How to clean the air washer Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions with photos and life hacks

Xiaomi air washers are one of the most popular air purification devices in homes and offices, and they can effectively deal with dust, allergens, unpleasant smells and even viruses, but only under one condition: regular and proper care. Many users make critical cleaning errors, resulting in performance loss, mold or device breakdown.This article will help you understand how to clean the Mi Air Purifier (including models). 2/2S/2H, 3/3H, 4/4 Pro) to make it work to the maximum of its capabilities.

We will take a detailed look at what parts require cleaning, how often you need to do it, what tools to use (and which – absolutely not!), and also give advice on how to eliminate common problems. HEPA-filters that many people clean incorrectly, reducing their service life in the 2-3 once.

If you notice that the air quality indicator on the device has become more often lit red and the air flow has weakened, this is a sure sign that it is time to clean. But don't rush to disassemble the sink: first read our instructions so that you do not damage the sensitive elements.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Take a look at the photo (even if you’ve never done it)
• ⏳ Checklist by frequency of cleaning for different conditions (allergic, smoker, animal owners)
• 🧼 List of permitted and prohibited detergents
• ⚡ How to restore clogged filters (if you can not afford to buy a new one)

1.What parts of Xiaomi air wash need to be cleaned (and why)

The Mi Air Purifier design includes several key elements, each requiring a customized approach, and neglecting one of them can negate the entire cleanup.

The main components that need care:

• 🌀 Pre-filtering -- it traps dust, animal hair, hair, and it's the one that gets polluted the fastest, and can become a breeding ground for bacteria in high humidity.
• 🟣 HEPA-filter (H11-H13) — traps (PM2.5, It can't be washed with water, but it can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
• 🔵 Coal filter (if any) absorbs gases and smells, and over time saturates and requires replacement.
• 💨 Fan and air channels - accumulate dust on the blades, which reduces the flow power.
• 📱 Air quality sensors – polluted and incorrectly read (e.g., show “good air” in clear smog).

In models with a humidification function (for example, Mi Air Purifier) 3H) requiring attention:

• 💧 Water containers - can be covered with lime raid.
• 🧊 Element of evaporation - mineral deposits settle on it.

⚠️ Warning: If your sink is odorous when operating, it's likely that the pre-filter or water tank (moisturizers) is a problem, a sign of bacterial reproduction, and urgent disinfection is required.

2.How often should the air wash be cleaned

Frequency of care depends on operating conditions and device model. Xiaomi manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the filters every time 2-4 Weeks, but in practice the intervals can be very different.

Focus on this table:

🔹 Signs that cleaning is urgent:

• 🚨 Air quality indicator constantly burns red or orange, despite airing.
• 🌀 The airflow has become weaker (check by holding your hand to the outlet hole).
• 👃 There is a musty or chemical smell when working.
• 💻 In the application Mi Home appeared a notification about the contamination of the filter.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a high-intensity car wash (such as a Favorite or Night Car wash), the filters get contaminated. 30-40% In this case, reduce the cleaning intervals by 25%.

💡

HEPA-filter can not be washed with water - this destroys its fibers and reduces the efficiency of the filter 70-80%. Use only dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.

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

Before starting work, disconnect the device from the network and wait for the fan to stop completely (1-2 Disassembly of most Xiaomi models is the same, but there are nuances for the Mi Air Purifier 4 Pro (with round body) - we will mark them separately.

🔧 Essential tools:

• 🧹 Soft brush (for example, toothbrush)
• 🧲 Vacuum with furniture nozzle
• 🧴 A means for washing dishes (without abrasives)
• 🧻 Microfiber wipes
• 🔑 Screwdriver (for some models)

📸 Step-by-step (for models) 2/2S/2H, 3/3H):

1. Remove the top cover by pulling it up (on some models you need to first press the latches on the sides).
2. Remove the preliminary filter - it is attached to latches or Velcro.
3. Get it out carefully. HEPA-filter (it can be combined with coal in one block).
4. In moisture models, remove the water tank and the evaporation unit (usually located at the bottom).
5. Unscrew. 3-4 screw on the back panel (if you need to clean the fan).

🔹 For the Mi Air Purifier 4 Pro:

4 How to Clean Filters: Step-by-step methods for each type

Every filter requires a different approach, and if you clean it wrong, it can completely fail, especially when it comes to filtering. HEPA-Filters that many people wash under water.

🌀 Pre-filter (grid)

This is the most “dirty” element that can and should be washed.

• 🚿 Wash it under warm water (no more than 40).°C) with a soft detergent (e.g. Fairy).

🟣 HEPA-filter (H11-H13)

Remember: HEPA-You can't wash the filter with water, and the moisture breaks down the microfibers, and it stops trapping small particles.

🔹 How to clean properly:

• 🧹 Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle at minimum power.
• 🖌️ Carefully walk with a soft brush on the folds.
• 🌬️ You can use a compressor (at minimum pressure) to blow out dust.
• 🚫 Do not shake off the filter, it can damage its structure.

⚠️ Attention: If HEPA-The filter has turned gray or brown, and it's time to replace it, and cleaning won't help: 6-12 months (depending on the model).

🔵 Coal filter

This filter is not cleanable, it can only be replaced, but if it is just dusty (rather than gassed), you can prolong your life.

• 🧹 Vacuum the surface (without pressure).
• ☀️ Warm up with a hair dryer at minimum temperature (30-40°C) during 5-10 This will help to “regenerate” coal.

💧 Water container and evaporator (for models with moisture)

The main problem here is lime plaque and bacteria.

• 🧂 To remove plaque, use a solution of citric acid (2 tbsp. spoons per 1 liter of water).
• 🦠 For disinfection, add hydrogen peroxide (3%) or chlorhexidine.
• 🧻 Wipe the evaporator with a cotton disc soaked in vinegar.

💡

If after cleaning in the sink remains an unpleasant smell, put in a container for water. 1-2 activated carbon tablets 12 This will help to eliminate the smells.

5. How to clean the fan and the case: hidden places of accumulation of dust

Even if you regularly wash filters, dust accumulates inside the case and on the fan blades, which reduces the performance of the air. 20-30%. To get to these places, you need to remove the back cover.

🔧 Instructions for cleaning the fan:

1. Unscrew. 3-4 screw on the back panel (usually under rubber legs).
2. Remove the lid and gently fix the blades (you can insert a screwdriver between them to prevent rotation).
3. 🧹 Remove dust from the blades with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
4. 🧴 Wash the blades with a wet wipe (without alcohol!).
5. 🔍 Check the air channels - there is often a puff of down.

📌 Cleaning of air quality sensors:

The sensors are located on the front or side panel (depending on the model), and their contamination leads to incorrect readings (for example, the device does not respond to smoke or dust).

• 🎨 Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%).
• 🚫 Don’t push hard – sensors are fragile!
• ☀️ Let me dry. 10-15 minutes before switching on.

⚠️ Warning: If after cleaning the sensors air wash began to show a constantly high level CO₂ (Even if the window is open, you've damaged the sensor, and you'll need to change the module (refer to the service center).

6.What tools can be used (and which ones can not be used!)

The choice of detergent directly affects the life of filters and the quality of air after cleaning, and many household chemicals leave the film or corrode materials.

✅ Approved funds:

❌ Prohibited products (damage filters and body):

• 🧴 Abrasive powders (such as Pemoluks) – scratch plastic and filters.
• 🧪 Chlorine-containing agents (for example, Whiteness) - destroy HEPA-filter and leave toxic fumes.
• 🔥 Hot water (above 40)°C) - deforms plastic and adhesive filter bases.
• 🧴 Concentrated acids (such as Sanita) – are corrode by sealants.

💡 Lifehack: To remove persistent odors (such as tobacco), put a bag of soda or activated carbon in the case for 12 hours, which will help neutralize foreign scents without harming filters.

7 Common cleaning errors (and how to avoid them)

Many users make the same mistakes that cause a device to break down or reduce cleaning efficiency, and the most common ones are:

🔴 Mistake 1: Washing HEPA-water-block

As mentioned, water destroys the fibers. HEPA-If you did that, you did it:

• ☀️ Dry the filter for at least 24 hours in the sun.
• 🔍 Check its integrity – if the filter becomes brittle, it needs to be replaced.

🔴 Mistake 2: Use the vacuum cleaner at maximum power

Too much airflow can break HEPA-filter or damage the coal layer. Always use minimal power and keep the nozzle at a distance. 2-3 surface.

🔴 Error 3: Do not dry filters before installation

The wet filter becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and dry the parts for at least 12 hours (ideally 24 hours) in a well-ventilated room.

🔴 Error 4: Cleaning sensors with wet fabric

Moisture can cause short circuits or sensors to malfunction. Use only dry microfiber or cotton swabs with isopropyl alcohol.

🔴 Mistake 5: Ignore the sealing gums

Dust and dirt on seals cause the filters to fit loosely, causing air to pass by.

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions