Four filters you might not know are in your home and yes, they need cleaning
If you know your most important home appliances have filters you're either doing one of two things; cleaning them, at least occasionally, or doing everything possible to avoid cleaning them.
For anyone in the latter group, you're about to find out why cleaning these filters matters.
And if the very existence of filters is news to you, then you've come to the right place.
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Most people don't know filters are in their appliances until someone tells them. Getty
Here are the four most common types of filters in the home and how to clean them. Before you try any method, check your appliance instruction manual for best practice.
Air conditioner
Out of all the filters it's probably the air conditioner's that surprises people most, which means they are probably overflowing with dust in a lot of homes.
Not only do clogged air conditioner filters mean the air conditioner is more likely to develop mould, it also means it has to work harder, which can increase your power bill.
To fix that, once a month (and especially before the summer heat sets in) clean your filters by opening the cover and removing the filters.
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Air con filters collect dust very quickly. Getty
Take them outside for a shake and then brush them off with a dry cloth or use a vacuum to remove dust.
Then wash in warm soapy water and leave to dry before putting them back in the appliance.
While you're at it the louvers are also worth a wipe with a dry cloth.
Dishwasher filter
This one couldn't be easier to clean, it's just a little gross (though less so the more often it's cleaned).
But it must be done, because when it's not you'll find your dishes won't get cleaned properly and glasses come out with a yucky film all over them.
To clean, remove the filter from the bottom of the dishwasher and rinse the filter under hot running water.
Grab a gentle scrubbing brush and scrub it from the inside and outside under the running water.
You can also soak the filter for a short while in hot soapy water to help dislodge even more residue.
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The dishwasher is easy to clean if you do it regularly. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Rangehood filter
That big bulky thing above your stove is an essential in the kitchen, particularly if you do lots of cooking.
The rangehood extracts grease that emerges from cooking so that it doesn't stay in your home. But if the filter isn't cleaned the grease and fat just stays there and can result in oil splattering across your kitchen and worse, become a fire hazard.
Cleaning a rangehood filter is as easy as popping in it in the sink with warm soapy water, leaving it to soak for a while and giving it a scrub.
If it's really bad you might need to add baking soda or use something more heavy duty like Tricleanium or another product designed for the task.
Rangehood filters should be cleaned before they get to this state. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Washing machine filter
The location and cleaning method of this one is different depending on whether you have a top or front loader.
Regardless of the type of appliance you have, dirty filters means a smelly washing machine and clothes that aren't as clean as they should be.
Front loaders
Yep, that's how clogged filters can get if not cleaned regularly. Getty Images/iStockphoto
For front loaders, the filter can be found at the bottom front of the machine. You'll usually see a small square or round cover that you'll need to open to get to the filter.
Place a small container to catch excess water from the drain hose. Then remove the filter and scoop out any lint inside (you might also find cash and hair ties if they went through the wash in someone's pockets).
Give the lint filter a rinse under warm water. If it needs a thorough clean you can soak in warm soapy water for at least 10 minutes and/or scrub with a toothbrush.
Top loaders
The blue things inside this washing machine drum are lint filters. Rachael Gavin
In top loaders, the lint filters are often in the sides of the washing machine drum. Lint should be cleaned out of these after every use.
Each month give the lint filters a more thorough clean with warm water and a toothbrush to dislodge any stubborn lint. You can also soak in warm soapy water if it needs a deeper clean.
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