Are you looking for an air purifier that’s easy to use and maintain?
Would you like to find the best air purifier with washable filter so you never have to pay for filter replacements?
If the idea of owning the best air purifier with permanent filter appeals to you, then you’ve come to the right place.
On this page, you’ll find a list of the top air purifiers that use washable and permanent filters.
By choosing any of the popular models in this guide, you’ll not only save money, but also get a powerful air cleaning device that keeps the air around you free on pollutants.
So, take a look to find a good air purifier that meets your wants, needs, and budget.
Table of Contents
Best Air Purifier with Washable and Permanent Filter Comparison Chart
Here’s a chart showing a comparison between the top products.
We’ll go more in depth about each one later in this guide, but this gives you a sense of what’s available and an easy way to quickly compare them.
| Image | Air Purifier Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Honeywell HFD-120-Q Air Purifier
| Check Price |
  | Envion Therapure TPP240 Air Purifier
| Check Price |
  | Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Purifier
| Check Price |
  | Hamilton Beacth Trueair Air Purifier
| Check Price |
  | Envion Ionic Pro Turbo Air Purifier
| Check Price |
Are Washable and Permanent Filters the Same Thing?
In a way, washable and permanent filters are the same, but they require different maintenance steps to keep your air purifier running properly.
What is a Washable Filter?
When it comes to a washable filter, this is a filter that you can clean with soap and water.
The goal is to remove all the dirt and debris that the filter has trapped during the operation of your air purifier.
In general, there are two types of washable filters:
- Washable HEPA filter – with a 99.97% effectiveness rating
- Washable iFD filter – with a 99.99% effectiveness rating
As you can see, there’s not much difference between the effectiveness of each of these filters.
While the material design in each filter is different, you’re still getting the same high quality air cleaning capabilities out of each one.
We only point out that there are two types of washable air purifier filters so you’re not confused with comparing various products.
You’ll be perfectly fine choosing an air purifier that uses either one.
Just make sure that you take the time and effort to clean your washable filter correctly. This requires several minutes of soaking in soapy water, agitating the filter, and rinsing it to ensure that the filter is completely clean.
Then, let it completely dry before putting it back into the air purifier unit (about one hour).
Once you put the filter back into the air purifier, it will work like new again, trapping any pollutants that might be floating in the air.
What is a Permanent Filter?
Just like a washable filter, a permanent filter is in place to trap dirt, debris, and other particles that are floating on the air.
However, you can’t use soap and water to clean the filter.
In fact, if you ever get a permanent filter wet, you’ll likely ruin it and have to buy a new one.
To clean a permanent filter, all you need to do is use a handheld attachment on a vacuum to suck out all the particles that have been trapped.
As soon as you’re done vacuuming the filter, you can put it back into the air purifier and start using the unit again.
Pros and Cons of Washable and Permanent Filters
One of the biggest advantages to having an air purifier with a washable or permanent filter is that you won’t have to spend money to replace this component.
Air purifiers that don’t include reusable filters must be changed out every 3 to 6 months or more.
While this convenience may sound great, an air purifier with a washable or permanent filter does have some drawbacks.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of these types of air cleaners so you can make sure you’re picking the right one for your needs.
Pros:
- Washable and permanent filters capture the same types of pollutants as disposable filters: dust, allergens, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, etc.
- Reusable filters save you a substantial amount of money over the long term.
- Filter maintenance is relatively quick and easy.
- You have the option of cleaning the filter as often as you like, making your air purifier much more efficient.
Cons:
- Reusable filters may not be as effective at removing particles smaller than 2 microns, such as ultrafine dust and airborne gases.
- It’s difficult for washable and permanent filters to capture bacteria and viruses.
- Using these air purifiers in large rooms will require more frequent filter cleanings.
- Improper cleaning of the filter could cause damage, making it less effective during operation.
All-in-all, the pros do outweigh the cons of using an air purifier with reusable filter.
If you’re looking for a unit that’s very affordable and can provide a general level of air cleaning in your home so you can stay healthier, these products are a good choice.
Just know that you won’t be getting the most advanced air purifier system available, which often costs several hundred dollars or more.
