Airsan washable air filters are permanent metal filters engineered to be cleaned and reused for years instead of thrown away. Every Airsan metal filter is, by design, a washable air filter — rinse it, recharge it, and reinstall it. For facilities that replace disposable filters on a schedule, switching to washable HVAC and industrial filters eliminates recurring filter spend and waste while keeping airflow and protection consistent.
What is a washable air filter?
A washable (or reusable) air filter is built from durable media — typically aluminum, galvanized, or stainless steel mesh — that can be cleaned and put back into service rather than discarded after one cycle. Unlike disposable fiberglass or paper panels, a permanent metal washable filter holds up to repeated cleaning, which is why it’s the standard choice for commercial HVAC, industrial intakes, and demanding marine and power applications.
Airsan permanent metal filters are washable by design
Airsan has manufactured permanent, washable metal air filters for over 80 years. The same construction that makes our filters durable also makes them fully reusable: clean the media, re-coat it with Film-Cor recharging adhesive, and the filter performs like new. Browse the full line of permanent metal air filters or request a custom size to fit your existing housings.
Washable HVAC filters
Washable HVAC filters keep commercial and industrial air handling units protected without the ongoing cost of disposable panels. Airsan metal filters are made to any custom size and drop into standard HVAC racks and frames. For high-airflow furnace and ventilation applications, see the Industrial High Velocity (Type W) filters.
Washable AC filters
A washable AC filter pays for itself by removing the recurring purchase of replacement filters. Because Airsan filters are permanent metal, they resist the moisture and handling that destroy disposable AC filters, making them ideal for rooftop units, air handlers, and equipment cabinets.
Washable industrial filters
In industrial environments — engines, compressors, blowers, generators, and process equipment — washable metal filters stand up to heat, vibration, and heavy dust loads. Explore cylindrical air filters for round intake housings, or the moisture-eliminating AFD filters for airstreams with water droplets and oil mist.
Washable vs. disposable air filters
| Washable metal (Airsan) | Disposable panel | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Years (cleaned & reused) | Single use |
| Ongoing cost | One-time purchase + cleaning | Repeat purchases every cycle |
| Waste | Minimal | Landfill each change |
| Durability | Metal — heat, moisture, vibration resistant | Fiberglass/paper degrades |
| Custom sizes | Built to any dimension | Limited stock sizes |
How to clean a washable metal air filter
- Remove the filter and rinse or wash it to remove accumulated dust.
- Allow the filter to dry completely.
- Re-coat the media evenly with Film-Cor adhesive to restore dust-holding.
- Let it set, then reinstall. Recoating after every cleaning is required on all washable metal filters to maintain efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Are washable air filters as effective as disposable ones?
Yes — when cleaned and recharged on schedule, permanent metal filters maintain their rated efficiency while lasting far longer than disposables.
How often should I clean a washable filter?
Cleaning frequency depends on the dust load of the application; high-dust industrial intakes need more frequent cleaning than commercial HVAC. Inspect on your normal service interval.
Do washable filters come in custom sizes?
Yes. Airsan builds washable metal filters to any custom dimension for panel and cylindrical applications.
Why do I need to recharge the filter after washing?
The adhesive coating that captures fine dust is removed during cleaning. Re-coating with Film-Cor restores the filter’s dust-holding performance.
Request a washable air filter quote
Tell us your application and housing dimensions and Airsan will recommend the right washable metal filter — stock or custom. Request a quote or contact Airsan to get started.