Filters We Forget About
Did you know, you have filters in your home that need to be replaced or cleaned? How often do you need to clean or replace them? How do I clean them?
HVAC Air Filters: This one can be nasty, ALL the air in your home is being filtered through it, and it can get dusty quick. It affects the air quality in your home. Failure to replace the air filters can cause your system to not function correctly (heating & cooling) and break-down, possibly needing to be replaced. It can also cause health risks for your family and pets.
*Replace* every 6-8 Weeks. More often if you have allergies, smoke, large home, or pets. Make sure you have purchased the correct size of air vent, so your system operates correctly.
Bathroom Vents: The bathroom vent can become dirty from humidity, aerosol sprays, dust in the air. We want this vent to operate correctly to remove the humidity and toilet smells out of the bathroom.
*Clean* every 3-6 months. Vacuum the vent with a soft bristled vacuum brush, and wipe clean with a damp microfiber towel.
Refrigerator Water Filter: The water and ice filter needs to be replaced, not only does it make your water taste better, but it pulls the impurities out of the water. Hard water and mineral deposits can clog the water tubes, and stop your fridge from making ice/water.
*Replace* every 6-12 months. Read your owner's manual for the specifications of your make and model. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for top performance of your appliances.
Range Vents/Over the Oven Vent: The oven vent over the stove collects grease and builds up quickly. If you don’t clean this vent it can drop old grease on your food while cooking & can even be a fire hazard. The range vent removes unwanted odors, removes moisture and grease, as well as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants that cooking can release into the air.
*Clean* every 1-3 months, it will need to be cleaned more if you cook often. Remove filter and spray Soilmaster, letting it soak on the filter 10 min. If it is very greasy use a brush to scrub the gunk, rinse it with hot water.
Dishwasher Filter: Did you even know your dishwasher had a filter? This filter collects old food, hard water, and even excess soap.
*Clean* every 1-2 weeks. Follow the manufacturers instruction on how how to clean the filter. We suggest running the filter under hot water and gently using a brush to clean the filter. Spray with Soilmaster and let it dwell 10 minutes if needed. Rinse and replace.
Clothes Washer Filter: (Front loader washers only) If your clothes are not coming out completely clean it might be time to clean your filter.
*Clean* every 1-3 months. Some machines do not have filters. Locate the machine’s filter and set up a towel and bowl to catch the water. Remove the filter and wipe with a cloth to remove stuck on gunk. Soak the filter in a solution of Soilmaster or warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Scrub the filter with a soft-bristled brush.
Dryer Vents: I am sure that you clean the lint vent every time you use the dryer, or when its overflowing. Not only does lint get in the trap, but it can be around and under the trap. Lint can get trapped in the drying duct as well. This is very dangerous and can lead to a fire.
*Clean* the lint trap every time you use the dryer. To really clean the dryer trap use a Dryer brush, every 2-3 months. Use the dryer brush & vacuum on the dryer duct as well.
Vacuum Filters: Filters in your vacuum are catching allergens and dust. If these become clogged or blocked you can expect your motor to blow. To stay away from costly repairs, service your vacuum and replace filters.
*Replace* every 3-6 months.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for top performance of your appliances.