Best Air Purifiers with Washable and Permanent Filters
Now that you know how air purifiers with washable filters and permanent filters are different and the pros and cons of these units, we can move on to the reviews and buying guide.
Below are the best air purifiers with washable and permanent filters that are available today.
1. Honeywell HFD-120Q Air Purifier
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced air purifier with a washable filter that also comes with various features, then you’ll want to check out what this unit has to offer.
Not only does it come with a washable pre-filter and washable iFD filter, but it also has an Ionizer to increase its air cleaning power.
The ionizer is a good feature to have because it neutralizes finer pollutants that aren’t trapped by the iFD filter.
This added air cleaning technology delivers some of the cleanest air possible.
This air purifier includes the following features:
- Washable filter that only needs soap and water to get it clean.
- An indicator light to let you know when it’s time to clean your filter.
- 3 fan speeds to control the air cleaning power and noise level.
- Oscillation control, which helps you distribute clean air more evenly throughout the room.
This air purifier is rated to clean small rooms up to 170 square feet and is very quiet.
2. Envion Therapure TPP240 Air Purifier
This air purifier contains a permanent HEPA filter to remove airborne pollutants in your home.
It’s easy to use and simple to clean with a vacuum.
This air purifier also comes with a special Ultraviolet light (UV) that shines inside the appliance to kill harmful viruses and bacteria.
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, reuseable filters cannot trap microorganisms or pathogens, so the UV light adds an extra layer of protection for your health.
In addition, this popular air purifier also comes with an Ionizer function to remove the widest range of particles from the air.
As for the extra features, you get:
- 3 fan speeds
- An indicator light that lets you know its time to clean the filter.
- An automatic timer that turns the unit off between 1 to 24 hours.
This air purifier is rated for small to medium size rooms up to 200 square feet, like a bedroom, small living room, or office.
3. Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Purifier
Here’s another air purifier that includes a washable iFD filter.
The control features are a bit more advanced than our #1 pick but it doesn’t include the added benefit of an ionizer.
This air purifier only has the washable filter to remove airborne pollutants in addition to these features:
- 5 fan speeds
- Oscillation for better air flow of clean air.
- Automatic timer that allows you to run the unit from 2 to 12 hours before it turns off.
- Odor reducing pre-filter to help your home smell fresh.
- Cleans the air 5x every hour, more than any other unit on this list.
This air purifier doesn’t have as many features as some others on the market, but it comes with a great price and does a really good job of purifying the air in your home.
This air purifier has more coverage than our #1 and #2 picks and can clean the air in a room up to 250 square feet.
That makes this unit a good choice for most common areas of the home, such as a living room, bedroom, small basement, office, etc.
4. Hamilton Beach Trueair Air Purifier
This air purifier comes with three distinct features that aren’t found on other units:
- It’s compact in size.
- It has the highest-grade permanent HEPA filter available.
- It includes an Activated Carbon filter to reduce indoor odors.
This unit has a permanent True HEPA filter that’s rated to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
That efficiency traps the most common indoor air pollutants, such as fine dust, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, and some bacteria.
Since this air purifier uses a permanent HEPA filter, you can’t wash the particles out. You’ll need to vacuum in with a handheld attachment.
It also comes with a set of Activated Carbon filters to cut down on household odors from cooking, pets, smoke, and airborne gases; however, these filters are not reusable and must be replaced every 3 to 6 months (around $10 for an 8-pack).
As for other popular features, this air purifier includes:
- 3 fan speeds, with an ultra-quiet motor and fan.
- Easy to use filter replacement cover.
- The ability to be positioned horizontally or vertically.
- Two color options: white and black.
This air purifier is rated to use in small rooms and personal spaces up to 160 square feet.
5. Envion Ionic Pro Turbo Air Purifier
This popular air purifier doesn’t contain a washable or permanent filter.
Instead, this unit has a set of Electrostatic Collection Rods that collect particles as they pass through the system.
In essence, these collection rods act like magnets that attract air pollutants.
As dust, allergens, and other air contaminants move through the air purifier, those particles get stuck to the collection rods while clean air flows back into the room.
What’s great about this air cleaning design is that these rods have the ability to remove 99.99% of airborne particles from the air around you, including cold and flu viruses, mold spores, staph, and strep bacteria.
