How To Clean Oreck XL Professional Air Purifier? (5 Step Guide)

1. Clean The Pre-Filter

The pre-filter is meant to catch larger particles before it gets to the Truman Cell — it has a larger pore diameter size. The prefilter helps the Truman Cell last longer before it needs to be cleaned, and just helps with overall efficiency. The prefilter is totally reusable and should be periodically cleaned.

#1. Unplug the air purifier and remove it from wall if mounted. You never want to have the Oreck XL plugged in during cleaning so you don't get shocked.

#2. Remove the top cover. You can remove the top cover of the Oreck XL by sliding it forward and pulling it off.

#3. Pull out the prefilter from the cabinet, and give it a thorough rinse with water. The prefilter is totally reusable.

#4. Allow prefilter to completely air dry, and then reinsert it into the cabinet.

#5. Reinstall the Oreck XL top cover.

Read Also: Where Should I Place My Air Purifier?

2. Clean The Truman Cell

The Truman Cell is composed of metallic plates and wires. It uses electricity to catch dust and other microscopic particles on its plates—it is called an electrostatic filter.

This filter is basically the same thing as electronic air purifiers that I sometimes see in home furnaces. They are some of the highest quality filters in existence.

#1. Unplug the air purifier so you don't get shocked or damage the purifier.

#2. Remove the top cover by sliding it forward and lifting it up.

#3. Grasp the two small handles on the side of the Truman Cell, and lift it upwards so it slides out of the cabinet.

#4. If you hear frequent arcing (a sharp snapping sound), then you can just do a quick clean with a cotton swab. Take the swab and wipe down the four wires at the front to remove debris.

#5. For a full clean, you will want to put the cells into a basin, tub, or sink. Oreck recommends spraying down the cells with Oreck Assail-A-Cell cleaner. Allow it to sit for just a few minutes, and the rinse off the cleaner with water.

#6. For an alternative clean, you soak the cells in a bathtub or basin with some mild dishwasher detergent. Allow it to soak for 2-3 hours, and then rinse it off with water.

#7. After cleaning, allow the Truman Cell to completely dry before installing it back into the cabinet. If the red cleaning light is still on, it may not be completely dry.

#8. Reinstall the top cover.

Read Also: What Are The Best UV Light Air Purifiers For HVAC Systems?

3. Clean The Air Direction Grills

The air direction grills is just like the vents in your car. You can move them to point the air flow in a specific direction. These grills will eventually catch dust and debris and should be periodically cleaned.

#1. The Oreck XL should have a small brush underneath the top cover.

#2. Use this small brush to clean the air grills and remove builtup dust and debris.

4. Clean The Oxygenator

The oxygenator is that part of the Oreck XL Air Purifier that converts harmful ozone into pure oxygen. Many people do not realize that ozone is the main component of smog.

It is in the rear of the cabinet.

#1. Unplug the Oreck XL from the outlet.

#2. Slide forward and pull off the top cover.

#3. The oxygenator is that flat rear area inside the cabinet. Vacuum this area with a brush attachment. Do not use liquids to clean the oxygenator.

#4. Reinstall the top cover.

Read Also: Pictures Of Mold In Air Ducts

5. Clean (Replace) The Odor Absorber

The odor absorber is an activated carbon filter that catches odors, chemicals, and volatile compounds. Activated charcoal is highly porous and has a high surface area which allows it to catch odor molecules. Activated carbon can also be very effective at ozone removal.

#1. Disconnect the purifier from power so you don't get shocked.

#2. Remove the top cover of the Oreck XL.

#3. Using the small tabs, remove the odor absorber up and out of the cabinet. The odor absorber is just behind the Truman Cell.

Read Also: Does UV Light Kill Mold?

Final Thoughts

The Oreck XL Professional Air Cleaner is probably one of the best air purifiers on the market. It uses electrostatic air cleaning technology just like the EACs I see in home HVAC systems. Using an electric charge, the metallic plates attract dust particles to the plates, and it is completely reusable so you don't have to keep buying filters.

The Oreck XL also has an oxygenator which transmutes harmful ozone gases into healthy pure oxygen.

You want to clean the main component, the Truman Cell, at least every few weeks.

And if you hear popping sounds, you may want to clean it more often: at least a quick clean with a cotton swab on the four wires.