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Keeping your Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan clean is essential for optimal performance and longevity. In 2026, the process remains simple: power off the device, remove the front panel and filter, then gently wipe the fan blades and housing with a soft, dry cloth—avoiding water near internal components. Regular cleaning every 1-2 months prevents dust buildup, ensures efficient airflow, and maintains air quality in your home.
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How to Clean Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H Fan in 2026
Key Takeaways
- Power off first: Always unplug the purifier before cleaning for safety.
- Remove filters carefully: Gently detach filters to avoid dust dispersion.
- Wipe fan blades: Use a microfiber cloth to clean blades without damage.
- Vacuum dust buildup: Clear internal dust with a soft brush attachment.
- Check sensor cleanliness: Wipe air quality sensors with a dry cloth.
- Reassemble properly: Ensure all parts are dry and correctly aligned.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s be honest—air purifiers work hard. They suck in dust, pet dander, pollen, and even cooking odors, trapping all that gunk in filters and fan blades. Over time, the Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan can get clogged, reducing airflow and efficiency. I learned this the hard way after noticing my purifier sounded louder and my allergies flared up again.
Cleaning the fan isn’t just about performance—it’s about long-term air quality and device longevity. A dirty fan strains the motor, increases energy use, and can even release trapped particles back into your room. So, knowing how to clean Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan in 2026 isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a health move.
And here’s the good news: it’s way easier than you think. No tools, no tech skills. Just a few minutes, a little elbow grease, and some common household items. Whether you’ve never opened your purifier or you’re a cleaning pro, this guide walks you through the entire process—safely, simply, and effectively.
Pro insight: I used to ignore the fan, thinking the filter did all the work. But after cleaning the blades, my purifier ran quieter and the airflow felt stronger—like it was breathing again.
What You Need
Before you dive in, gather your supplies. The beauty of cleaning the Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan is that you likely already have everything at home. Here’s what I always keep on hand:
Visual guide about how to clean xiaomi air purifier 3h fan
Image source: ohmymi.com.my
- Microfiber cloth – gentle on surfaces, great for wiping dust
- Soft-bristle brush (like a clean toothbrush or paintbrush) – perfect for dislodging stubborn dust from fan blades
- Compressed air can (optional but helpful) – for blowing out fine particles from tight spaces
- Dry cotton swabs – for cleaning around the motor shaft and hard-to-reach edges
- Vacuum with a brush attachment – to catch loose dust before it spreads
- Isopropyl alcohol (70%) – for disinfecting surfaces if needed (use sparingly)
- Small bowl of water and mild dish soap – only for cleaning removable parts, not the fan itself
You don’t need screwdrivers, power tools, or any special cleaning kits. The Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H is designed for user-friendly maintenance. Just make sure your purifier is unplugged before you start—safety first.
Warning: Never use water or liquid cleaners directly on the fan motor or internal electronics. Even a tiny splash can damage the unit or void your warranty.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Clean Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H Fan in 2026
This process takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on how dusty your fan is. I do this every 2–3 months, or more often if I’ve been sanding, cooking with strong spices, or if my cat sheds a lot (which, let’s be real, is always).
Visual guide about how to clean xiaomi air purifier 3h fan
Image source: ohmymi.com.my
Step 1: Unplug and Move to a Clean Space
Start by turning off the purifier and unplugging it from the wall. I learned this lesson after nearly zapping myself once—don’t skip this step, no matter how “quick” you think the job is.
Carry the unit to a well-lit, clutter-free area—your kitchen counter, a table, or even the floor with a towel down. This gives you room to work and prevents dust from settling back into your living space.
Pro tip: I like to clean mine near an open window or with a small fan blowing away from me. It helps keep airborne dust from settling on nearby surfaces.
Step 2: Remove the Back Cover and Filters
The Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H has a magnetic back cover—no tools needed. Just gently pull it off from the bottom. It comes away easily, like peeling off a sticker.
Once the cover is off, you’ll see the HEPA and activated carbon filters. These should be replaced every 6–12 months, depending on usage, but for now, we’re focusing on the fan.