Plus, there is no filter to wear out or get damaged during the cleaning process.
To clean this air purifier, all you have to do is wipe the electrostatic collection rods down with a damp cloth.
Other features this product includes are:
- An indicator light to let you know when you need to clean the filter rods.
- A super slim tower design that’s less than 8 inches wide.
- Very energy efficient and uses less energy than a compact fluorescent bulb.
The best part of this air purifier is that it’s rated to clean the air in rooms up to 500 square feet.
That’s more powerful than any other unit on this list and is the best air purifier with a permanent filter you’ll find for an affordable price.
Common Questions About Air Purifiers
How do you clean a permanent air purifier filter?
Knowing how to clean the permanent air purifier filter will make sure that your unit runs efficiently and optimally.
Below are the steps to clean a permanent filter correctly to keep your air purifier working the way it should:
- Step 1: Turn off the unit and unplug it from the wall.
- Step 2: Remove the air inlet grille by pulling on the tab.
- Step 3: Once the grille has been removed, you may see a pre-filter. The role of this filter is to trap larger particles, so examine it to see if it’s dirty. If it is, you’ll want to wash it with warm, soapy water, and then let it dry before putting it back into the air purifier.
- Step 4: After removing and cleaning the pre-filter, you’ll want to take out the permanent filter. If it’s dirty, use a vacuum cleaner hose to remove the dirt and other contaminants. Using the brush attachment is your best option and make sure to run it along both sides of the filter and clean between the pleated layers.
It can’t be stressed enough that you DON’T want to use water, detergents, or other cleaners on your permanent filter.
If you do, you risk the chance of ruining the filter and preventing your air purifier from working properly.
Can you wash and reuse air purifier filters?
Yes, you can wash and reuse air purifier filters as long they’re labeled as washable filters.
If the air purifier has a permanent filter, it can’t be clean with water.
How you clean each filter will depend on the type of air purifier you have.
Remember, washable filters need to be removed and washed in warm, soapy water while permanent filters need to be vacuumed clean.
Are washable HEPA filters as effective?
A washable HEPA filter has a 99.97% effectiveness rating against particles 2 microns and larger.
This includes most dust, allergens, and other common airborne particles in the home.
Disposable HEPA filters can trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size which includes the finer pollutants that make up dust, allergens, pet dander, and mold spores.
What makes washable HEPA filters so effective and efficient is that they don’t have to be replaced every few months. But rather, you can clean them over and over again for the life of the unit.
In many cases, washable HEPA filters are a better option for people on a budget because these filters don’t require any upkeep cost.
While you’ll have to spend the time and effort to wash the filter, this will save you money in the long run.
For many people, this is a small price to pay to get clean air inside their home.
What is the best air purifier with permanent filter?
The best air purifier with a permanent filter is the Envion Therapure TPP240 air purifier.
Not only does this popular unit come with a permanent HEPA filter that removes more than 99% of pollutants from the air, but it also comes with an ultraviolet light that kills harmful pathogens that can make you sick.
If that wasn’t enough, the Envion Therapure TPP240 also includes an ionizer for added air cleaning efficiency.
This air purifier was created to give you the cleanest and most refreshing air possible.
It can be used in rooms up to small to medium size rooms up to 200 square feet and has 3 fans speeds for maximum efficiency.
It’s hard to find another air purifier that can do what this unit can for such an affordable price.
What is the best air purifier with washable filter?
When it comes to the best air purifier with a washable filter, it’s hard to beat the Honeywell QuietClean Tower HFD-120Q.
Not only does this unit come with an iFD filter to get rid of more than 99% of impurities in the air, but it also has an ionizer that reduces finer sized pollutants that might get through the pre-filter and the main filter.
This air purifier is incredibly effective at making the air in small rooms up to 170 square feet clean and safe for everyone to breathe.
It also comes with 3 fan speeds and an oscillator to distribute clean air more efficiently throughout the room.
Will you save money by using an air purifier with a permanent filter?
Yes, having an air purifier with a permanent filter will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to buy replacement filters every few months.
The longer you own your air purifier with permanent filter, the more money you can save.
