OwnersStep-by-step cleaning guide
Portable Electronic Air Purifier Cleaning Instructions
How to clean the Pre-Filter and Electronic Cell, and replace the carbon filter and UV lamps, on a portable electronic air cleaner. Rather have it done for you? Our technicians service these units in your home or in our service department.
- Serving Southwestern Ontario since 1999
- 4.9 from 2,300+ Google reviews
Applicable models for this guide:
If your model is not listed, consult the owner’s manual of your unit for filter replacement instructions, or if you need advice, give us a call during our regular business hours.
Need a carbon filter or UV lamps? Order RPS and RespirAide parts online
The parts this guide covers: Pre-Filter, Electronic Cell, carbon filter, and UV lamps.
Cleaning the Electronic Air Purifier
Electronic air cleaner maintenance: how often to clean it
Electronic Air Cleaners work by electrically charging and collecting airborne contaminants. As these contaminants collect, the collector plates and Pre-Filter become extremely dirty with things like pet dander and dust. As with any type of air filter, when an excess amount of contamination builds up on the collector plates and the Pre-Filter, the Electronic Air Cleaner’s efficiency decreases.
As dirt builds up, the snapping noise will occur with great frequency. While there are many variations of Electronic Air Cleaners, this cleaning guide focuses on products with a similar air cleaning method (Pre-Filter → Electronic Cell → Carbon/V.O.C Filter) that Platinum Air Care has offered over the years, such as the Saviair 5000, the RespirAide 400T (and the older RespirAide 200T and RespirAide 300T models), and the RPS 600S.
To prevent the loss of efficiency, the Electronic Cell and Pre-Filter must be cleaned regularly. How often will depend on the usage. Variables, such as number of occupants, pets, and smoke, determine how often the Air Cleaner requires cleaning. Cleaning once every 3 to 6 months for non-smokers, and once a month for smokers is recommended for maximum benefit of your product.
Before starting
Most units have automatic shutoff; however, we recommend powering off and unplugging your unit.
Maintenance at a glance
- Pre-FilterVacuum it at each cleaning; washing it once a month is recommendedStep 1
- Electronic CellEvery 3 to 6 months; once a month for smokersStep 2
- Carbon V.O.C FilterReplace every 6 months; every 2–4 months in smoking environmentsStep 3
- UV lampsReplace once per year; on RespirAide and RPS units the indicator light flashes when it is timeStep 4
- Photocatalytic chamberA permanent filter: vacuum gently if dust builds up; do not remove or wash itStep 4
- ResetHold the power button for 3 seconds (some models longer) once the unit is back togetherStep 5
Step 1 of 5
Cleaning the Pre-Filter
Remove the Pre-Filter and vacuum the accumulated dust and lint. Washing the Pre-Filter once a month is recommended (you can use electronic cell cleaner if desired). A thorough rinsing is required after each cleaning. Allow Pre-Filter to completely dry before placing back inside the unit.
Step 2 of 5
Cleaning the Electronic Cell
While the front panel door is open, remove the Electronic Cell from the air cleaner. Be careful not to bend or bang the cell or its collecting plates. If the cell is extremely dirty, it’s recommended to lightly rinse off the cell outdoors using a hose.
Removing the cell on your model
Washing and drying the cell
- Submerge the entire cell in warm to hot water for 5 minutes (we use the laundry tub).
- Remove the cell from the water and spray cell down thoroughly with Electronic Cell Cleaner Fluid (such as Platinum Air Care Cell Cleaner).
- Allow the spray to sit on the cell for 5 minutes.
- Change the water in the tub, and then submerge the cell in fresh warm to hot water for another 5 minutes.
- Rinse, shake out, and allow the cell to completely dry overnight.
If you put the unit back together while the cell or filters are still wet, serious arcing and snapping noise will occur. A hair dryer can be used to speed up drying time; however, it is still recommended to let the cell sit and dry overnight.
Warning!
Do not wash collecting cell in a dishwasher. Never use any object to clean between the cell plates (such as a scrubber or scouring pad) as this may cause damage to the cell collecting plates or ionizing wires. Never place the electronic cell in an oven to dry.
Step 3 of 5
Replacing the Activated Carbon V.O.C Filter
Recommended Replacement: Every 6 months or every 2–4 months in smoking environments.
The Activated Carbon V.O.C (Volatile Organic Compound) Filter is not a washable filter and must be replaced every 6 months, or every 2–4 months in smoking environments to ensure maximum effectiveness. The odor absorption capabilities of the carbon filter last between 2 and 6 months. Once the carbon filter can no longer remove odors from the air, the carbon filter will need to be replaced. It is NOT recommended to leave the carbon filter in the machine for longer than 6 months without replacement.
Step 4 of 5
Photocatalytic Chamber and Ultra-Violet (UV) Lamp Replacement
Recommended Ultra-Violet Lamp Replacement: Once Per Year
Once you have removed all of the filters (the Pre-Filter, Electronic Cell, and the V.O.C/Carbon Filter), you will now have access to the Ultra-Violet Lamp and Photocatalytic chamber area.
