Cleaning the filter in the air purifier Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and tips

Why Cleaning the Filters in Xiaomi Air Cleaners Is Not Just a Recommendation, It’s a Necessity

Xiaomi Air Purifier (Mi Air Purifier Series) 2/3/4, Pro, Smart have become an integral part of many homes, especially in megacities with high pollution levels. 70% It depends on the condition of the filters. HEPA-The filter not only stops holding the smallest particles. PM2.5, But it also puts additional strain on the fan, reducing the life of the device.

The manufacturer claims that the filters in Xiaomi models are designed for 6-12 months of operation, but this is true only under ideal conditions: low dust, regular cleaning and no pets. In reality, users face the need to clean or replace in 3-4 months.

• 🔴 Reduced performance – the device operates at maximum power, but does not clean the air;
• 🔴 The appearance of an unpleasant smell - the accumulated organic matter begins to decompose;
• 🔴 Sensor breakdown – dust settles on air quality sensors, distorting readings;
• 🔴 Overheating of the engine - the risk of failure increases by 3 times.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean the filters in Xiaomi air purifiers (including models with a laser sensor and a laser sensor). OLED-When to do this, when to change the filter immediately, and what to do if the device emits an error after cleaning, and you will also learn why you can not wash the carbon filter under running water and how to restore its absorbing properties at home.

What filters are used in Xiaomi air purifiers and how they work

All Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier models (except some industrial versions) are equipped with combined filters consisting of three layers:

1. Pre-filtering – traps large particles (dust, hair, hair) usually made of synthetic material with electrostatic coating.
2. HEPA-filter (H11–H13) — Captures up to 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, bacteria and viruses.
3. Coal filter neutralizes gases, odors and volatile organic compounds (formaldehyde, benzene).

In some models (for example, Mi Air Purifier) 3H Or Pro H, a fourth layer, an antibacterial coating, is added, which inhibits the reproduction of microbes on the surface of the filter, and it's important to understand that each layer requires a different approach to cleaning:

Many users make a critical mistake: trying to wash. HEPA-This destroys its microstructure, and instead of cleaning the air, the device starts to spread dust. Xiaomi officially prohibits such cleaning, the instructions state that the device is not used for cleaning. HEPA You can only prescribe or process a vacuum cleaner.

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If your Xiaomi air purifier is making more noise than usual, but the airflow is weakening, this is a sure sign that the filter is clogged. E1 or E2 (filter-pollutation).

When and how often to clean the filters in Xiaomi cleaners

The manufacturer recommends that you focus on the filter replacement indicator in the Mi Home app or on the device display, but this data is often overstated, because it is calculated for "ideal" conditions.

• 🏡 Air pollution levels in high-quality cities PM2.5 (Moscow, Beijing, Delhi filters are polluted 2-3 times faster;
• 🐕 Pets: Wool and dandruff clog up the pre-filter for a month;
• 🌿 Numbers of plants in the room – pollen and mushroom spores accelerate wear HEPA;
• 🚬 Smoking indoors – tar and nicotine destroy the carbon filter in 2-3 months;
• 🍳 Cooking frequencies – fat and soot settle on filters, creating a sticky layer.

Optimal cleaning frequency:

• 📅 Preliminary filter - once every 2-4 weeks;
• 📅 HEPA-filter – once every 3-6 months (only dry cleaning!);
• 📅 Coal filter – not cleaned, only replaced every 6 months.

If your Xiaomi air purifier is making a mistake E1 (filter contamination) or E2 (Sensor malfunction, signaling an emergency cleaning or replacement. E1 more than 2 weeks can lead to engine overheating and failure of the control board - repair will cost 60-80% of the cost of the new device.

Step-by-step: how to clean the filters in the air purifier Xiaomi

Before cleaning, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the network and remove the filter. 2/3/4 need:

1. Press the button on the top panel (or hold for 3 seconds if the button is touch-sensitive).
2. Pull the handle on the back cover.
3. Remove the filter by pulling it up.

