HELPFUL HINTS
If you live with pets, chances are your air purifier runs for hours every day. Have you ever checked the filter and been surprised by how much pet hair and dust it had collected?
In a pet home, all sorts of pollutants, fur, dander, and everyday dust are caught by the filters constantly. That's a sign it's doing its job, steadily clearing the air. But if the filters, sensors, and inside of the unit go unattended for too long, it gets harder to keep the cleaning performance it started with.
The good news is that most routine maintenance can be done at home without any special tools. In this guide, we'll walk through everything from cleaning the exterior and maintaining the filters to cleaning the dust sensor, replacing the filter, and using smart maintenance features with LG ThinQ™.
Illustration of a person cleaning an LG PuriCare™ 360˚ air purifier.
*This image was conceptualized by humans and realized with AI.
Your air purifier will keep running even if you never clean the filter. But "running" and "performing like new" are two different things.
The longer you use an air purifier, the more dust and pollutants build up on the filters and inside the unit. Fine particles can also collect on the dust sensor over time. As this buildup adds up, it can affect airflow and how accurately your purifier reads the air.
These things can happen if you skip regular cleaning:
• Dust can build up on the filters and weaken airflow and cleaning performance.
• A dirty dust sensor may struggle to read your indoor air quality accurately.
• Layers of dust and dirt buildup inside the unit can keep it from running well.
Even small cleaning habits help keep your purifier's performance steady over time.
It's easy to assume the filter is the only thing that needs cleaning, but the exterior, air intake, and outlet need regular attention too. When dust collects around these areas, it can start to block airflow and affect how well your purifier works. So before you get to the filters, it's recommended to start by cleaning the outside of the unit.
Dust can gradually build up inside an air purifier, even if you don't notice it from day to day. The LG PuriCare™ 360° Air Purifier features removable front and rear covers, making it convenient to reach around the filters and inside the product. A little regular cleaning inside and out helps keep your air purifier running efficiently. Here's how:
1. Turn off the air purifier before you start.
2. Before removing the covers, vacuum the dust from the outside of the unit.
3. Gently pull and lift the front and rear covers to remove them.
4. With the filters still in place, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and minimize the spread of particles.
5. Wipe the covers and the inside of the unit with a soft cloth or cleaning wipe.
6. Let everything dry completely before reassembling.
Different filters need different care. Knowing how to maintain each one can help keep your air purifier performing efficiently and makes routine maintenance easier.
The pre-filter catches pet hair, dust, and other larger particles before they reach the main filters. That means it fills up faster than the rest, so plan to clean it more often. It only takes a little time, and it keeps your purifier running efficiently.
How to clean the pre-filter:
1. Remove the pre-filter from the air purifier.
2. Rinse away dust under running water.
3. Shake off excess water and allow the filter to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
4. Reinstall the filter only once it's fully dry.
✓ Good to know
These cleaning instructions apply to washable Easy-to-clean Pre-Filters only.
Specialized pre-filters are not washable. Check your product's manual for model-specific care.
The Photocatalytic Deodorization Filter works a little differently from conventional filters. It actually uses light energy to help keep its deodorizing performance going. Setting it under fluorescent light or sunlight, under the right conditions, can help restore that deodorizing power.
A quick way to refresh the Photocatalytic Deodorization Filter:
• Remove the filter from the air purifier.
• Put the filter under fluorescent light or direct sunlight for at least 3 hours.
• The photocatalytic coating reactivates, helping the filter keep up its deodorizing performance.
The HEPA Filter is the core of the system. It captures fine particles like PM2.5 and common airborne allergens. Unlike the pre-filter, it should never be washed with water, so cleaning it takes a different approach.
How to care for your HEPA Filter:
• Don't wash the HEPA Filter with water.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust from the filter surface.
• Vacuuming is part of routine maintenance, but the filter should still be replaced about once a year for ideal performance.
