A Regular Air Filter Routine is Necessary

By Barry Victor, owner and president of PROS Parts

Changing air filters in dry cleaning and industrial laundry equipment is critical for safety, equipment efficiency, product quality, and regulatory compliance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of why it’s important, how often it should be done, and what can happen if it’s neglected:

Why Changing Air Filters Matters

Equipment Performance

• Air filters protect machines by trapping lint, dust, solvent residues, and other contaminants.
• Clogged filters reduce airflow, making systems (like dryers or solvent recovery units) work harder.
• Poor airflow leads to overheating, longer cycle times, and higher energy costs.

Fire Prevention

• Especially in dry cleaning, lint and solvent vapor accumulation poses a major fire hazard.
• Dirty filters can allow flammable particles to build up inside machinery or ducts.

Worker & Environmental Safety

• Filters prevent the release of harmful vapors (e.g., perchloroethylene in dry cleaning) into the workplace or environment.
• Poor air filtration can increase employee exposure to carcinogens and irritants.

Quality Control

• Dust and lint can settle on clean garments or linen, affecting the finish.
• Inconsistent drying or cleaning temperatures caused by clogged filters can damage fabrics.

Compliance with Regulations

• OSHA and EPA guidelines require proper maintenance to limit exposure to chemicals.
• Poor filtration can lead to fines, shutdowns, or permit issues.

Dry Cleaning-Specific Considerations

• Solvent Recovery Filters: These collect and condense cleaning solvents for reuse. If clogged, they reduce recovery efficiency, increasing solvent usage and emissions.
• Carbon Adsorber Filters: Trap remaining solvent vapors. Saturated filters release fumes, potentially violating air quality standards.
• Lint Screens and Exhaust Filters: Prevent fire hazards by catching fine particles.

Industrial Laundry-Specific Considerations

• Dryer Lint Filters: Must be cleaned after every cycle to avoid fire risks and maintain airflow.
• Exhaust Filters (in tunnel finishers or ironers): Capture fine lint and dust particles; clogging causes system inefficiency and heat buildup.
• Intake Air Filters: Help keep dust out of blower motors and burners, preserving their longevity.

How Often Should Filters Be Changed?

Tip: Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Signs Filters Need Replacing

• Unusual odors (solvent, burning, musty)
• Higher energy bills
• Overheating machines or tripping breakers
• Extended drying/cleaning times
• Visible lint or dust on clean items
• Operator complaints of poor air quality

Best Practices

• Keep a maintenance log for inspections and replacements.
• Train staff to recognize when filters are dirty.
• Use OEM-approved filters for proper fit and performance.
• Schedule regular deep cleans of ducts and blower systems.

DAILY MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

• Clean dryer lint filters
• Inspect and clean solvent still residue (dry clean)
• Check air intake for obstructions
• Check machine temperatures
• Inspect visible hoses/vents for leaks

WEEKLY MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

• Replace or clean exhaust filters
• Inspect solvent recovery filters
• Clean intake air filters (presses/finishers)
• Wipe down external surfaces of machines
• Test emergency stop buttons

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

• Replace HVAC filters
• Inspect belts and pulleys
• Deep clean ductwork and vent hoods
• Check carbon adsorber filters
• Inspect boiler intake/exhaust systems

QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

• Replace carbon filters (if required)
• Full system inspection (by technician)
• Inspect and clean behind equipment
• Confirm safety compliance (OSHA/EPA)

Additional Tips

• Keep a checklist on a clipboard in the maintenance room or digitize it using Excel, Google Sheets, or a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Color code overdue tasks (e.g., red for missed, green for completed).
• For busy facilities, assign staff rotations or responsibilities per task section.

PROS is here for your for your parts and filter needs.  Contact us or visit our website.

About Barry Victor
Barry founded PROS Parts in the spring of 1988. Before starting PROS, Barry worked in the sales and engineering departments of Vic Manufacturing, one of the largest manufacturers of dry cleaning equipment in the U.S. At Vic, Barry launched a parts sales division that supported dry cleaning equipment imported from Italy and Germany. In its early years, PROS manufactured dry cleaning machinery and then evolved into an industrial and commercial laundry equipment and drycleaning operations parts supplier. Barry lives in Plymouth, MN with his wife. He has two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter and his dog, Sora.

Barry can be reached at 763-231-7379 or barryv@prosparts.com.