In the Pro and Max models, the filter is fixed with latches - they must be carefully bent with a flat screwdriver.

Disconnect the device from the socket|Get the filter according to the instructions|Prepare a soft brush and vacuum cleaner|Prepare warm water (if the pre-filter is cleaned)|Wear gloves (HEPA-dust is dangerous for the airways)-->

Cleaning the pre-filter

This layer can be washed with water or cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

1. Wash the filter under warm water (no more than 40).°C) with a soft detergent (e.g. Fairy).
2. Use a soft brush (such as a toothbrush) to remove the swelling dirt.
3. Rinse and dry thoroughly in the air (at least 24 hours) and do not dry with a hair dryer or battery, which will warp the material.

Cleaning HEPA- filter

HEPA-You can't wet the filter:

• 🧹 Vacuuming on both sides at minimum power;
• 🖌️ Walk carefully with a soft brush (movement from top to bottom);
• 💨 Blow with compressed air (for example, a canister for cleaning equipment).

If HEPA-The filter shows greasy spots (from kitchen fumes), can be removed with a dry wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Do not use water or household chemicals - this destroys the fibers.

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HEPA-Xiaomi filters can not be washed with water, it violates its structure and reduces the efficiency by 60-80!

Cleaning the coal filter

The carbon filter can't be cleaned, it can only be replaced, but if you notice that it hasn't run out of life yet, but it already smells, try regeneration.

1. Place the filter in a sealed bag with 5-10 tablets of activated carbon.
2. Leave for 24-48 hours in a dry place.
3. Reinstall (this will temporarily restore absorbent properties).

This method only works 1-2 times and does not replace a full replacement.

What to do after cleaning: installing a filter and resetting the counter

After cleaning or replacing the filter, you must:

1. Install the filter back, making sure it fits tightly (in Pro models, a click should be heard).
2. Reset the filter resource counter in the Mi Home app:

For this:

1. Open the app and select your cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → Reset filter counter.
3. Confirm the action.

If the counter is not reset, try:

• 🔄 Restart the application;
• 🔌 Turn off and turn on the cleaner again;
• 📱 Reconnect the device to Mi Home.

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If the Xiaomi cleaner becomes more noisy after cleaning the filter, check if the filter is installed correctly. Often the cause of the noise is a loose fit or skewed.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Xiaomi Filters and How to Avoid Them

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

⚠️ Attention, never use it for cleaning. HEPA-A high-power vacuum cleaner can tear the fibers and render the filter useless. Optimal power: 300-500 watts.

Another common problem is ignoring the error. E2 (Many users think it's a filter problem, but it's actually a filter problem. E2 indicates a failure of the laser sensor PM2.5. In this case, cleaning the filter will not help - a diagnosis is required in the service center.

When cleaning won’t help: Signs that the filter needs to be replaced

Even with regular cleaning, the filters in Xiaomi air purifiers have a limited resource.

• 🚨 Persistent unpleasant smell even after cleaning;
• 🚨 Visible damage (breaks, deformation) to HEPA-filter;
• 🚨 The carbon filter has become fragile or crumbles;
• 🚨 The cleaner is running at maximum, but the air is not being cleaned (check with an external sensor). PM2.5);
• 🚨 Mold appeared on the preliminary filter (black or green spots).

The average cost of original filters for Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier:

• 💰 Preliminary + HEPA + coal (set) - 1,500-2,500 ₽;
• 💰 Only HEPA — 1 000–1 800 ₽;
• 💰 Coal filter - 500-1 200 ₽.

Can you use non-original filters? Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Filters with the label “compatible with Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier” are suitable 2/3/4";

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Replacing the filter is cheaper than repairing a burnt engine because of overload, and if the cleaner is noisy like a vacuum cleaner and the air is not being cleaned, that's a direct signal to replace it!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Cleaning Xiaomi Filters