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How to keep your air purifier fighting fit during smog season: A comprehensive maintenance guide

To keep your air purifier effective during smog season, follow this maintenance guide to ensure top performance. Also find our top picks to purchase the best.

Published on: Nov 18, 2024, 17:37:53 IST
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ProductRatingPrice

Dyson Air Purifier TP10 Cool Gen1 | Covers 600 Sq. Ft| Advanced HEPA H13 filtration|Removes 99.95% of allergens & pollutants as small as PM 0.1|Remote Control| 2 Year WarrantyView Details...

₹32,899

...

Qubo Smart Air Purifier for Home Q500, From Hero Group, Up To 500 Sqft, Removes 99.99% Allergens, App & Voice Control, Filter Life 9000 Hrs, True HEPA H13 Filter, Energy Saving, Ultra Quiet BLDC MotorView Details...

₹9,880

...

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₹5,484x 6 months₹32,899

Coway Airmega Aim Professional Air Purifier For Home, New Launch, Longest Filter Life 8500 Hrs, Traps 99.99% Virus & Pm 0.1 Particles, Manufacturer Warranty Of 7 Years - WhiteView Details...

₹9,999

...

Xiaomi 4 Lite Smart Air Purifier for Home, AQI Display, HEPA & Carbon Filter, trap 99.99% Virus Dust & Odor, Large coverage area up to 462 Sq ft, App Control, RoHS & Allergy Care Certified, Alexa & GAView Details...

₹9,999

...

Philips AC0920 Smart Air Purifier for Home| Real Time AQI Display | Covers upto 300 sqft|Removes 99.97% of Viruses,Allergens,Dust and PM2.5 |HEPA Filter|Filter Life Upto 9000 Hrs | Ideal for BedroomsView Details...

₹8,499

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Regular filter cleaning ensures your air purifier maintains optimal performance.
Regular filter cleaning ensures your air purifier maintains optimal performance.
Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Khandelwal
Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist
With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow.

Career Journey & Experience
Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences.

A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism.

Subject Expertise
Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

Education & Professional Background
Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces.

Editorial Philosophy
"As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."

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Smog is a common sight in North Indian cities like Delhi during the onset of winter every year. This poisonous mix of smoke, fog, and air pollutants, poses serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to smog can lead to respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems, and worsen conditions like asthma. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. To combat the harmful effects of smog, air purifiers are becoming essential household devices. They help filter out pollutants, allergens, and toxins, ensuring cleaner, healthier air inside our homes.

To ensure that your air purifier remains effective throughout the smog season, proper maintenance is crucial. This includes regular cleaning, timely filter replacements, and positioning the device in the best location for maximum efficiency. Troubleshooting common issues, like reduced airflow or strange noises, is also necessary to keep your purifier running at its best. In this article, we will explore how to maintain your air purifier, when to replace its filters, how to place it for optimal performance, and how to troubleshoot problems to ensure long-term reliability.

Keep your air purifier pristine: A comprehensive maintenance guide

How to care for an air purifier?

Exterior Care: Dust the outer casing regularly with a soft cloth to prevent dust build-up. Wipe away smudges and fingerprints to maintain its appearance.

Pre-Filter Cleaning: Vacuum the pre-filter to remove dust and debris. For a deeper clean, wash it with mild detergent and warm water. Ensure it's completely dry before reinstalling.

Top picks for air purifier brands in India

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What is the maintenance of an air filter in an air purfier?

Understanding Filter Types

HEPA Filters: Highly efficient at trapping microscopic particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Activated Carbon Filters: Excellent for removing odours, smoke, and harmful gases.

UV-C Filters: Eliminate bacteria and viruses through ultraviolet light.

Checking Filter Condition

Regularly inspect filters for dirt, discolouration, or damage. Refer to the user manual or filter life indicator for replacement timing.

Filter Replacement

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to replace filters. Use genuine or compatible filters to maintain optimal performance.

Best Honeywell air purifiers for you:

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Where do I place my air purifier?

Room Selection: Place your air purifier in rooms with high pollution levels, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchens.

Ideal Positioning: Avoid placing the purifier against walls or in corners. Position it in a well-ventilated area for efficient airflow.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Excessive Noise: Check for obstructions, reduce fan speed, or consult the user manual for troubleshooting tips.

Weak Airflow: Clean or replace filters, ensure proper power supply, or seek professional service.

Strange Odours: Replace activated carbon filters, clean the interior, or check for mould or bacteria.

Also read: Best air purifier brands in India: Complete comparison guide, top 9 picks

Best Philips air purifiers for you:

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In conclusion, regular maintenance, proper placement, and timely filter replacement are crucial for optimal air purifier performance, especially during smog-filled seasons. By keeping the exterior clean, regularly cleaning or replacing the pre-filter, and understanding the different filter types, you can ensure your purifier works efficiently. Correct placement in a well-ventilated area maximises its effectiveness in improving indoor air quality. Addressing common issues like excessive noise, weak airflow, or strange odours can prevent disruptions and maintain optimal performance. By taking these proactive steps, you not only extend the life of your air purifier but also protect your health by breathing cleaner, safer air.

How can I make my air purifier last longer?

Maintenance TaskActionTips
Regular CleaningDust the exterior regularly.Wipe away fingerprints and smudges to maintain appearance.
Pre-Filter CleaningVacuum the pre-filter to remove dust. Wash it with mild detergent.Air dry completely before reinserting to avoid mould growth.
Filter TypesUnderstand different filters: HEPA, activated carbon, etc.HEPA filters capture fine particles, carbon filters eliminate odours.
Checking Filter ConditionVisually inspect the filter for dirt or discolouration.Use filter life indicators, if available, to monitor conditions.
Replacing the FilterFollow manufacturer instructions to replace filters.Choose compatible filters and replace as recommended.
Optimal PlacementPlace the purifier in rooms with the highest pollution exposure.Ensure there is proper airflow and avoid walls or corners.
Troubleshooting Noisy OperationCheck for obstructions in intake/outlet.Adjust fan speed settings if necessary.
Troubleshooting Weak AirflowClean or replace filters, check power supply.Ensure the unit is properly plugged in and functioning.
Troubleshooting Strange OdoursReplace activated carbon filters and clean the unit's interior.Regularly clean the interior to avoid lingering odours.

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How to Keep Your Air Purifier Fighting Fit During Smog Season : FAQs
Clean the pre-filter every two to three weeks to remove accumulated dust and debris.
Replace the main filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every 6-12 months, or when the filter life indicator alerts you.
Place it in a room with high pollution exposure, away from walls, corners, or obstructions, to ensure proper airflow.
Check and replace the activated carbon filter if needed, and clean the unit's interior thoroughly to remove odour sources.
Inspect and clean or replace filters, ensure there are no obstructions, and verify the power supply for any issues.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

HT Tech Power List Awards 2026
  • Neha Khandelwal
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Neha Khandelwal

    Neha Khandelwal Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow. Career Journey & Experience Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences. A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism. Subject Expertise Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Education & Professional Background Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces. Editorial Philosophy "As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."Read More