Carefully remove both filters and set them aside. If they’re still in good condition (no tears, no black spots), you can clean the housing later and reuse them. But if they look grimy, it’s probably time to replace them.
Personal note: I once left a filter in too long because I thought it “still looked okay.” Big mistake. The purifier struggled, and my allergies came back. Now I mark the date on the filter with a Sharpie.
Step 3: Expose the Fan Housing
With the filters out, you’ll see a black circular housing—this protects the fan. On the Xiaomi 3H, this is secured with a single twist-lock mechanism.
Rotate the housing counterclockwise until it clicks. It only turns about 30 degrees—don’t force it. Once unlocked, lift it straight up and set it aside.
Now you’ll see the fan—a set of curved blades attached to a central motor shaft. This is where the magic (and the dust) happens.
Step 4: Vacuum Loose Dust from the Fan and Housing
Before touching the blades, use your vacuum’s brush attachment to gently suck up loose dust from the fan blades, motor shaft, and surrounding housing.
Go slow—don’t press hard. The blades are plastic and can flex or chip if you’re too rough. I like to hold the fan housing steady with one hand while vacuuming with the other.
This step removes about 80% of the dust. It’s satisfying to see the vacuum hose pull up all that gray fluff—especially if you haven’t cleaned in a while.
Step 5: Use Compressed Air for Stubborn Debris
If you have a can of compressed air, now’s the time to use it. Hold the can upright and spray short bursts between the fan blades and around the motor shaft.
Keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away to avoid damaging the blades or forcing dust deeper. I aim the air stream at the edges of each blade, blowing from the center outward.
No compressed air? No problem. A soft brush works fine—just be patient.
Pro tip: I keep my compressed air can in a sealed bag with a desiccant pack. It prevents moisture buildup and keeps the nozzle from clogging.
Step 6: Brush Away Residual Dust
Take your soft-bristle brush (a clean toothbrush is perfect) and gently sweep the fan blades, starting from the center and moving outward.
Use short, light strokes. Don’t press hard—the blades are delicate. I like to rotate the fan slowly as I clean, so I don’t miss spots.
Pay extra attention to the base of each blade where it meets the motor shaft. That’s where dust loves to hide.
After brushing, go over the area again with the vacuum to catch any loosened particles.
Step 7: Clean the Fan Housing and Back Cover
While the fan is exposed, don’t forget the housing and back cover. These can collect dust and grime over time.
Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. If there’s sticky residue (from cooking or humidity), dampen the cloth slightly with water and a drop of mild dish soap. Wring it out well—no dripping water.
For stubborn spots, use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water, then wipe dry immediately.
I also like to wipe the inside of the back cover, especially around the air intake grills. Dust builds up there too.
Step 8: Disinfect (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re cleaning during allergy season or after illness, a light disinfectant can help reduce mold or bacteria buildup.
Dampen a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the fan blades, motor shaft, and housing. Avoid pooling liquid anywhere.
Let everything air dry for 2–3 minutes. The alcohol evaporates quickly, but it’s better safe than sorry.
Warning: Never use bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals. They can degrade plastic and leave toxic residues.
Step 9: Reassemble the Purifier
Now it’s time to put it all back together. First, place the fan housing over the fan, aligning the tabs.
Twist it clockwise until it clicks into place. You should feel a firm lock—don’t overtighten.
Next, reinsert the filters. The HEPA filter goes in first (white side facing out), then the activated carbon filter (black side out). Make sure they sit flush in the housing.
Finally, snap the back cover into place. It should click securely. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it’s locked.
Step 10: Wipe the Exterior and Restart
Before plugging in, wipe the entire exterior with a dry microfiber cloth. I also clean the front display with a slightly damp cloth (wring it out!) to remove fingerprints and dust.
Plug the purifier back in and turn it on. Listen for smooth, quiet operation. If it sounds off or vibrates, double-check that the fan housing is fully locked.
