How to Maintain Your Air Purifying Ionizer For Fresher Air

Similar to any air purifier, an ionizer requires some maintenance in order to run efficiently and extend its lifespan. Follow these three steps for optimal ionizer operation.

When an ionizer works properly, negative ions are released into the air and adhere to airborne particles, effectively filtering them out of circulation.

Clean the Filter

Ionizers use air ionization, an effective process that purifies the air by creating positive and negative ions that break down viruses, bacteria, allergens, mold, dust mites, VOCs, and odors. These ions reduce indoor pollution so you and your family can breathe cleaner air.

Ionic air purifiers come in many forms, such as electrostatic precipitators and ion generators found on filter air purifiers. Not only do these reduce pollutants, but ionizers can also be employed to sanitize plastic medical equipment like ventilator tubes.

Electrostatic precipitators create ions by passing a current through the unit and attaching them to particles in the air. Ultimately, these ions disperse and return to the atmosphere as water vapour, helping deactivate contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

In some instances, these ions can even help break down paint and other hazardous chemicals in the environment. This technology is especially essential for hospitals and other high-risk locations where medical devices and objects could come into contact with hazardous substances.

Plasmacluster ionizers work by using a combination of positive and negative ions to break down viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens in the air by breaking them down to smaller particles. Not only do these reduce airborne irritants but they can also prevent bacterial infections and asthma attacks.

To clean the filter on an air purifier, first unplug it from its power source and take it apart from its base. Doing this will enable you to vacuum away lint or other particles.

Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior of the air purifier and its filter with. Some filters may require specific cleaning methods; always consult your user manual for guidance on how best to clean this filter in your model of air purifier.

Once your air purifier has been thoroughly cleaned, you can replace its filter and enjoy cleaner air! For optimal performance, check the filter every 2-4 weeks to make sure it remains optimal.

Clean the Plates

One of the best ways to keep your air purifying ionizer running smoothly and creating cleaner air is to regularly clean its plates. Plates in an air ionizer work to remove dust and other airborne particles from the air, but over time they may become clogged with dirt, dust and pollutants.

Cleaning the plates of an air purifier is both effortless and reasonably cost-effective. All that’s necessary to do is mix some water with some detergent, and your air cleaner will be as good as new!

One common issue that can hinder your air purifying ionizer’s performance is calcium build-up. This causes it to run less efficiently, so regular cleaning is essential for optimal efficiency.

Thankfully, most air purifiers come equipped with a system that will notify you when it’s time for replacement of the plates. To clean your air purifier’s plates, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and unplug the unit.

Once the ionizer has been unplugged, gently take out its plates and wash them in warm, soapy water. This should take around 30 minutes to completely rinse out each plate. After cleaning them thoroughly, insert them back into your unit for use as usual.

If the plates of your air purifier aren’t clean, they can clog the entire unit and cause malfunctioning. To avoid this from occurring, be sure to regularly clean and replace plates as needed.

You can use an acidic solution to clean the plates, but be sure that it isn’t too harsh on your ionizer. A citric acid solution is ideal as it won’t harm either the ionizer or your health.

Another solution is a solution of vinegar and water. This will assist in breaking down any calcium build-up on the plates of your air purifier, increasing its pH level in ionized water.

You may choose to invest in a citric acid cleaner that will effectively clean your ionizer for you. This is an ideal option, as it eliminates calcium build-up that can accumulate on its platinum plates.

Clean the Housing

Maintaining your air purifying ionizer will maximize its effectiveness and keep your home or office as clean and healthy as possible. In addition to cleaning the filter, regularly cleaning its housing will give your ionizer even fresher air.

Before beginning, make sure your ionizer is unplugged and not running. Next, remove the filter cover and wipe down the interior of your ionizer with a soft cloth or brush.

Once you have cleaned the inside of your ionizer, it is time to replace its air filter. This straightforward process involves taking out the old filter from its housing, replacing it with a new one and then inserting it back in place.

Most ionizers come with an LCD display that alerts you when it’s time for a cleaning cycle. This serves as a helpful reminder that it’s important to change your filter and keep everything running optimally.

Some models feature a reset button that allows you to erase all accumulated time from the sensor. You may also adjust its sensitivity by pressing and holding both airflow speed button and ionizer button simultaneously for about 2 seconds while your purifier is running.

If your air ionizer has a coil head, you will need to unscrew the old one and install a new one. Additionally, you will require some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

Once the coil head and tank of your ionizer have been thoroughly scrubbed, you can now dry them off with a towel. You may also add some soap for extra cleaning power. Once all areas have been thoroughly cleansed, rinse them off thoroughly with warm water.

In the above photo, ionizer plates are coated in deposits that reduce water pH and ORP the machine can achieve. These deposits can cause extensive damage to an ionizer’s plates, so it is essential to regularly clean them with a cleaning cartridge. Doing this will keep your ionizer running optimally for years to come.

Change the Filter

Maintaining your air purifying ionizer filter is an integral part of keeping it running optimally. Doing this ensures that the device is performing at its peak efficiency, filtering out dust, smoke and bacteria from indoor air.

Typically, manufacturers recommend changing your air purifier’s filter every 3 to 6 months for optimal performance. If you’re uncertain when this should occur, consult your air purifier’s user manual for guidance.

To replace the filter on an ionizer, first unplug its power and remove the lid from its base. This white plastic piece covers the filter compartment and holds the cartridge. Use a flat utensil such as the handle of a plastic utensil or wooden chopstick to pry this piece away from its socket.

Once done, rotate the bottom cap anticlockwise towards the opening. Finally, push down on and pull out the filter from your ionizer.

Once the filter has been taken off, gently wipe it down with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you could also clean your ionizer’s filter using your vacuum cleaner if available.

For a more thorough cleaning, use a brush to scrub the crevices of the filter. This will help eliminate dust and other particles that have built up inside them over time.

If you’re uncertain which replacement filter is appropriate for your ionizer, consult its user manual. In most cases, a HEPA filter should work just fine.

Replacement filters for most air purifier models can be found at a local hardware store or online. Be sure to select a filter that is compatible with your model’s filter size.

Additionally, some ionizers require replacement of their pre-filter. This can be found at the bottom of the base and usually secured with four locks.

To access the pre-filter, grip the bottom cover and twist it clockwise until it unlocks. Replace this cover, plugging the unit back in and turning on again will complete access.