The Photocatalytic chamber/filter is a permanent filter. The only necessary maintenance for this filter is to keep the area dust free if a build-up has accumulated. You can clean this filter by gently vacuuming it with your vacuum’s soft dusting attachment. DO NOT remove or wash this filter.
The Ultra-Violet Type-C (UV-C) Lamp has a life expectancy of 1 year. Once 1 year has passed, the effectiveness of the UV-C lamp will drop, so it is recommended to replace the UV lamps once per year. The RespirAide and RPS series units have UV lamp indicator lights; this light will flash indicating a replacement is required. Caution: DO NOT touch the glass portion of the lamp.
Removing and replacing the UV lamps
The RespirAide 400T, RPS 600S, and RPS 600SL units feature dual ultra-violet lamps on both the left and right side of the Photocatalytic chamber. To remove the UV lamps, carefully grab the end portions of the lamps (usually a white plastic) and twist to “unlock” its connection. The lamp should then feel loose and be easy to remove. You can now replace the ultra-violet lamps with new ones.
Replacing the UV lamps can be a delicate process. If you are not confident, we recommend scheduling a Platinum Air Care technician to do the replacement for you; our technician can guide and teach you how to do this yourself in person.
Step 5 of 5
Reassembling and Resetting the Unit
Once you have finished cleaning and replacing your filters on the select unit, and have made sure all parts are thoroughly dry, you can now reassemble the unit the same way you had disassembled it.
To make your unit aware that it has been cleaned, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds (some models may take longer to reset, for example holding the power button for 15 seconds or more). When the unit has reset, you should hear a beep and see all lights flash (other models may vary; please consult your manual or contact us directly for additional help). Now that your unit has been reset, it is ready to clean the air!
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the Air Purifier
If your air purifier is not starting, or if the air purifier is showing error lights, double-check with the steps above; specifically the following:
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Not turning on?
If the air purifier is not turning on, make sure it is correctly re-assembled after you cleaned it (this is mainly regarding the filter door), and also make sure the unit is plugged back into the power outlet (double-check both the wall plug and if the power cord is inserted correctly into the back of the air purifier).
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Maintenance lights still on or flashing?
If the air purifier’s maintenance lights are still on or flashing, try unplugging the unit, and plugging it back in again. Turn it on and reset the unit once or even twice using the included remote control.
Electronic air purifier cleaning questions
How often should I clean an electronic air purifier?
How often will depend on the usage. Variables, such as number of occupants, pets, and smoke, determine how often the Air Cleaner requires cleaning. Cleaning once every 3 to 6 months for non-smokers, and once a month for smokers is recommended for maximum benefit of your product.
Why is my electronic air purifier making a snapping noise?
As dirt builds up, the snapping noise will occur with great frequency: the Electronic Cell and Pre-Filter need cleaning (Step 1 and Step 2). If it starts right after a cleaning, the cell may still be wet. If you put the unit back together while the cell or filters are still wet, serious arcing and snapping noise will occur, so allow the cell to completely dry overnight.
Can I wash the electronic cell in the dishwasher?
No. Do not wash the collecting cell in a dishwasher, and never place the electronic cell in an oven to dry. Submerge the entire cell in warm to hot water instead, as Step 2 describes.
Can I wash the carbon filter?
No. The Activated Carbon V.O.C (Volatile Organic Compound) Filter is not a washable filter and must be replaced every 6 months, or every 2–4 months in smoking environments to ensure maximum effectiveness.
How long do the UV lamps last?
The Ultra-Violet Type-C (UV-C) Lamp has a life expectancy of 1 year, so it is recommended to replace the UV lamps once per year. The RespirAide and RPS series units have UV lamp indicator lights; this light will flash indicating a replacement is required.
Can a technician do it for me?
Yes. Our technicians service our customers’ units in their own home as well as in our service department, using Platinum Air Care Cell Cleaner. If you are not confident replacing the UV lamps, we recommend scheduling a Platinum Air Care technician to do the replacement for you; our technician can guide and teach you how to do this yourself in person. More on air purifier repair and service.
Still not working?
Tell us the model and what it is doing. A Platinum Air Care technician can service it in your home or in our service department.
Replacing rather than repairing?
The MedicAir® Pro is our current portable air purifier: pre-filter, HEPA, carbon, and UV-C with PCO in one cabinet. Want to see what is in your air first? The in-home air test is free.
Need additional support?
Book electronic air purifier service
If you need electronic air purifier service, contact Platinum Air Care by filling out the form or calling us. Our technicians service units in your home or in our service department.
- Serving Southwestern Ontario since 1999
- 4.9 from 2,300+ Google reviews
Toll-free: 1 (877) 339-4701
Only need a carbon filter or UV lamps? Order RPS and RespirAide parts online