How to Clean the Filter in Xiaomi Air Purifier: A Complete Guide with Photos and Tips

Xiaomi air purifiers have become an integral part of many homes — they effectively fight dust, allergens and unpleasant odors. 80% Dust-filled filters not only reduce performance, but can also be a source of bacteria or even mold. In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean filters in Xiaomi Air Purifier models. 2/3/4, Pro, Lite and others to make the device last longer and work at its maximum capacity.

Many users make critical mistakes: washing HEPA-Filters under running water, dry them with a hair dryer or ignore replacing the coal layer, and according to service centers, 65% of Xiaomi air purifiers break down is due to improper filter care. We have collected proven cleaning methods, which are recommended by the company's engineers themselves, and also tell you when the filter is no longer salvageable and it is time to replace it.

1.What filters are used in Xiaomi air purifiers and their features

Depending on the model, Xiaomi cleaners are equipped with a three-level filtering system that includes:

• 🔹 Pre-filtering – captures large particles (dust, animal hair, hair) usually made of synthetic material or small mesh.
• 🔹 HEPA-The filter is the main element that traps up to 99.97% of microparticles up to 0.3 microns (pollen, bacteria, viruses). HEPA density-enhanced.
• 🔹 Coal filters neutralize odors and harmful gases (formaldehyde, benzene). HEPA or separate.

Budget models (such as the Xiaomi Air Purifier Lite) may lack a carbon filter, and flagships (such as the Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Pro) may have an antibacterial layer with silver ions. It is important to understand that not all filters can be washed - it depends on their type and material.

The manufacturer states that the service life of the filters is:

• 📅 Preliminary: 3-6 months (with intensive use).
• 📅 HEPA: 6-12 months (depending on air pollution).
• 📅 Coal: 3-6 months (losing properties faster than others).

But these numbers are arbitrary: If you live in a metropolis, close to a road, or smoke indoors, the filters will clog much faster. Xiaomi equips its devices with sensors that track the wear of filters, but their readings are also not always accurate.

2. When and how often to clean filters

Cleaning filters should be carried out when the following signs appear:

• ⚠️ The device began to work louder (the fan is loaded due to clogging).
• ⚠️ Smell of dust or dampness when turning on the cleaner.
• ⚠️ The indicator on the panel shows red or orange (in models with air quality sensor).
• ⚠️ Visible filter contamination (gray plaque, dust accumulations).

The cleaning frequency depends on the operating conditions:

It's important: HEPA-You can't wash the filter with water, it destroys its structure, you can only vacuum it, you can clean it with a brush, you can clean it with a cleaner, you can't clean it at all, you can only replace it.

⚠️ Attention: If HEPA-The filter has dark spots or mold, and it needs to be replaced immediately, and the mold can spread throughout the device and enter the air.

💡

Before cleaning the filters, always turn the device off and let it cool for 10-15 minutes, which will prevent damage to the electronic components.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to properly clean the pre-filter

The pre-filter is the only one that can be fully washed.

• 🧼 Warm water (not above 40)°C).
• 🧽 Soft detergent (for example, for dishes) or soap.
• 🧽 Soft brush or sponge.
• 🧻 Clean towel or napkins.

Algorithm of action:

1. Disconnect the cleaner from the network and remove the front cover (usually it is fixed by latches or magnets).
2. Carefully remove the filter unit. In most Xiaomi models, it consists of three layers bonded together in one case.
3. Separate the pre-filter (usually a mesh or felt layer).
4. Wash it under running water using a soft brush to remove stuck particles. Don't rub it too hard - it can damage the material.
5. If the filter is heavily contaminated, soak it in warm water with detergent for 10-15 minutes.
6. Rinse and shake off the excess water.
7. Dry the filter at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heaters. Don't use a hair dryer!
8. After drying completely (usually 12-24 hours), install the filter back.

If the pre-filter is deformed or ruptured, it must be replaced. - Xiaomi Air Purifier 3/4 This filter is often bundled with the main unit, so it is not sold separately.

Use hot water (above 40)°C)|

Apply aggressive detergents (bleach, acetone)|

Dry the filter with a hair dryer or on a battery|

Washing the filter in the washing machine|-->

4. Cleanup HEPA-Filter: Myths and Real Methods

Many users mistakenly believe that HEPA-You can wash the filter like a regular fabric, and it's a big mistake, because water destroys the microscopic fibers that make up the filter, and once it's dryed, it loses up to 70 percent of its efficiency.

Permissible cleaning methods HEPA:

• 🌬️ Soft-nozzle vacuum cleaner. Use minimal power to keep the filter from damaging. HEPA-filter (to avoid repeated air pollution).
• 🖌️ Soft brush or brush, gently brush the dust off the surface of the filter, holding it over the trash can.
• 💨 Compressed air (Cylinder) Blow the filter with short pulses from a distance of 10-15 cm. Do not use a compressor - strong airflow can tear the material.

