Washable Air Filters — Metal, Electrostatic & Reusable Pleated

Washable air filters do exactly what the name promises: rinse them clean, let them dry, and reinstall — no disposal, no restocking. AMFCO manufactures five washable filter lines covering MERV 1–8, from bare-aluminum industrial mesh to passive-electrostatic and reusable-pleated designs for residential HVAC systems. Every line is built in the USA, stocked in hundreds of standard sizes, and available cut-to-size for non-standard openings.

Use the guide below to match the right series to your equipment, airflow budget, and filtration goal. Not sure which to choose? The comparison table and series summaries walk through the trade-offs.

Washable Air Filter Comparison by MERV Rating

All five AMFCO washable filter lines share the benefit of reusability, but differ in filtration efficiency, pressure drop, and media construction. The table below shows the key differences at a glance.

HI Series: Aluminum Mesh Air Filters (MERV 1–2)

The HI Series is AMFCO’s workhorse washable filter. Woven aluminum screen mesh sits inside an aluminum frame, delivering extremely low pressure drop alongside an indefinite service life. The open mesh construction makes them ideal for high-velocity rooftop units, industrial exhaust hoods, makeup air units, and any application where airflow resistance must be kept to a minimum. Standard sizes range from 8×8×1 through 30×30×4; custom sizes are available in any dimension.

• Media: multiple layers of woven aluminum alloy mesh
• Frame: extruded aluminum channel with corner drain holes
• Pressure drop: very low — well suited to high-CFM commercial equipment
• Service life: indefinite — wash with garden hose and reinstall
• Custom sizes: any length, width, or depth up to standard panel limits

View all HI Series aluminum mesh filters →

HK Series: Aluminum Foil Mesh Air Filters (MERV 2–3)

The HK Series uses corrugated aluminum foil mesh inside a heavy-gauge galvanized steel frame. The corrugated foil provides higher surface area than flat woven screen while maintaining low resistance, making it a preferred choice for commercial rooftop units and equipment where a stiffer, heavier-duty frame is required. Sizes range from 12×12×1 through 24×24×2.

• Media: corrugated aluminum foil mesh
• Frame: heavy-gauge galvanized steel — suitable for high-velocity equipment
• MERV 2–3: captures coarse dust, lint, and large airborne particles
• Wash with water and mild detergent; air dry completely before reinstalling

HF Series: Two-Stage Foam + Mesh Filters (MERV 4)

The HF Series adds a second filtration stage: an outer polyurethane foam layer captures larger particles before air reaches the inner aluminum mesh layer, which removes finer dust and pollen. The result is a MERV 4 rating that far outperforms plain mesh while preserving full washability. These are the most popular washable upgrade for residential furnaces and packaged HVAC units. Standard sizes cover most common residential opening dimensions.

• Media: outer polyurethane foam + inner aluminum mesh
• MERV 4: captures dust, pollen, and dust mite debris
• Frame: galvanized steel
• Available in 1″ and 2″ thickness
• Wash with mild soap and water; squeeze gently, then air dry

View all MERV 4 washable air filters →

EC Series: Reusable Electrostatic Air Filters (MERV 5–6)

The EC Series uses a passive electrostatic fiber mat that generates a static charge as air passes through it, attracting and trapping fine particles that plain mesh or foam filters miss. With a MERV 5–6 rating, EC filters capture dust, mold spores, and most pollen — making them the best washable choice for residences that need a meaningful efficiency upgrade without the ongoing cost of disposable high-MERV filters. Charge regenerates as the filter dries after washing.

• Media: passive electrostatic polypropylene fiber mat
• MERV 5–6: captures dust, pet dander, mold spores, and larger pollen
• Frame: aluminum
• Available in 1″ and 2″ thickness
• Wash monthly with cool water; electrostatic charge restores on drying

View all EC Series electrostatic washable filters →

R8 Series: Washable MERV 8 Pleated Filters

The R8 Series delivers MERV 8 performance in a reusable pleated filter. Polyester pleat media traps fine dust, pet dander, dust mite debris, and mold spores — comparable to a mid-grade disposable pleated filter — but the R8 rinses clean and lasts for years. This is the right choice for households with pets, allergy sufferers who want above-average filtration, or anyone who wants the highest washable efficiency available from AMFCO without switching to disposables.

• Media: reusable polyester pleated media
• MERV 8: captures dust mite debris, mold spores, pet dander, fine dust
• Frame: galvanized steel
• Available in 1″ and 2″ thickness
• Rinse with water from the clean side outward; air dry completely before reinstalling

Custom-Size Washable Air Filters

No standard size fits your opening? AMFCO cuts washable aluminum mesh filters to any custom dimension — any length, any width, any depth. Enter your exact measurements on the custom filter page and receive a precision-cut aluminum mesh filter that installs flush with no gaps. The same indefinite washability applies: rinse, dry, and reinstall as many times as needed. Custom foam+mesh and electrostatic sizes are available on request.

Order custom-size washable air filters →

How to Clean a Washable Air Filter

Regular cleaning keeps a washable filter performing at its rated efficiency. Most AMFCO metal and electrostatic filters can be cleaned in minutes with nothing more than a garden hose.

Cleaning frequency depends on the environment. In most residential applications, monthly cleaning is adequate. In dusty industrial settings or homes with multiple pets, inspect the filter every two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions: Washable Air Filters

What is a washable air filter?

A washable air filter uses durable, non-disposable media — such as aluminum mesh, electrostatic fiber, or polyester pleats — that can be rinsed clean and reinstalled. Unlike disposable fiberglass or pleated paper filters, a washable filter is designed to last for years or decades with regular maintenance.

How long do washable air filters last?

With proper cleaning, AMFCO aluminum mesh (HI and HK Series) and foam+mesh (HF Series) filters can last 10 years or more. EC Series electrostatic and R8 Series pleated filters typically last 5–10 years depending on cleaning frequency and handling. All AMFCO washable filters substantially outlast their disposable counterparts.

How often should you wash a reusable air filter?

For most residential HVAC systems, washing once a month is adequate. In homes with multiple pets or in dusty industrial environments, inspect every two to four weeks. The filter is ready to clean when it shows visible buildup or when you notice reduced airflow from your vents.

Are washable air filters worth it?

Yes — over a 5-year period, a washable filter almost always costs less than buying and disposing of monthly disposable filters. There is also an environmental benefit: a single washable filter replaces 60–120 disposable filters. Higher upfront cost, substantially lower cost per year.

What MERV ratings are available in washable air filters?

AMFCO washable filters are available in MERV ratings from 1 to 8. The HI Series aluminum mesh is MERV 1–2; HK Series foil mesh is MERV 2–3; HF Series foam+mesh is MERV 4; EC Series electrostatic is MERV 5–6; and R8 Series washable pleated is MERV 8.

Can a washable air filter match a MERV 13 disposable filter?

No washable filter currently matches MERV 13 efficiency. MERV 13 requires very dense media that would either restrict airflow unacceptably or break down under repeated washing. If your equipment requires MERV 13, a high-quality disposable pleated filter is the right choice. Washable filters are ideal for MERV 1–8 applications where the operating cost and environmental advantages outweigh the efficiency difference.

What is the best washable air filter for a home HVAC system?

For most residential HVAC systems, the EC Series MERV 6 electrostatic filter or the R8 Series MERV 8 washable pleated filter provides the best balance of filtration efficiency and airflow. The EC Series is ideal for 1-inch return-air openings; the R8 Series is recommended for households with pets or allergy sufferers requiring slightly better particle capture.

Are custom-size washable air filters available?

Yes. AMFCO cuts washable aluminum mesh filters to any custom dimension — any length, width, or depth. This is useful for older homes with non-standard return-air openings, commercial equipment with unusual frame dimensions, or any application where standard sizes do not fit. Visit the custom filter page to enter your measurements and receive a precision-cut washable filter.

Related Filter Categories

AMFCO makes washable metal air filters across four product families. Each family targets a different application and efficiency range:

• Aluminum Screen Air Filters — HI Series — aluminum, galvanized, and stainless screen wire; MERV 1–2; industrial pre-filtration and economizer pre-filters
• Metal Mesh Air Filters — full guide to aluminum mesh media types, applications, and sizing
• Economizer Filters — OEM cross-reference and sizing guide for Carrier, Trane, and York rooftop unit economizer pre-filters