Cleaning a Reusable Furnace Filter

Written by April Reinhardt (last updated November 4, 2024)

There are two types of furnace filters: permanent and disposable. Disposable furnace filters have cardboard frames, while permanent filters have metal or fiberglass frames. While disposable filters are less expensive, they require monthly replacement, at the very least. Permanent filters, while costing more from the get-go, are more cost-effective in that they are reusable. Reusable furnace filters require more regular cleaning than disposable models.

Both reusable and disposable filters are marked with a MERV Rating. MERV is an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Report Value, and that rating reports the filter's particle-trapping capacity, allowing you to compare performances between several brands of filters. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient and productive the filter.

If you have a reusable furnace filter, you need to check it at least once a month, and more often during heating and cooling seasons. If you can see that the filter is dirty, then you need to clean it. Follow these steps to clean your reusable furnace filter:

  1. Turn off the furnace.
  2. Locate the service panel and remove the cover. You may need a screwdriver or other tools to complete this step.
  3. Find the furnace filter. It will be near the intake/outtake blower. If you can see dust on the filter, you need to remove it and clean it.
  4. Once you've removed the filter, rinse it with water to clean it. You can complete this step by using your kitchen or laundry room sink, or take it outside and flush it using your garden hose.
  5. Allow the filter to dry completely.
  6. Replace the filter, replace the service panel, and turn your furnace back on.

If you find that you don't have time to clean your reusable filter, keep an extra filter on hand and switch them out. Then, when you do have time, clean the dirty to have on hand next time you need to switch it out for the dirty one. It is a good idea to vacuum around your furnace during heating and cooling season to help diminish dust from entering your furnace filter. You could get into the habit of vacuuming each time you clean your filter, and help your furnace become more efficient.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Removing Pine Needles from Carpeting

If you love pine trees and trimmings during the holiday, consider investing in a commercial grade vacuum to rid your ...

Discover More

Drive Him Crazy with Perfume

The lingering scent of your perfume can have the man in your life thinking of you, even when you aren't present. With a ...

Discover More

Replacing a Thermostat

Although replacing a thermostat is a relatively simple task, it can be quite dangerous since you're dealing with ...

Discover More

Keep Your Hardwood Floors Like New Bona's hardwood floor cleaner is the #1 choice of professionals. The no-residue formula is specially designed to be safe for floors, families, and the environment. Check out Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill today!

More Cleaning Tips

Air Duct Cleaners

Air ducts are situated throughout your entire place of living and are what help to contribute to the clean air you ...

Discover More

Air Duct Cleaner

Over time, the air ducts in your home can build up dust and debris that can cause allergies and other problems. If your ...

Discover More

Chimney Sweeping

Having a fireplace offers warmth during cold months, but don't forget that it needs to be maintained. A chimney sweeper ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two more than 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.