Has the airflow felt weaker recently, or has dust been collecting around the unit more quickly than usual? Your purifier can't tell you, "I need cleaning," but a few signs point to when it's time. You may need to check or clean it if you notice any of these things happening:
• Dust has built up on the exterior or around the air intake.
• Airflow feels weaker than usual.
• The filter replacement indicator is showing.
Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your air purifier's filters, but no filter lasts forever. Because filter performance gradually declines depending on operating time and the surrounding environment, replacing the filter at the appropriate time is essential for maintaining optimal performance.
1. Turn off the air purifier before you start.
2. Before removing the covers, vacuum the dust from the exterior of the unit.
3. Gently pull the front and rear covers outward and lift them off.
4. With the filter still in place, vacuum away the dust so it doesn't spread.
5. Put the used filter in a bag before throwing it away.
1. Wipe the inside of the unit and the covers with a cleaning wipe.
2. Remove any remaining moisture completely with a dry, lint-free cloth.
1. Fit the new filter into the unit with its handle facing up.
2. Align the four tabs on the front and rear covers before closing them.
3. If the covers do not close properly or appear uneven, do not force them into place. Remove the covers and refit them properly.
Once the new filter is in, there's one last step: reset the filter replacement alert. This allows the air purifier to start tracking the new filter's usage and provide more accurate replacement reminders in the future.
The steps can differ by model, so refer to your product's manual for details.
| Maintenance Item | Recommended Frequency |
| Exterior Cleaning | As needed |
| Pre Filter Cleaning | Once a month (more frequently if needed) |
| Photocatalytic Deodorization Filter Regeneration | Once every 2 months (Expose to sunlight for 3 hours) |
| HEPA Filter Replacement | Once a year (or when th filter replacement indicator turns on) |
| PM1.0 Sensor Cleaning | Every 2 months |
| Filter Replacement Indictor Reset | After each filter replacement |
Select LG PuriCare™ 360˚ models keep track of your filter's timing for you, so you don't have to. Two smart maintenance features take the guesswork out of when to replace your filter.
• Filter Replacement Alert: A light on the purifier turns on when the filter is due for replacement, so you don't have to worry about the schedule.
• LG ThinQ™ App Notifications: The app lets you know when a filter change is coming up, so you can have a new filter ready and replace it on time.
Keeping your purifier in good shape takes less than you'd think. Cleaning the filters on time and keeping the sensor clear can help your unit maintain performance over time.
LG PuriCare™ 360˚ makes it simpler still, with the Easy-to-clean Pre-Filter, smart filter reminders, and LG ThinQ™ maintenance support. Together, they keep everyday air purifier care convenient, so you can spend less time maintaining your purifier and more time enjoying cleaner air.
No. Filters should be completely dry and properly installed before the air purifier is operated.
Filter performance may gradually decline over time depending on usage and environmental conditions. Following the recommended replacement schedule can help maintain performance.
No. Different filters require different care. The Pre Filter can be rinsed with water, but the Main Filter should never be washed. The HEPA filter section of the Main Filter should be cleaned gently with a vacuum cleaner, while the Photocatalytic Deodorization Filter section can be refreshed by placing it under fluorescent light or direct sunlight, following the product instructions.
After replacing the filter, make sure you've also reset the Filter Replacement Alert according to your product's instructions. Resetting the alert allows the air purifier to start tracking the new filter from the beginning, helping provide more accurate replacement reminders in the future. Since the reset procedure may vary by model, refer to your product manual for detailed instructions.
[Disclaimer]
1) 4) Source: I want to know how to self-manage an air purifier (https://www.lge.co.kr/support/solutions-20153405050483)
2) Source: [LG Air Purifier] The deodorizing filter smells (https://www.lge.co.kr/support/solutions-20150278538302)
3) Source: Spring Air Purifier Maintenance! How to Clean It Neatly (https://www.lge.co.kr/story/lifestyle/air-purifier-maintenance)
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