Best Air Purifiers With Washable Filters – Our Picks!

In recent years, the popularity of air purifiers has risen, and many are looking for air purification solutions that are cost-effective, user-friendly, easy to maintain, and highly efficient.

In this article, we will explore a lesser-known category of air purifiers—those equipped with washable or permanent filters. Based on extensive hands-on testing, I will share my expert opinion on the four best options available.

Air purifiers with washable or permanent filters are gaining traction due to their easy maintenance and impressive performance. Their biggest advantage is the elimination of costly filter replacements—simply clean or wash them periodically.

While I typically recommend air purifiers with True HEPA filters, I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive efficiency of models with washable filters, such as the Airdog with its innovative Collecting Plates and Honeywell models with innovative ifD technology.

In this article, you’ll find recommendations for the best air purifiers with washable filters.

Best Air Purifiers With Washable / Permanent Filters

After analyzing key factors such as performance, value for money, filtration technology, and other specifications, I compiled a list of the best air purifiers with washable filters.

It’s important to note that I consider an air purifier to belong to this category only if its main filter is permanent or washable. If an air purifier has a washable pre-filter but also has a replaceable HEPA filter, it doesn’t qualify and is not included in my recommendations.

Honeywell AirGenius 5 – Best Option Overall

The Honeywell Air Genius 5 is the best air purifier with a washable filter you can get. With a CADR of 161 CFM (274 m³/h), it effectively covers rooms up to 250 sq. ft. (23 m²).

It features a two-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter and a washable ifD filter. While the pre-filter needs to be replaced every three months, the ifD filter is permanent, requiring only periodic washing when dirty.

In our performance tests, it delivered outstanding results. Running at maximum speed for 60 minutes, the Honeywell Air Genius 5 improved air quality by 89%.

This result is on par with or even better than some air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. It’s also important to note that the ifD filter shouldn’t be washed in a dishwasher.

Another key point is its energy efficiency—despite its powerful performance, it consumes just 58W. It is well-optimized for noise, especially at higher fan speeds, but it also lacks some advanced features.

If you’re specifically looking for an air purifier with a permanent/washable filter, the Honeywell Air Genius 5 is the best choice available!

Airdog X3 – Best Smart Option

I purchased the Airdog X3 through an Indiegogo campaign a few years ago. It’s an innovative air purifier with patented filtration technology that caught my attention.

The Airdog X3 uses an electrode generator as its main filtration technology. It’s a technology that attracts pollutants on a filter plate. While it uses an ionizer, it’s CARB-certified, meaning it is completely safe to use.

The device is straightforward to maintain. It has a filter-cleaning indicator that notifies you when it’s time to clean the filter.

The collecting plates serve as the main washable filter, attracting particles during the filtration process. Additionally, it includes a washable pre-filter and a carbon filter, which needs regular replacement.

With a coverage of 215 sq. ft. (20 m²), the Airdog X3 falls slightly short of the Honeywell Air Genius 5, although it is a more robust and feature-packed device.

In our performance tests, it delivered impressive results. In the smoke test, it cleared all smoke from a glass box in just 20 seconds.

While the Airdog X3 is initially more expensive than traditional air purifiers, it pays off in the long run. By saving on filter replacements alone, you could recoup the cost and afford a new air purifier within a few years.

I consider the Airdog X3 the best smart air purifier with a washable filter. It has proven effective at capturing airborne allergens, pollen, and dust particles, as well as neutralizing bad odors.

If you need a larger air purifier, you should check out the Airdog Pro model, which uses the same filtration technology as the X3 but offers a much higher CADR.

Hamilton Beach 04386A –  Best Compact Option

What sets the Hamilton Beach TrueAir apart is its permanent but non-washable filter.

This means you can vacuum the filter and reuse it, but washing isn’t recommended, as it could potentially damage the filter.

The Hamilton Beach 04386A features a permanent HEPA-grade filter and an ionizer as an additional filtration stage. This compact and space-saving air purifier is designed for rooms up to 160 sq. ft. (15 m²).

I recommend the Hamilton Beach TrueAir for small spaces such as bedrooms, children’s rooms, small offices, or similar places. Another advantage of this air purifier is its energy efficiency, as it operates on just 44W.

It is also well-optimized for noise reduction, especially at higher speeds.

The Hamilton Beach TrueAir definitely isn’t the best option on the list, but it’s the most affordable, which is why I believe it could be interesting to some buyers.

Are washable and permanent filters the same?

Generally speaking, washable and permanent filters are essentially the same type of filter and are, in principle, designed to last indefinitely.

Washable filters are considered permanent because they don’t need to be replaced, but they require regular washing. The best example of this type of air purifier is our top pick, the Honeywell AirGenius 5.

With advancements in air purification technology, manufacturers have developed washable HEPA-like filters, allowing them to be cleaned without risk of damage. However, some devices use long-lasting, non-washable permanent filters, which should be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth rather than washed.

Most air purifiers with permanent filters also combine ionizers as an additional filtration stage. It’s important to note that these devices are typically CARB-certified, ensuring they don’t produce unsafe levels of ozone.

Beware of Marketing Tricks

Some manufacturers advertise their air purifiers as having washable filters, but in many cases, not all filters in the device are washable.

Typically, only the pre-filter or sometimes carbon filter are washable, while the True HEPA filter must be replaced and should never be washed.

If you’re unsure whether a filter is truly washable, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!

How long do reusable air filters last?

If used properly and according to recommendations, these filters can last for years—in some cases, up to five years. However, regular and proper maintenance is crucial to ensure their longevity.

For example, the replacement filter on the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. typically lasts around five years.

The biggest concern is physical damage—if a filter is stuck, torn, or otherwise compromised, it loses its effectiveness and must be replaced.

Maintenance of Washable Air Purifier Filters

Maintaining these filters is incredibly simple. In most cases, the air purifier will notify you when it’s time to clean the filter, as nearly all modern models on the market now feature a filter cleaning indicator.

When your device notifies you that it’s time for a cleaning, simply pull out the filter, wash it, dry it, and place it back inside the air purifier.

Even with a filter reset indicator, it’s important to check the filters manually from time to time. If the filter appears dirty, clean it—even if the indicator hasn’t turned on yet.

Additionally, the pre-filter should be cleaned once a month to keep your air purifier running at the highest efficiency. Following these simple steps ensures that your device stays in optimal condition for years to come.

Pros and Cons of Washable & Permanent Filters

Every air purifier has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of washable and permanent filters.

FAQ on Air Purifiers With Washable Filters

Final Thoughts

Buying an air purifier with a washable filter will eliminate the need to replace the filter 2–3 times a year.

Although these air purifiers may be slightly less efficient than traditional HEPA filters, I believe that in the long run, investing in an air purifier with a washable filter can be highly beneficial.

There aren’t many air purifiers on the market that use washable main filters, but among all the models we tested, the Honeywell AirGenius 5 is by far the best option.

The other options on our list are also worth considering—but I’m sure you won’t go wrong with the recommended Honeywell model.

If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to leave a comment below!