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HomeArticlesCommunityMy Profile WH.translationData = {'de': {'msg':"Lies auch unseren deutschen Artikel: Wie man die Patrone eines Schwimmbadfilters reinigt."}};WH.mergeLang({'navlist_collapse': '- collapse','navlist_expand': '+ expand'});EditHome » Categories » Home and Garden » Swimming Pools Spas and Hot TubsHow to Clean a Cartridge Type Swimming Pool FilterEdited by BR, Krystle, Eric, Mudkips and 6 othersPin ItArticle EditDiscuss
Cleaned filter, ready to reinstall. This filter has only been used once, after multiple cleanings, they do become stained.Above ground swimming pools offer a lot of fun and exercise in the summer time, but maintaining them can be an expensive matter. For those who want to save some money, or simply reduce waste, cleaning the filter, rather than buying a new one is an option. Edit StepsPreparation1Purchase quality cartridge type filters. These will have a pleated fiberglass mat or synthetic filter media, not paper. The cleaning methods described here will cause cheap media to break down, leaving the filter useless.
New filters, at about $5 (US) each.2Run the system with your filter as you normally would. When it becomes dirty, remove it from the pump-filter assembly.Cleaning the Filter1Rinse any debris from the filter with a garden hose and spray nozzle before the filter dries after you have removed it. Drying will allow the collected debris to set into the filter media, making it more difficult to remove later.
Rinsing the filter immediately after removing from the pump assembly.2Allow the filters to dry thoroughly, preferably in bright sunshine, which has effective algaecidal properties.
Dirty filters on left, and cleaned filters on right, drying in the sun.3Shake or use an air compressor to remove loose particles from the filter's fabric. This can be done by tapping it on a surface, brushing with a stiff paint brush, or other means. Note that this step is in preparation for the actual cleaning, so getting it perfect is not necessary.
Brushing loose material from the filter's pleats prior to soaking.4Save the filters you would normally throw in the trash until you have several to clean. Because cleaning involves using chlorinizer and takes time, cleaning individual filters is not efficient. five gallon/18.9 liter plastic paint bucket will hold about five type C filters.
Removing a soiled filter from the filter assembly, it will be saved until several are ready to clean.5Prepare a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid to soak your filters. Use a solution of 1 part pool chlorinator to 6 parts water. Submerge the filters in this solution, then place the lid on the bucket.
Adding the chlorinizer to the water in a clean sheetrock mud bucket.6Allow the filters to soak to kill any microorganisms that are trapped in the filter media, and to break down any organic contaminants. One day is good start, but 3 to 5 days will provide better results.
Sealing the bucket to allow filters to soak, now, all there is to do is to wait.7Remove the filters and rinse in a bucket of clean water. Agitate the filters by holding them at one end, and dunking them briskly in and out of the rinse water. You should see a cloud of rinsed contaminants coming from the filter.
Rinsing the filter in clean water to shake out loosened soiling material.8Hang or place the filters in bright sunlight and allow them to dry thoroughly. Any more dirt that is trapped on the surface of the filter should be brushed off, using a stiff bristled paint or parts cleaning brush.9Seal the bucket you soak the filters in when not in use so you won't have to add additional chlorinizer each time you clean filters. Some sediment will accumulate in the bottom of this bucket, but it doesn't affect the usability of the solution.10Mix a solution of muriatic acid and water to dissolve minerals that accumulate in the filter media, reducing the rate water can pass through the filter. Use another clean bucket with a lid that seals tightly. Add about 2/3 of a bucket of clean water, then carefully pour in enough muriatic acid to give you a 1 part acid to 10 parts water solution. In a typical 5 gallon bucket, this means about 3 gallons of water to 1 1/2 quarts acid.11Soak the filters in the acid solution until it quits bubbling. The bubbles are an indication the acid is reacting with the mineral deposits, and when the bubbling has quit, the minerals should be dissolved.
