Step-by-step cleaning of the filter of the air cleaner Xiaomi: from disassembly to drying

Xiaomi Air Purifier (Mi Air Purifier Series) 2/3/4/Pro) They've become indispensable tools for dust, allergens and urban smog, but even the most advanced device loses its effectiveness if it's not serviced in time — HEPA-Many users make a critical mistake: either cleaning the filter too aggressively (which destroys its structure), or ignoring the procedure until the cleaner begins to “smell damp” or make noise like a vacuum cleaner.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for cleaning the filter, taking into account the nuances of specific Xiaomi models, as well as answers to the questions that the manufacturer does not say: can you wash the filter in the dishwasher than replace the original cleaner and how to understand that the filter is already dead.

When and why you need to clean the filter in the Xiaomi cleaner

The manufacturer recommends that you replace the filter every 6 to 12 months, but that's an average.

• 🏙️ Air pollution levels: in megacities or near construction sites, the filter is clogged 2-3 times faster.
• 🐕 Pets: wool and dandruff reduce filter life by 20-40%.
• 🌿 Use of flavors: oils and aerosols settle on fibers HEPA, sticky.
• 🕒 Working mode: with round-the-clock cleaning at maximum speed, the filter wears out in 4-5 months.

The fact that the filter requires cleaning, signal 5 obvious signs:

1. The device began to buzz louder (the noise of the fan increased).
2. The pollution indicator on the panel is lit red or orange (in models with a sensor). PM2.5).
3. Smell of damp or mold when turned on.
4. The air flow rate has decreased (checked by the palm at the exit hole).
5. The filter shows a gray or black coating (especially at the edges).

The critical error is to wait for the device to tell you about the problem, and by that point the filter has lost up to 70% of its effectiveness, and dust particles and bacteria pass through it almost without cleaning, and the optimal cleaning frequency is 1 every 1-2 months with moderate use.

What filters are used in Xiaomi cleaners and can they be washed?

Xiaomi devices use a multi-layer filtering system, where each layer performs its function:

The most controversial issue is whether you can wash. HEPA-Xiaomi's official position is that the filter is not washable, only replaceable. However, in practice, many users successfully prolong its life with a delicate cleaning. not using hot water, brushes or detergents – this destroys the microscopic pores through which the filter traps particles up to 0.3 μm in size.

Alternative to washing: for HEPA-filters are better to use dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner (at minimum power) or purging with a compressor (at a distance of 20-30 cm). The carbon filter is not cleanable - it can only be dried in the sun (UV rays partially restore the adsorption properties of coal).

Step-by-step: how to disassemble and clean the filter

Before work begins, be sure to disconnect the cleaner from the network and wait until the fan completely stops.Disassemble most Xiaomi models (including the Mi Air Purifier) 2S/3/3H/4/Pro) It happens the same way, but there are nuances:

Disconnect the device from the socket

Wait 10-15 minutes (to settle the dust)

Prepare tools: screwdriver (for some models), vacuum cleaner, soft brush, hair dryer

Wear a respirator or medical mask (when cleaning) HEPA-filter)

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Step 1: Removal of the upper cover

On most models, the lid is mounted on the latches. Carefully press the side ledges (usually marked with arrows) and pull the lid up. In the Mi Air Purifier Pro, you additionally need to unscrew 2 screws from the back (use a cross screwdriver). PH1).

Step 2: Extract the filter

The filter is a cylinder that is inserted into the slots. Take a plastic handle (or upper ring) and pull over. If the filter is stuck, don't pull it -- gently spin left-right to knock down the dust from the sealing gum.

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If the filter is not removed, check if the sensor is blocking it. PM2.5 (Sometimes you just press the sensor from the bottom to release the filter.

Step 3: Cleaning the pre-filter

It's a mesh layer that picks up large particles (wool, hair, down).

• 🧹 Vacuum at medium power (use a furniture nozzle).
• 🚿 Wash under running water (temperature not higher than 30)°C).
• 🧼 Soak in a warm soap solution (for 10-15 minutes), then rinse.

After washing, thoroughly dry the filter (you can dryer on cold mode) - moisture can cause mold.

Step 4: Cleanup HEPA-filter

This is the most important step. Never brush the filter and twist it, it will damage the fibers.

1. Vacuum cleaner at minimum power remove dust on both sides (keep the nozzle at a distance of 1-2 cm).
2. If the filter is heavily contaminated, use a compressor (pressure not higher than 2 bar).
3. For disinfection, treat the filter with a UV lamp (10-15 minutes on each side) or leave it for 2-3 hours in direct sunlight.

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HEPA-filter cannot be washed, pressed or dried at a temperature above 40°Even after a delicate cleaning, its effectiveness is reduced by 10-15%, which is normal if you do not exceed the recommended frequency of procedures.

