Are you trying to save money by reusing your humidifier filters? If so, you may be doing more harm than good. Some people think you can extend a humidifier filter's lifespan by washing and reusing it, but it's not true. Most humidifier filters cannot be cleaned and should be replaced regularly. Humidifier filters cannot be washed and reused even if made from a durable material.
If you're not sure whether you can wash your humidifier filter, it's best to check the instructions that came with the humidifier. In most cases, you'll need to replace the filter every few months or as directed by the manufacturer. It is standard to replace a humidifier filter once per season, which requires at least four filter replacements per year. It may seem like a waste of money, but it is truly a necessary part of prioritizing your family's respiratory health.
Reusing humidifier filters can lead to more problems, such as mold and bacteria growth. This is because the antimicrobial lining on the filter starts to fade away after a few uses. So, if you're using a filter that's been washed and reused, you're not getting the full benefits of filtering out harmful particles from the air. In fact, you might as well not even be using one.
Humidifier Filters: An Overview
It's essential to understand how a humidifier filter works before recognizing how reusing the filter will cause harm.
A humidifier filter captures and traps harmful particles in the air. It does this by using a thin layer of activated carbon, which effectively captures particles and absorbs odors. The humidifier filter also has an antimicrobial lining, which helps inhibit mold and bacteria growth.
Can You Wash and Reuse a Humidifier Filter?
When you reuse a humidifier filter, the activated carbon and antimicrobial lining break down. In this case, the filter is no longer effective at trapping harmful particles and inhibiting mold and bacteria growth.
These filters are very inexpensive and disposable for a good reason. Stagnant water is an excellent place for mold and bacteria to thrive and is not something you want to fool around with. When it comes to particle filtration, everything must be consistently sterile; this includes the humidifier filter!
Do Not Wash and Reuse Humidifier Filters
The humidifier filter's greatest enemy is time. Like anything else, the passing of time will result in wear and tear and render it useless. The humidifier filter is no exception. You cannot stop or slow the process, just understand the importance of following through with humidifier maintenance. Here are the main reasons why it is not recommended to wash and reuse a humidifier filter:
1) Antimicrobial Lining Dissolves Over Time
The antimicrobial lining on a humidifier filter starts to dissipate after a few uses, leading to the growth of mold and bacteria. This puts you and your family at risk, as these harmful particles can cause respiratory problems.
2) Filter Media Becomes Weak Over Time
The material of the humidifier filter breaks down and becomes weak. As particles pass through the filter, it struggles to trap the particles, leaving them to flow freely in the cartridge. This can cause bacteria and mold to grow, leading to respiratory problems. It is important to replace the humidifier filter as directed to keep your family healthy.
3) Potential Damages & Warranty Void
Washing a humidifier filter can damage the filter, making it less effective at trapping particles. If the damaged filter causes damage to the humidifier unit, you are now facing a costly repair or a loss. Washing and reusing humidifier filters is not recommended by manufacturers. Any measurements taken outside of manufacturer instructions will likely void the warranty. Therefore it would be a daunting task trying to get reimbursement.
Replace Humidifier Filters Every Season
The take-away message is this: It is a waste of time and money to wash and reuse a humidifier filter. It is much easier and cheaper to simply buy a new one when it is time to replace the old one. Not to mention, it is much safer for you and your family. So, do yourself a favor and save the hassle - buy a new humidifier filter when it's time to replace the old one.
Tip: Find Humidifier Replacement Filters in Bulk
When it comes to your respiratory health, it's important to replace the humidifier filter regularly--even if it seems like a waste of money. Humidifier filters cannot be washed and reused, even if made from a durable material. In fact, most humidifier filters cannot be cleaned and should be replaced regularly. It is considered unsanitary to reuse a humidifier filter.
In most cases, you'll need to replace the filter every few months; it is standard to replace a humidifier filter once per season, which requires at least four filter replacements per year.
The easiest way to manage your humidifier upkeep is to purchase all the filters you'll need for the year or for the next few years. The more you purchase in bulk, the more money you save, and they're incredibly inexpensive as it is. You can shop here for a variety of replacement humidifier filters.