Filters soaking in a muriatic acid solution, note the bubbles.12Seal this container when you are finished with it. If you keep your containers sealed tightly, the chemicals (either the acid or chlorinizer) will not weaken and may be reused for several cleanings. Allowing the containers to remain open will allow the chlorine to evaporate out of your solution, rendering it useless in a short time.13Rinse the acid cleaned filters with plenty of fresh water, then allow them to dry, shake any remaining collected dirt from the pleats, and they are ready either to proceed to chlorine soaking, or if this step has followed the chlorine soaking, they are ready for reuse in your pool.14Reuse your cleaned filters.Edit TipsStore filters in a plastic bag or other container when they are cleaned to keep insects from making a home in them.Pool filter cleaning chemicals are marketed specifically for cleaning cartridge type filters, but the cost is fairly high in consideration of their performance.Using a 5% muriatic acid solution to remove calcium deposited in the filter media will increase the filter's performance if high concentrations of minerals exist in your pool water.For cleaning filters in pools where a large number of people swim, and suntan lotions or other materials may accumulate, using a dish washing liquid solution to presoak the filter may yield superior results.Discard any filters that become damaged or deteriorate to the point they no longer filter efficiently.Filters may become clogged much more rapidly when using clarifier in the pool water, as this product will cause the particles that cloud the water to be trapped more easily in the filter media.You may want to just get a new filter instead of reusing it.Remove and clean or replace the filter on a regular basis.Remove the collected dirt from the filter in stages, removing as much as possible in each stage. Simply tapping or brushing the filter after it has dried in the sun will reduce the amount of organic contaminants that need to be broken down in the cholrinator soak.Maintain your pool water chemistry to minimize the organic contaminants in the water, making the filter's job much easier.Make sure the filter/pump unit is working correctly before using shock or adding chlorine or other chemicals to the pool.Edit WarningsThe organic matter captured by the filter can be irritating, so avoid breathing and exposure to the dust when removing it either with a brush or by blowing out with compressed air.The solution of chlorinizer you soak the filter in is very strong. Do not splash on clothes, and keep the bucket sealed tightly and out of reach of children.Use caution when pouring either liquid chlorinizer or muriatic acid. Add the chemical to the water, never the water to concentrated chemicals, and avoid direct contact with skin.Edit Things You'll NeedSwimming pool filters to start with.A stiff bristled brush.A large bucket with a lid that closes tightly.A vacuum cleaner or air compressor (optional).Liquid chlorinizerMuriatic acid (optional)A water hose with a spray nozzleEdit Related wikiHowsHow to Paint a PoolHow to Acid Wash a Swimming PoolHow to Find a Leak in Your Swimming PoolHow to Maintain Your Swimming PoolHow to Properly Maintain Swimming Pool Water ChemistryArticle Info Featured ArticleCategories: Featured Articles | Swimming Pools Spas and Hot Tubs
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Does your mattress need to be cleaned? There are several techniques which can be used to remove stains and keep your mattress fresh. Edit StepsCommon Steps For Cleaning Mattresses1Vacuum the mattress. This helps to keep it clean by the sheer fact that when it does get wet, there is less matter in the dirt to cause it to stain.
2Try using an upholstery cleaner. Since they are made for surfaces that touch your skin (e.g. your couch), it should work unless you are extremely sensitive to cleaners in general. It also has the advantage of removing dust mites[1] and their refuse.
3Use enzyme cleaners. Enzyme cleaners are effective in breaking down the 'structure' of the stains which helps to lessen them.
Unidentified Mattress Stains1Spray it with a citrus type cleaner and let it set for about five minutes. Afterward, blot (don't rub) as much of the cleaner out as you can using a clean, white, absorbent cloth. A mild dish detergent can also be used.
Blood Stains1Use hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the mattress and blot it while it is bubbling. This may not remove all the stain, but will help to lessen it. Be sure to blot it with a clean, white, dry cloth.
2Rinse with cold water (hot cooks the proteins). Rub in meat tenderizer from the pantry which removes the proteins. Rinse and follow up as per rust removal to remove the iron found in the blood.
You can also add in salt to plain water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. This is particularly effective in removing fresh blood stains.
3Create a baking soda solution. Mix one part baking soda and two parts cold water in a large bowl to make a solution. Apply it on the area using a clean cloth and let it sit for 30 minutes. Use a cloth damped in cold water to rinse the remaining solution and then apply a dry towel to absorb the moisture.
4Apply detergent. Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent with two cups of cold water in a bowl. Soak a white cloth in the solution and apply to the affected area. Gently brush the affected area with a toothbrush and rinse the solution by blotting with a wet cloth. Use a cloth towel to dry the stained area.
Cigarette Odor Removal1Using the same processes as above, apply it to the entire mattress, one section at a time.