What can't be done:

• ❌ Wash with water or soak.
• ❌ Washing in the washing machine.
• ❌ Use chemical solvents.
• ❌ Dry under direct sunlight (UV radiation destroys fibers).

After cleaning. HEPA-The filter is restored to 30 to 50 percent efficiency, but it's impossible to fully restore its original properties.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Air Purifier Pro models HEPA-The filter is often coated with an antibacterial layer, and when cleaned with a brush or vacuum cleaner, this layer can become damaged, which reduces the protection against germs.

💡

Cleanup HEPA-If the device is used in a high-pollution room (e.g. near a construction site), the replacement of the filter should not be delayed for longer than 6 months.

5.Coal filter: can it extend its life

The coal filter in Xiaomi cleaners is responsible for absorbing odors and gases. HEPA, It's not cleanable, because the coal pellets get saturated and they stop working, but there are ways to extend the life of the pellets a little bit:

• ☀️ "Regeneration in the sun. Leave the carbon filter in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours every 1-2 months. Ultraviolet partially destroys the pollution molecules, freeing the coal pores. The effectiveness of the method is about 10-15%.
• 🔥 Calcination (for removable carbon filters only!) Put the filter in the oven at 100-120°C for 1 hour. This method is only suitable for pure activated carbon without impregnation. Do not apply it to Xiaomi filters where the coal is integrated into the system. HEPA!

If a carbon filter starts to smell damp or chemical, it needs to be replaced urgently. - Xiaomi Air Purifier 2/3 The coal layer often goes separately and is inexpensive (about the same time). 500–800 RUB), whereas in Pro versions it is built into the main block.

Signs that the carbon filter has exhausted its life:

• 👃 The cleaner stopped removing odors (such as from cooking or cigarette smoke).
• 💨 There was a persistent “chemical” smell when the device was working.
• 📉 Air quality sensor shows high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) even after long periods of operation.

On average, the carbon filter lasts 3-6 months, but in conditions of high humidity or with constant smoking in the room, it will have to be changed more often.

6.How to properly dry and install filters back

Improper drying is one of the main reasons for premature failure of filters.

• 🌡️ Temperature: Dry filters at room temperature (18–25)°C. Avoid direct sunlight, batteries and heaters.
• ⏳ Time. Pre-filter drys 12 to 24 hours, HEPA — At least 24 hours. The carbon filter does not need to be dried (unless it has accidentally got wet).
• 📏 Position. Place the filters vertically or at an angle so that the water drains down. Don't stack them up.

Installation of the filters back:

1. Make sure all layers are completely dry (you can check by touch).
2. Put the filter unit in reverse order. In Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 models, there are tags on the body for correct orientation.
3. Close the cover of the device before you click. Check that there are no gaps - this can lead to the sucking of unfiltered air.
4. Connect the cleaner to the network and turn it on for 5-10 minutes in Auto mode to check the work.

If after installation the device emits unusual sounds (squeaking, knocking), then the filter is installed incorrectly or deformed during drying.

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi Air Purifier models 3H And the 4 Pro has a filter leakage sensor, and if the lid is not tightly closed, the device will show an error. E1 And he refuses to work.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

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

Another common problem is filter entanglement, and most Xiaomi filters have an arrow that indicates the direction of airflow, and if you put the filter backwards, the cleaning efficiency drops by 40 to 50 percent.

In models with automatic mode (for example, Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Pro) incorrectly installed filter can cause an error. E2 — In this case, the device is locked until the problem is resolved.

8 When the filter needs to be replaced, not cleaned

Even with careful care, filters have a limited lifespan, and signs that it is time to replace the filter are:

• 🕳️ Nana HEPA-The filter appeared dark spots or mold.
• 💨 Cleaner works at maximum power, but air quality doesn't improve.
• 👃 There is a persistent smell of dust or chemistry that does not disappear even after cleaning.
• ⏳ The filter is used longer than the recommended period (see table above).
• 🔴 The panel is lit red indicator of the replacement filter (in models with a sensor).

The manufacturer recommends using the original filters Xiaomi, but the market has quality analogues from brands 3M, Philips or Bork. The main thing is to check compatibility with your model of cleaner.

Cost of replacing filters (for 2026):

• 💰 Pre-filter (if sold separately): 200-500 ₽.
• 💰 HEPA + coal (set): 1,500–3,000 ₽ (model-wise).
• 💰 Coal filter separately: 500–1,200 ₽.

If you decide to save money and buy an unoriginal filter, pay attention to:

• 📋 Certification (must conform to the standard) HEPA H13).
• 📏 Sizes (should fit perfectly with your model).
• 🧪 Absence of toxic materials (cheap filters can release formaldehyde).

Replacement of the filter is better carried out in gloves - dust accumulated inside, can cause an allergic reaction.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions