carbon filter rejuvenation?

[mds33200]

Hi, I have several hepa air filtration systems (idylis models) running in my home and office to pick up dust floating in the air. They pick up lots, but the filters are very expensive, so to save money I vacuum them out and use them again. I understand it is better to replace them, but I believe it is better to vacuum them then to just leave them running dirty if replacing them is not an option.


I was wondering if there is a way to rejuvenate the carbon filters as well? For example if I buy carbon from the fish dept. (pet store) and scrub it against the carbon pre filter, will it eliminate odors in the room as a new carbon filter would?

 

[rlitman]

The carbon in the filter is the same as the carbon from the fish store. Rubbing more carbon on the filter won't get it to release anything. Steam can get activated carbon to release VOC's that it had adsorbed, but it is not a DIY process.
Anyway, the carbon is really disposable as an odor filter. Once it stops working (to remove odors), get rid of it.

 

[Warrenator]

You might be able to reactivate it at 350 degrees in an oven. Whatever organics or gunk the carbon has absorbed will be released into the oven so it might stink up the kitchen. Run the exhaust fan. Try it, maybe it will work.

Does that carbon filter work on dog farts? I should get one. Man oh man these dogs stink.