Best way to clean Honeywell electric air cleaner cells

[Huck]

Hi: I have a Honeywell eelctric air cleaner with the two electrostatic cells, and the two aluminum pre-filters and normally I just vacuum the pre-filters and take a hose to the aluminum cells and let them air dry, but not sure if this is cleaning them enough! Is there a certain cleaner available to spray on or soak the cells in and then hose off? Thanks, Huck

Thanks! I found a product called DAX cleaner....made for cleaning these cells! Thanks, Huck

[57]

I put them in the dishwasher twice a year for the past 17 years (pretty clean house, no smokers or pets). I believe this is even a recommended procedure. I have to do two loads as the prefilter goes on top and the cell goes in the bottom of the dishwasher and I have two of each.

I let them air dry when they come out of the dishwasher (no dry cycle). I then put them back and turn on the furnace fan for a couple of hours before turning them on. Sometimes there's a hint of water left and I hear them "click" a few times, but all is well then.

Careful when putting them in the dishwasher - I have them "wires up", so that the wires don't get damaged. Also make sure you don't bend the plates. If they get bent and touch, you'll have arcing. I always check them to make sure they're all straight and not touching

[gordonb]

Yup,

Honeywell (PDF) still recommends washing them:

Washing the cell(s) in your automatic dishwasher
Hot water can accumulate in the tubes supporting the collector plates.Tip the cell(s) so
these tubes can drain.
IMPORTANT
• Check your dishwasher Owner’s manual. Some manufacturers do not recommend
washing electronic cell(s) in their dishwashers.
• If the dishwasher has upper and lower arms, position the cell(s) carefully to
allow good water circulation.
• Be careful to avoid damaging the cell(s) when placing them in the dishwasher.
Broken ionizer wires or bent collector plates are not covered under
the Warranty.
• Very dirty cell(s), especially from tobacco or cooking smoke, can discolor the
plastic parts and the lining of some dishwashers.This discoloration is not
harmful. To minimize it, wash the cell(s) more frequently or try a different
brand of detergent.
• Do NOT allow the dishwasher to run through the dry cycle. This bakes on
any contaminants not removed during the wash cycle and reduces air cleaner
efficiency.
1. Put the cell(s) on the lower rack of the dishwasher with the airflow arrow pointing up. It may be necessary to remove the upper rack. Do not block water flow to the upper arm.
HINT: Lay a few large water glasses between the spikes on the lower rack, and rest the cell(s) on them so the spikes do not damage the aluminum collector blades.
2. Using your regular dishwashing detergent, allow the dishwasher to run through the complete wash and rinse cycle. Do not use the dry cycle. To avoid burns, let the cell(s) cool completely before removing, or wear protective gloves when removing the cell(s). Remember that water may be trapped inside the cell(s) plates. Tip the cell(s) so these tubes can drain.
3. Wipe the ionizer wires and contact board on the end of the cell using your thumb and forefinger with a small, damp cloth.
4. Inspect the dishwasher. You may want to rerun the wash and/or rinse cycle with the dishwasher empty if you see dirt or residue from washing the cell(s). If dirt or residue seems excessive, wash the cell(s) more often or try a different detergent.

[Huck]

Thanks a lot for posting that Honeywell link! We don't have a dishwasher in this house, but the last house had one and I used to use the powdered dish soap to clean the cells in that furnace, but I thought that it was gradually eating away ( corroding) at the aluminum, because the aluminum frame work seemed to be getting darker and less shiny each time and the wash water soak seemed to be darker than it should be, as I didn't feel that the cells were that dirty. I am gonna try that DAX when my Home Hardware gets some more in stock! Thanks, Huck

[vmpv]

I pick up my DAX at Sears in case anybody is interested. Works pretty well. Make sure you buy the big bottle though- 1 litre

[TKG26]

Use DAX or other EAC cleaners. Dish detergents can leave a was film that will effect the performance of the unit..

I have used other cleaners such as spray nine or simple green in a pinch. But using the proper cleaner is best

[Bent]

Wow, I have a 120 volt powered Honeywell ESAF with the two aluminum pre-filters as well. I never knew about this cleaning routine.

All I've ever done is garden-hosed the ES elements and reverse-vaccuumed the pre-filters.

I do like the performance of the ESAF

[txv]

I used to just rinse the cells and wipe them down. (Used to have an electronic air cleaner; they only work when very clean)

[Larry]

You can also put the filters and cells back in while still wet and turn the unit on. Once they dry out the unit turns on automatically. A repair guy told me that. Been doing it for over 20 years.

[Bent]

I lied, mine is a White_Rogers type

[57]

Once they dry out the unit turns on automatically

This may depend on the model. If I put mine in while they've still got water on them they spark like crazy.

[wolfman]

This may depend on the particular cleaning element you have, but I have been taking mine to the local DIY car wash... That's one of those wand wash places. But keep in mind, some elements may not be robust enough for that.