2Launder[2] your linens frequently. If you smoke, you should do this even more often than you would on an ordinary basis. This will help keep the odor from being so pervasive.
3Spray the odor out. Use two large cans of Lysol spray (one for each side) and saturate the mattress. Let it dry for a couple of days and then follow up with two large bottles of Febreze. Place a hypoallergenic mattress pad cover on.
Mold and Mildew Removal1Give your mattresses a 'suntan'. These types of stains are caused by too much moisture. Try taking your mattress outside on a bright, sunny day and let the sun dry it out. Try to remove the excess mold and mildew by wiping or sweeping it off.
2Vacuum your mattress on both sides. When you've finished, dispose of the vacuum's filter and bag. This will prevent the mold spores from leaking out the next time you use the vacuum.
3Mix equal parts of isopropyl alcohol and warm water. Sponge it onto the mattress. Rinse the area with warm water.
4Use a common disinfectant. Products such as Lysol will kill any spores that linger.
Urine Stains and Odor1Blot the excess fluid as much as possible.
2Use an enzyme based cleaning product. These digest the uric acid crystals at the source of the stain. Spray the stain and methodically blot it.
3Once dry, shake baking soda over it. Let it set over night and vacuum it the next day.
You can also create a mixture using 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. This works best as a spray.
Removing Stains Caused By Colored Drinks1Use a citrus cleaner or vinegar. Apply either of these as a spray or onto a clean white cloth. The acid in them will help remove the stains.
2Apply rubbing alcohol. Alcohol will help carry the stain further. Blot the stain with a clean absorbent cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol, rather than pouring it on the stain.
3Talk to your mattress manufacturer or local dry cleaner. They will also have information on removing stains or provide a service for a fee.
Edit VideoEdit TipsVacuum your mattress every month or so. This reduces the dustiness of the mattress. A dust barrier covering the mattress will reduce dust and dust mites as well.Get a good mattress cover. Don't let your mattress get dirty in the first place! It's a lot easier to throw a mattress protector or mattress cover in the wash than it is to clean a mattress, so using one of these is a great time saver.If you happen to have a Tempurpedic™ mattress with the Tempurpedic™ liquid-proof mattress cover, be advised that although this mattress cover is of very high quality, it is not highly durable and should not be washed in a machine with the sheets. Such treatment will eventually lead to tiny rips and tears, resulting in leaks and a dramatic loss in effectiveness. Instead, this mattress cover should be spot cleaned by hand or carefully inspected for leaks. It can lose effectiveness in as little as two years if not cared for properly.Washing bedding in hot water every week also kills dust mites.Flip your mattress once a week to allow each side time to air. This can prevent mold growth. At the very least, do this every month or so. Be careful to check if your mattress can be flipped. Some have a designated topside and won't be as comfortable upside down.Whenever possible, blot out the extra moisture if you can.Edit WarningsMost importantly, do not lay a mattress directly on the floor in a basement room or anywhere for any length of time. If you must use a mattress on the floor, stand it up during the day to air out. Make sure you use a boxspring under the mattress or a breathable support system (similar to IKEA's slat system). Flip kids foam mattresses regular and use a waterproof cover if you have pets on your bed regularly. Note that mold will accumulate under the mattress if it is left on the floor, along with easier bug infestations. Lift all mattresses off the floor (including boxspring) a height that will allow easy vacuuming under the bed, or put it on a rolling frame to allow easy bed moving.If the mold persists, it might be worth looking into a dehumidifier. This reduces moisture in the air,and inhibits mold growth. Dust mites also prefer damp climates So a dehumidifier is very good if you have dust mite allergies or asthma.Mold spores are bad for your lungs and contribute towards asthma. If you see these, remove with a vacuum or brush, and leave the mattress in the sun for a few hours. This should kill the mold rendering it harmless (if not invisible)Make sure the mattress is completely dry before remaking the bed. Rushing this step will only result in a lingering smell and possible mold, mildew and fungus. Sometimes drying a mattress can take all dayKeep in mind that mold can cause health problems[3]. If you think that you have more than a little mold, seriously consider replacing your mattressEdit Related wikiHowsHow to Remove Blood Stains from a MattressHow to Make Enzyme CleanerHow to Rotate a MattressHow to Choose a Good Memory Foam MattressHow to Change a Bed Fast in the Middle of the NightHow to Buy a MattressHow to Buy a Latex Mattress\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Futons_540.jpg)
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