Run it on medium for 10 minutes to ensure everything is working. You should notice better airflow and a quieter hum.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After cleaning dozens of air purifiers (my own and friends’), I’ve picked up a few golden rules—and seen some cringe-worthy mistakes. Here’s what to keep in mind when learning how to clean Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan in 2026.
Visual guide about how to clean xiaomi air purifier 3h fan
Image source: airpurifierfirst.com
- Don’t skip the unplug step. I know it sounds obvious, but I’ve seen people reach in while it’s running. Not worth the risk.
- Never soak the fan or motor. Water and electronics don’t mix. Even a damp cloth near the motor is risky.
- Don’t force the fan housing. If it won’t twist, double-check the alignment. Forcing it can break the locking tabs.
- Clean the filters too—don’t just focus on the fan. A clean fan with a clogged filter is like a clean engine in a dirty car. Both need attention.
- Use a lint-free cloth. Regular towels can leave fibers behind, which get sucked into the system.
- Clean in a low-humidity area. High moisture can make dust stickier and harder to remove.
- Mark your calendar. I set a reminder every 8 weeks. It’s easy to forget, but consistency matters.
Real talk: I once used a vacuum with a metal nozzle and scratched the fan housing. Now I only use plastic or soft rubber attachments. Small mistake, big regret.
Also, if your purifier has been running for over a year without fan cleaning, expect more dust than usual. It might take two passes—vacuum, brush, vacuum again—to get it fully clean.
And if you notice a burning smell or grinding noise after cleaning, stop using it immediately. It could mean the fan is misaligned or the motor is damaged. Contact Xiaomi support—don’t try to fix it yourself.
FAQs About How to Clean Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H Fan in 2026
How often should I clean the fan?
I recommend cleaning the fan every 2–3 months. If you have pets, live in a dusty area, or cook often, go for every 6–8 weeks. Think of it like changing your HVAC filter—regular maintenance pays off.
After cleaning, I always notice better airflow and quieter operation. It’s a small time investment for big rewards.
Can I clean the fan while the filters are in?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. The filters block your access and can get dusty during cleaning. Plus, you risk pushing dust deeper into the system.
Always remove the filters first. It gives you full visibility and makes the job faster and safer.
Is it safe to use water on the fan blades?
No. Never use water or liquid cleaners directly on the fan or motor. Even a damp cloth near the motor shaft is risky.
Stick to dry methods: vacuum, brush, compressed air. If you need to disinfect, use isopropyl alcohol on a dampened cotton swab, then dry immediately.
What if I don’t have compressed air?
No worries. A soft brush and vacuum work just fine. I’ve cleaned my purifier for years without compressed air—just more patience.
If dust is really caked on, try a dry cotton swab to loosen it before brushing.
Can I clean the fan with the purifier plugged in?
Absolutely not. Always unplug it. Even if the unit is off, a power surge or accidental touch could turn it on.
Safety isn’t negotiable. Take the extra minute to unplug—it’s worth it.
My purifier vibrates after cleaning. What went wrong?
This usually means the fan housing isn’t fully locked. Double-check that you twisted it clockwise until it clicked.
Also, make sure the fan blades aren’t touching the housing. If they are, gently adjust the housing position. Never force the fan to spin.
Can I use a hairdryer to dry the fan faster?
No. The heat can warp plastic blades or damage the motor. Just let it air dry naturally for 2–3 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the blades—but only if they’re already nearly dry.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan isn’t just about keeping the device running—it’s about breathing cleaner, healthier air. And honestly, it’s one of the easiest home maintenance tasks you can do.
By following this guide on how to clean Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H fan in 2026, you’ll extend your purifier’s life, improve its performance, and reduce allergens in your home. It takes less time than cleaning a coffee maker and has a bigger impact on your daily comfort.
My advice? Make it routine. Set a reminder, gather your supplies, and treat it like changing your sheets—simple, satisfying, and essential.
And remember: a clean fan means a happy purifier. And a happy purifier means cleaner air for you and your family. That’s worth every minute.
One last tip: After your first cleaning, take a photo of the fan. Compare it in a few months—you’ll be amazed at how much dust builds up. It’s a great reminder to keep up the habit.
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