you observe the black dust layer on the filter which is fully covered, this indicates that you need to replace the filter.
If you continue using it without replacing it, then you will observe a decrease in the efficiency of an air purifier.
The next approach is relying on the indicator, now almost all air purifier comes with this option called the filter indicator.
The Shark air purifier also comes with this feature, it indicates the life of a filter. This indicator tells the life of the filter and it flashes if it required a filter change.
How To Replace Filter in Shark Air Purifier?
Before deciding to replace the filter in the Shark air purifier, you need to check the Filter life button in the control panel. If it flashes, then it is the right time to change the filter.
You need to get one new filter that is of good quality and approved by the manufacturer. Do not be tempted to purchase a low-grade filter to reduce your cost of filter replacement. As it is connected with your and your loved one’s health condition.
To replace the filter in the Shark air purifier, you need to follow these steps:
Ensure the Unit is OFF:
First things first, you need to make sure your unit is turned off and unplugged from the socket. You can also move your unit to the outside open area if you suspect your indoor air might be re-contaminated.
Remove Filter From The Unit:
Once your air purifier is OFF, you need to remove the filter cover by pressing down the tabs at the top and then pulling the cover toward you.
After removing the filter cover, you can see the HEPA filter. You can remove the filter by pulling the tab.
As the HEPA Filter is non-washable, you need to wrap the filter in an airtight plastic bag and dispose of it.
Clean the Unit:
Once the filter has been removed from the air purifier, take a moment to clean the dust particles settled inside your air purifier.
To do this you need a vacuum wand to collect large dust particles and a microfiber cloth to remove fine dust particles from the unit.
Install New Filter in the Unit:
After you clean your unit, it’s time to install a new filter. Before installing, remove all packaging and wrapping from the new filter then place it into the air purifier.
Next, reinstall the filter cover by aligning the prongs at the bottom of the filter cover into the slots at the bottom of the unit.
Now press the cover back into place by pressing on both sides and the top of it. When the filter is properly secured you’ll hear it click into place.
Plug the Unit in the Power Socket:
Once your air purifier is reassembled, you need to plug it back into the wall and turn it on.
You can turn it on either by pressing the power button from the control panel or by using the remote.
At this time the air purifier will recalibrate which will take a few seconds to complete. Once recalibration is done you need to reset the filter life before you start using the air purifier.
Once you have completed these steps, the air purifier is ready to clean your indoor air and maintain the fresh air in the room.
If the Shark air purifier not working efficiently, then you need to check whether the filter is installed properly or not.
If not, please install the filter properly and then your air purifier starts working effectively.
How Do I Reset the Filter Life on My Shark Air Purifier?
You need to remember that resetting of filter life is required, whenever you install a new filter in the unit. To reset the filter life, you need to press and hold the filter life button for 3 seconds.
After the filter life is reset, you will hear the confirmation beep from the unit and also you’ll see the filter life hours increase in the control panel.
Conclusion:
After using an air purifier for quite some time, the efficiency of the filter decreases. This could be due to settled dust particles on the filter.
This would be the right time to change the filter. However, some air purifiers come with washable filters.
Now you might get a question is Shark air purifier filter washable?
In this article, I answered this question and also helped to understand the right time to change the filters.
