How to clean the air cleaner Xiaomi: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier series air purifiers have become an integral part of many homes, especially in megacities with polluted air. However, even the most technologically advanced device requires regular maintenance - clogged filters and dust in the case reduce the efficiency of cleaning on the air. 40-60%, In some cases, it can cause a fan or sensor to break, and in this article we will discuss how to properly clean the Xiaomi air purifier (including models). 2/2S/3/3H/4/Pro), What tools are needed and what mistakes users make most often.

According to Xiaomi research, when used intensively (8+ day-day) HEPA-The filter loses half of its capacity through the 3-4 And what many owners forget is that, in addition to filters, the body of the device, especially the air intake grille and the air vents, needs attention. 2026 year, including tips from service centers to keep your cleaner running at maximum.

1.When and how often to clean the Xiaomi air purifier

The frequency of cleaning depends on three key factors: the intensity of use, the level of air pollution in the room, and the type of filters, such as in homes with animals or near busy highways, filters clog in the air. 2-3 This is a general recommendation:

• 📅 Weekly: external cleaning of the case from dust with a wet wipe, checking the filter pollution indicator in the Mi Home application.
• 🔄 Every one. 2-3 month: mechanical cleaning of the pre-filter (grid) and the outer surface HEPA-vacuum-cleaner.
• 🚫 Every one. 6-12 months: full replacement HEPA + carbon filter (depending on the model).
• ⚠️ When you signal in the app: If the Mi Home notification appears "Replace the filter", do not ignore it - this means that the bandwidth has fallen below 30%.

It is important to note that models with laser sensors PM2.5 (For example, Mi Air Purifier 3H/4 Pro) more sensitive to contamination: If the device starts showing inflated values of contamination immediately after switching on, this is a sure sign that the filters need urgent cleaning or replacement. if the fan has become louder than usual, this may indicate clogging of the blades.

2.What will be needed for cleaning: tools and consumables

Xiaomi doesn’t need professional tools to clean the air purifier properly, just what every home has, but some consumables are better to buy in advance, especially if you plan to extend the life of the filters.

Never use water or liquid cleaners directly on the HEPA filtering – this destroys its structure and reduces the efficiency of cleaning up 0%. For a carbon filter, moisture is also harmful, because it deactivates the adsorbent properties of the coal, and if the filter is highly contaminated and not mechanically cleaned, it needs to be replaced. 2/3 filters are indissoluble, and in 4/Pro The pre-filter can be removed separately.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use chlorine, acetone or alcohol products to clean the case, as they can damage plastic and rubber seals. The best option is warm water with soap solution (no more than 5% of the detergent).

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to disassemble and clean the air purifier

The cleaning process begins with disconnecting the device from the network. Follow the instructions adapted for most Xiaomi models. If you have a specific version (for example, Mi Air Purifier Auto for a car), check the section with the cleaning features at the end of the article.

Disconnect the device from the socket

Move the cleaner to a well-ventilated room

Prepare the tools (see table above)

Take a picture of the location of the filters (for models with non-standard assembly)-->

Step 1 Removing the top cover

On most models, the Mi Air Purifier 2/3/4) The top panel is mounted on the latches. Carefully press the side ledges and pull the lid up. In Pro models, you may need a screwdriver to unscrew the two screws (usually under rubber legs).

Step 2: Extract filters

Filters in Xiaomi are vertical. Take a plastic handle (or filter edges) and pull up (HEPA + In the Mi Air Purifier 4 Pro, the pre-filter is removed separately, so you can wash it under running water.

Step 3: Clean the pre-filter

• 🧼 Wash the netting under warm water with a mild detergent.
• 🌀 Use a soft brush to remove the stuck dust.
• ☀️ Dry the filter in air (at least 24 hours) before installing it back.

Step 4. Clean up. HEPA and coal filter

These filters cannot be washed, but can be cleaned gently with a vacuum cleaner with a furniture nozzle or compressed air (keep the spray at a distance). 15-20 For Mi Air Purifier models 3H/4 Pro with a collapsible filter is allowed light purge only from the outlet side of the air (usually marked with an arrow on the filter body).

Step 5: Cleaning the shell and fan

Use a wet microfiber wipe to wipe the case.

• 🌀 Ventilation grilles (on both sides of the device).
• 🔍 Sensor. PM2.5 (usually located under the top cover, looks like a small window with a lens).
• ⚙️ Fan blades (dust here reduces performance on the 20-30%).

Step 6: Assembly and Test Launch

Put the filters back in, make sure they fit tightly into the seals. Turn on the device and check:

• 📉 Noise level (must return to original).
• 📊 Sensor readings PM2.5 (should be reduced to background values).
• 💨 Airflow speed (put your hand to the outlet hole).

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If the device still shows high levels of contamination after cleaning, try recalibrating the sensor. To do this, disconnect the cleaner from the network for 10 minutes, then turn it on again and wait for automatic recalibration (it will take you to do this). ~5 minutes).

4. Features of cleaning for different Xiaomi models

While the way Xiaomi air purifiers work is similar, the design of the filters and the housing may differ, and the following are key features for popular models.

Mi Air Purifier 2/2S

These models use a non-dissoluble combined filter (HEPA + It can be vacuumed, but you can't disassemble it, it will damage the seals: 6-12 months (depending on the intensity of use).

Mi Air Purifier 3/3H

Here, the pre-filter is removable and washable, and you can wash it underwater once in a while. 1-2 The main filter is a combination, like the model. 2S, But with improved bandwidth. 3H added a formaldehyde sensor, which also requires periodic cleaning with a dry wipe.