Even if you have an air purifier with a HEPA filter that only needs to be replaced once a year, this can be incredibly expensive.
Thus, it’s recommended that if you want to save money on your appliance, you should buy one with a permanent or washable filter.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Purifier
When looking for an air purifier with a permanent or washable filter, there are some other features you’ll also need to consider.
Looking at what features the air purifier has will ensure that you get a unit that will work for all of your wants and needs, as well as fits into your budget.
Keep in mind that every purifier comes with different options.
Finding the one that’s right for you will depend on the size of the room you want to place the air purifier in and whether or not you want to wash or vacuum the filter.
Air Purifier Size
Air purifiers come in a range of sizes.
The size of the unit is related to how much air it’s able to clean in your home.
Smaller, compact air purifiers are ideal for smaller spaces and personal use.
They can be set on a desktop, coffee table, or nightstand and work to make the air in bedrooms, home offices, and guest rooms clean and safe to breathe.
If you need a larger air purifier for your home, then you’ll need to look into a tower unit.
These devices will need to be placed on the floor in a place that prevents them from getting knocked over.
Since they are bigger, they can clean the air in larger rooms such as living rooms, master bedrooms, and basements.
Coverage Area
When it comes to the coverage area, this is the size of the room that the air purifiers work best in.
Depending on their size and abilities, some work better in small rooms under 80 square feet in size (equivalent to a small bedroom or home office) or up to 500 square feet (equal to a large living room, open floor concept, or a basement).
Knowing the coverage area is imperative to make sure that your air purifier works properly.
Placing a small air purifier in a large room that it’s not rated for isn’t beneficial. It won’t be able to clean the air to your desired levels and you will wind up being disappointed.
Thus, before buying an air purifier, it’s helpful to know the size of the room you’re going to place it in to get an appliance that can cover the area.
Cleaning Levels
The vast majority of air purifiers have the ability to remove particles from the air that are 0.3 to 2 microns in size.
This includes pollutants such as pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, and smoke—things that can have an impact on you and your family’s health.
Removing these items from the air makes the air cleaner and safer to breathe, as well as smell fresher.
However, if you need an air purifier that can also remove harmful bacteria and viruses, then you’ll need one with an ultraviolet light that can destroy these elements.
There are only a few of these types of air purifiers available, but to improve you and your family’s health, they may be the best investment for you.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
When you’re researching and comparing top air purifier reviews, you may come across some that include a CADR rating.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate or CADR rating of an air purifier lets you know the volume of filtered air that the unit can clean.
If the air purifier’s CADR scores were tested, there will be three numbers displayed to show how effective the unit is at removing the three most common indoor air pollutants:
- Smoke
- Dust
- Pollen
The closer the CADR number is to the square footage size of the room the air purifier is rated for, the better it is at removing these particles.
Each of the three pollutants will have a different number range.
These include:
- Smoke – 10 to 450
- Dust – 10 to 100
- Pollen – 25 to 450
Again, the higher the number, the more efficient the air purifier is at removing these items from the air.
The CADR ratings for the air purifiers reviewed on this page include:
Honeywell HFD-120Q Air Purifier (170 square feet)
- Smoke – 110
- Pollen – 132
- Dust – 100
Envion Therapure TPP240 Air Purifier (200 square feet)
- Pollen – 155
- Dust – 132
- Smoke – 137
Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Purifier (250 square feet)
- Smoke – 161
- Dust – 160
- Pollen – 170
Hamilton Beach Trueair Air Purifier (160 square feet)
- No CADR ratings are available for this unit.
Envionic Ionic Pro Turbo Air Purifier (500 square feet)
- No CADR ratings are available for this unit.
Summary
Well, that sums up the all of the information you need to know about the best air purifiers with permanent filters and washable filters.
Hopefully, you learned that while these filters are similar, they require different cleaning techniques to keep your appliance running optimally.
Either option you, the best air purifier with washable filter or permanent filter, will be a good choice when it comes to purifying the air in your home.
The decision will boil down to whether or not you want to wash the filter with soap and water or vacuum it to get it clean.
We hope that this review has answered your questions and that you find the best product for your needs.