Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I felt the need to write this review after having this air filter for some time. First of all, we did purchase this filter for a smoker in the household and yes, it does work to get that smokey smell out of the house when needed. However, like some reviews, I wanted to share our experience of how we keep this air filter running like new. You absolutely must clean the permanent filter ONCE a week if you are planning on using it specifically to get rid of the smoke from cigarettes. The entire filter will be covered in sticky residue from the smoke and this is what we learned from cleaning it now after about 6 months. - Wear a mask and gloves when you clean the filter. I learned the hard way that the filter will smell like the cigarette smoke and if you're not a smoker, chances are you do not want to inhale those fumes. So wear a mask! And the same goes for the gloves. The residue is sticky and not only that, cigarettes are full of chemicals and carcinogens. Who wants that on their hands? - This took some time to figure out, but the easiest and fastest way to clean the filter is by using Dish Soap. We use Dawn and it has worked wonders. I put a few drops of Dawn on to the filter and the smoke residue literally slides off. I also use a SOFT (this is important) tooth brush and gently scrub off the residue. Make sure the tooth brush is soft though, so it does not damage your filter. - Lastly, just make sure the filter is completely dry before placing back in. And that's it! It is literally that simple. This has been keeping our filter running like new and we are very satisfied customers! So, if you live with a smoker and are hesitant to buy this due to other reviews, I am telling you right now it DOES work, but you have to be willing to take 15 minutes or so once a week to clean the filter in order for it to purify your air properly!