Mi Air Purifier 4/4 Pro/4 Lite

In these models, the pre-filter is separated from the HEPA, simplifies care. HEPA-The 4 Pro filter has an increased area and can last up to 18 months with regular vacuum cleansing.The 4 Lite has no carbon filter, so it is less effective against odors.

Mi Air Purifier Auto (for the car)

This model has smaller filters and require cleaning more often - once in a while. 1-2 Use only cold water to flush the pre-filter (hot water can deform plastic). 12 hours - moisture in the cabin of the car will lead to the appearance of mold.

5.Typical cleaning errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can cause a device to break down or reduce its efficiency, and the most common ones are:

⚠️ Note: If you use non-original filters, their resource may be different from what you're told. HEPA-Filters often crumble when you try to clean a vacuum cleaner!

• 🚿 Washing HEPA-This destroys the filter fibers and renders them useless, and only dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air is allowed.
• 🔌 Cleaning the device without disconnecting from the network.In electronically controlled models (for example, 4 Pro), this can lead to short circuit when moisture enters.
• 🧴 The use of aggressive detergents can damage plastic and rubber seals, leading to the sucking of unfiltered air.
• 🌀 If the filter is not properly installed, the air will pass by, negating the cleaning. Always check that the filter has sat down with a characteristic click.
• ⏳ Ignoring drying time. You can't install wet filters, and that's going to cause bacteria and mold to multiply inside the device.

Another common mistake is cleaning the device too rarely, and many users only rely on notifications in the Mi Home app, but by then the filters may already be critically clogged, and it's optimal to clean the pre-filter once a month, and check the condition. HEPA-filter - once every 3 months.

If the device becomes louder after cleaning or an unpleasant smell appears, this may indicate:

• Moisture on electronic components (you need to dry the device) 24-48 hours).
• Damage to filter seals (replacement required).
• Accumulation of dust on the fan blades (you need to repeat cleaning).

6. How to extend the service life of filters: tips from service centers

Replacing filters is the most expensive part of maintaining an air purifier, but there are several proven ways to extend their lifespan by a few years. 30-50% without compromising the quality of cleaning.

• 🌿 Use pre-clean air. If your house is a lot of dust (for example, due to repairs or pets), install an electrostatic filter or even regular gauze in front of the air purifier - this will trap large particles and reduce the load on the air. HEPA.
• 🔄 Ventilate the room regularly. The less dust in the air, the longer the filters will last — 10-15 ventilating 2 day-to-day.
• 🛡️ Put the cleaner away from the sources of pollution. Don't put it near the kitchen, trash can or smoking area (3H/4 Pro) this will also help to avoid false positives.
• 🕒 Use a timer and night mode. You can set your device's schedule in the Mi Home app, for example, turn it on at full power only during the day and go to quiet at night.
• 🧹 Vacuum the filters every 2 weeks, which will remove surface dust and prolong the life of the filter. HEPA. The main thing is not to press too hard so as not to damage the fibers.

For carbon filter models, if you feel that the device is getting worse at smelling, you can reanimate the carbon layer.

1. Remove the filter and put it in the sun. 4-6 hours (ultraviolet partially restores the adsorption properties of coal).
2. Or place the filter in a sealed bag with 2-3 baking 12 (See also the odors of the odors).

These methods will not replace the complete replacement of the filter, but may delay it. 1-2 month.

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The most effective way to extend the life of filters is to combine mechanical cleaning (vacuum cleaner) with proper operation of the device (regular ventilation, protection from direct dust sources).

7 When cleaning is not enough: signs that filters need to be replaced

Even with regular care, air purifier filters have limited resource, and here are key signs that it’s time to change them:

• 📉 Performance decline. The device is running at maximum speed, but the level is high. PM2.5 not falling down.
• 🤧 Odor is created, which means that the carbon filter (if any) can no longer absorb the odor.
• 🔊 Clogged filters make the fan work with increased load.
• 💰 Notification in the app: Mi Home will see a message "Replace filter" (for models with smart control).
• 🕳️ Visible filter damage: tears, deformities or traces of mold are a sure sign that the filter has exhausted its life.

The service life of filters in Xiaomi models:

When buying a replacement, pay attention to compatibility with your model. For example, the filter from Mi Air Purifier 3 will not work for the 4 Pro, even if they look similar on the outside. HEPA-layers and worse retain small particles.

⚠️ Note: Mi Air Purifier 4 Pro and later uses antibacterial coatings on the HEPA-When mechanical cleaning (vacuum cleaner) this coating is partially erased, so it is better to limit yourself to surface purges.

8. Alternative cleaning methods: what can and cannot be done

There are many "folk" ways to clean filters on the Internet, but not all of them are safe, and we've tested several methods, and we're willing to share the results.

✅ What can I do:

• 🌬️ Compressed air purges. Effective for dust removal from the air. HEPA-filter, but only if done carefully (distance) 15-20 see, short presses).
• ☀️ Sun drying. Ultraviolet helps disinfect the filter and partially restores the carbon layer.
• 🧂 Soda treatment. To remove odors: put the filter in a bag of soda for 12 hours.

❌ What can't be done:

• 🚿 Wash it. HEPA-It completely destroys the washing machine's structure.
• 🧼 Wet vapor deforms the filter and can damage the electronic components of the device.
• 🔥 Dry the filter with a hair dryer. Hot air can melt the adhesive layer that holds the filter materials together.
• 🧪 Wash the filter in a solution of vinegar or bleach, and it's not only not going to help, it's going to add toxic fumes to the air.

If you want to experiment with alternative methods, test them first on a small section of the filter. For example, you can try steam cleaning at a distance of 30 cm (no closer!), but only for the pre-filter (grid), not for the first time. HEPA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi air purifiers