Step 5: Caring for the carbon filter

The coal layer is not washed, but it can be "resuscitated":

• ☀️ Dry in the sun for 4-6 hours (UV rays partially restore adsorption).
• 🔥 Warm up with a dryer on a warm mode (not higher than 50).°C) for 20-30 minutes.

If the carbon filter begins to crumble or smell "gary" - it's time to replace it.

Step 6: Assembly and Testing

After cleaning:

1. Make sure that all filter layers are completely dry.
2. Insert the filter back, combining the arrows on the case and the filter.
3. Close the lid before you click (in models with screws - twist them cross-curl).
4. Turn on the cleaner at top speed for 5 minutes to check the leakproofness.

If the device is beeping or flashing red after assembly, check:

• 🔌 Is the filter inserted correctly (possibly the sealer is moved).
• 🌬️ Does something block the airflow (for example, a forgotten rag inside a cloth).
• 📱 Update the firmware through the Mi Home app (sometimes sensor errors are patched programmatically).

Top.-5 Filter cleaning errors (and how to avoid them)

Even experienced users make mistakes that shorten the life of the filter or disable the cleaner itself.

⚠️ Warning: If the filter is cleaned, the device vibrates more or there is a metal grinding, turn it off immediately! This is a sign that the dust has entered the fan bearings).

1. Use of household chemicals (e.g. Domestos or Whiteness) chlorine and aggressive surfactants destroy antibacterial coatings HEPA-filter and leave toxic fumes that then spread around the room.
2. Drying with a hair dryer in hot air. Temperature above 40.°C deforms synthetic fibers, and the filter loses up to 50% of its efficiency.
3. Clean the filter with a wet cloth, the villi clog the pores, and the moisture becomes a breeding ground for mold.
4. Ignoring the pre-filter, if it's not cleaned, 80 percent of the dirt will settle on the pre-filter. HEPA-filter, reducing its service life by 2-3 times.
5. Storing the filter in polyethylene. After cleaning, many people pack the filter in a bag "until next time" - this leads to condensation and mold.

Another non-obvious mistake is to clean the filter immediately after use, and the hot air from the purifier heats the dust, and it is baked with the filter fibers, and the optimal way to wait 1-2 hours for the filter to cool.

How to Replace the Original Filter (and Whether to Replace it)

Original filters for Xiaomi cost from 1,500 to 3,500 ₽ (depending on the model), so many are looking for alternatives:

If you choose to use an unoriginal filter, pay attention to:

• 📏 Dimensions: must fit precisely into the slots (gaps over 1 mm reduce efficiency by 20 mm%).
• 🔍 Filtration Class: Look for labeling HEPA H11–H13 (The original Xiaomi is used H11).
• 🛡️ Carbon layer (if your model supports gas cleaning).

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Before buying a non-original filter, check reviews on AliExpress or Yandex.Market with a filter by the word “Xiaomi”. Often sellers indicate compatibility with specific models, but in practice the filter may not fit in height or diameter.

For Mi Air Purifier models 3/4 Filters from Levoit Core are suitable 300 (In the Pro versions, it is better to use the original - due to the complex system of sensors, third-party filters can cause false positives of the pollution indicator.

How to prolong the life of the filter: 7 proven ways

Average service life HEPA-The filter is 6-12 months, but with proper care, it can be extended to 18-24 months:

1. Use a purifier paired with a humidifier: Optimal humidity (40–60%) reduces dust and prevents electrostatic attraction of particles to the filter.
2. Install the cleaner away from dust sources. Do not place it near carpets, sofas or windows (especially if they are out on the road).
3. Clean the pre-filter every week, which reduces the load on the air. HEPA-filter%.
4. Use the "Auto" mode. Manually exposed maximum speed wears the filter 2 times faster.
5. Periodically ventilate the filter on the balcony. 1-2 hours in the open air (in dry weather) remove accumulated gases and restore the adsorption of coal.
6. Cover the gauze cleaner when it's heavily contaminated, for example during repairs or if there's a lot of wool in the house, the gauze can be washed, and the filter will remain clean.
7. Store the spare filter in a vacuum bag. If you buy a spare filter, remove the air from it and put it in the refrigerator (this slows down the degradation of coal).

Another non-obvious life hack: if the filter starts to smell, but visually still clean, put it in the freezer for 12 hours. The cold kills bacteria and neutralizes odors (the method works only 1-2 times!).

Frequent problems after filter cleaning and their solution

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, you can have problems.

If after cleaning the filter, the cleaner began to restart or issue an error E1/E2, The sensor contacts are probably damaged:

1. Disconnect the device from the network for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the filter and inspect the connectors for oxidation.
3. Wipe the contacts with a stripe or alcohol.
4. Update the firmware through Mi Home.

⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations, the cleaner issues an error E3 (engine failure, don't try to repair it yourself, this error is often caused by moisture on the board, and it requires soldering equipment to fix it.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Cleaning Xiaomi Filters