How to Clean Carbon Filter for Grow Room?

So you've decided to start your own growing project. Whether you are picking up a new hobby or starting your own growing business, producing a successful yield can be one of the most satisfying things you can experience. You've acquired all the assets you need to get started, including your grow tent and ventilation system. But there is one important piece that's often overlooked since it doesn't directly affect the growing process.

Activated carbon filters are widely used to reduce odors and control emissions from marijuana grow tents and grow rooms. Typically attached to the inline duct fan or tail end of ducting, the carbon filter cleans the air circulating through. The result is fresher air that is clear of odor, spores, and other allergens. Odors and emissions affect how livable your home is; they can be uncomfortable at the least and hazardous at the worst. Filtering the air is especially important for those with respiratory issues.

Carbon filters, whether used wet or dry, can quickly become coated in grime. The confusion with carbon filters occurs because of two very different actions: adsorption and absorption. Carbon filters are designed to adsorb, or attract and bind with, toxins. Carbon does not absorb, or take into itself, those toxins. You can clean the filter and the carbon itself, but cleaning will not affect its adsorption capacity -- that factor will never change because it is based on the oxidation process used to produce the carbon.

How to clean a carbon filter for grow tent?

First, remove the filter from the filter frame holding the filter in place.

Second, since we are going to be cleaning the carbon filter for grow tent, we want to clean the housing that the filter sits in as well. Vacuum out the housing with a crevice attachment and wipe it down with a damp cloth if necessary to ensure that there is no leftover debris that will clog up the filter after you replace it.

Hint: You can use a small tube or hose to get deep into the filters housing if your crevice tool doesn't quite reach. Simply cup your hand over the end of your vacuum's hose and slide the small hose between your fingers, then use the small hose to get the spots that you couldn't reach with the larger crevice tool.

Third, use your vacuum to remove as much debris from the filter as possible. Then when you've got the filter as clean as you can with your vacuum, use a slightly moist, lint-free towel and gently wipe down the outside of the filter. Clean the towel and ring it out thoroughly, then wipe the filter down again until you no longer see much dirt coming off the filter.

Fourth, let the filter dry completely. Leave the filter out in the sun for a few hours or in a very dry area of the home to allow it to dry before putting it back into the filter housing.

You are not going to get the filter 100% clean, and you don't have too. Just get the majority of the dirt off the filter so you can reuse it a few times. Remember, you only want to reuse the filter a few times, after you have cleaned it two or three times the pores of the carbon will no longer be able to allow proper airflow.

Top Pick Carbon Filter for Grow Tent

ECO FARM Carbon Filter 4"/6"/8"/10"/12"

It comes highly recommended by a lot of indoor growers because of its durable design and high-quality filter. The main structure is made of galvanized steel, which is more durable compared to aluminum filters.

The base and filter flange of the main structure are interchangeable. The outer and inner mesh have sufficient open area for superior airflow. You can use it as an exhaust or intake filter. You can use it to filter, purify, or move air.

The device is engineered for enclosed grow rooms. It will soak up and get rid of unwanted smells and promote better plant health by ensuring that the air is always clean.

• SUPERIOR CARBON QUALITY: Made of high quality activated charcoal, delivering 100% filtered airflow.
• ELIMINATES ODOR AND CHEMICAL IRRITANTS: Protects from chemical irritants and eliminates odors- from pungent indoor grow operations to bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Absorbs odors from pets and smoking as well.
• EFFECTIVE ODOR CONTROL: Eliminate some of the most undesirable odors, pungent smell and particulates from indoor grow tent, hydroponics grow room.
• VERSATILE APPLICATIONS: Item can be used as intake or exhaust filter in a variety of setups including use with 6 inch inline fan and duct fans, intake and exhaust fans, air exchange fans, ventilation ducts, and other accessories.

What to consider when choosing the best carbon filter for grow room?

The market has tons of carbon filter options available in the market and it is therefore important that you choose the right one for effective results. The following factors will help you in choosing the best carbon filter for your grow room.

Material

The material of the carbon filter is one of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing your product. Majority of the filters have heavy-duty premium galvanized steel which ensures their durability and performance. Premium material is pricier than other materials but do not compromise quality by opting to buy less expensive carbon filters. Maintenance of good quality premium material is also easier compared to other materials.

Pre-Filters

Majority of the most quality carbon filters come readily packaged with pre-filters that you can use outside the carbon filters. The pre-filters play a big role in helping with the elimination of dust and other particles in the grow room. With these out of the way, the carbon filter and inline fan stay clean and work more efficiently. A pre-filter also increases the life span of a carbon filter.

Compactness And Portability

Noise is irritating and if you want a carbon filter with no or very little noise, buy one with compact carbon filters. These have less noise and vibration during their operations. Compact carbon filters also have better odor and smell absorbent capabilities. Also make sure you get a carbon filter that is easily portable in case you want to change its position in the grow room.

Thickness

The thicker the carbon is in the filter, the better the absorption abilities. Filters with more carbon thickness control odor better than those with less thickness do. they are very efficient and as such attract more costs. they are however worth every cent.

Size

The size of your grow room will also determine the size of the carbon filter you want to buy. Carbon filters come in five different sizes, which are 4-inches, 6-inches, 8-inches, 10 inches and 12 inches. For small-scale marijuana farmers, a 4-inch carbon filter will do just fine.

Conclusion

Cleaning out a carbon air filter yourself will save you a lot of money. Most carbon filters will last between 60 and 90 days and will absorb smelly odors well. However, if you are willing to do a little cleaning, you can make them last for a full year or longer.