Here at VODEX we offer the highest possible three-stage level of particulate and chemical extraction filters in the nail salon industry, in all our SalonAIR® units. So whether you’re working with acrylics or gels, you know that you and your customers will be more protected than ever from the potentially harmful effects of chemical fumes in your salon setting!
In this post we’ll take you through when and how to change salon extraction filters in your SalonAIR® unit.
Why are air filters so important?
The SalonAIR® unit is designed to stop potentially harmful fine dust and chemicals from making it into the breathing zone of customers and nail techs. It does that by pulling the air from the treatment area into the unit, where the particulates are captured by several types of filter before the air is recirculated back into the salon. Without filtration, the toxins given off by the many chemicals used in nail treatments would be released into the air by processes like e-filing, where they could be breathed in and come to rest in people’s upper or lower respiratory tracts – causing all kinds of health problems.
When to change your SalonAIR® filters
There are three unique filters that go into a SalonAIR® unit, each of which needs changing after different amounts of time:
- Pre Filter Pad: This sits inside a PreBOX Cell collecting visible dust particles. Change every 3-4 weeks.
- Certified H13 Hepa Cell: A high-efficiency particulate dust filter designed to extract invisible airborne dust. Change every 4-6 months*.
- Salon Blend DeepBed Carbon Cell: Soaks up smells and vapours like a sponge. Change every 9-12 months*.
*Depending on usage
How to change your SalonAIR® filters
Before changing filters, make sure you’re wearing suitable PPE, including a face mask and gloves.
Start by turning off the SalonAIR® unit and unplugging it from the mains. Then remove the lid and carefully lift out the top pre-filter box, as shown in the picture below.
Replacing the Pre Filter Pad
The filter that needs replacing the most often in the SalonAIR® is the Pre Filter Pad. This is housed in the Dust Box Pre Filter Cell.
To remove the pad, first carefully lift out the top pre-filter box, which will be full of dust particles and other debris like tissues. Lay the box flat inside an empty polythene bag like a bin liner and carefully peel off the filter pad from its Velcro fastening. Fold it up and place into the bag, and shake off any excess dust from the metal frame.into the bag
Take your new replacement filter pad and press it into the metal box, re-attaching the Velcro on all four sides. Make sure you press firmly around the sides to secure it in position, like so:
Replacing the other two filters.
The Certified H13 Hepa Cell and SalonCARB can be both replaced by taking the filter(s) above them out, then replacing the blocked or saturated filters with new ones, before placing the filter(s) above them back in their place. (NEVER try to hoover out or clean the PRE FILTER PADS, HEPA or CARBON filters – they must be replaced. This is because tiny particles get imbedded into the filter media which are impossible to clean. This can cause a major loss of suction so new filters must always be fitted. Note: The price of new filters is much lower than a new pair of lungs!)
The correct configuration for a SalonAIR® should follow the image below:
So, if filling an empty SalonAIR® unit, the correct order would be:
Add a new 4kg Salon Blend DeepBed Carbon Filter.
Next, add the Certified H13 Hepa Cell on top of the DeepBed Carbon Cell
After that, it will be time to insert the Dust Box Pre Filter Cell, containing the Pre-Filter Pad.
Making sure your filters fit
Depending on the type and age of your SalonAIR® model the filter gasket should protrude above the filter sleeve by approximately 4-6mm (as in image B below). If the filter sits very high as in image A below (by high, we mean over 1 cm), then you should remove the bottom rubber gasket in the base of the filter sleeve.
To do this remove ALL filters again and pull off the rubber seal at the very bottom inside the unit. You don’t need to worry as the carbon filter also has a rubber seal. If this proves difficult, try using a hair dryer to warm the rubber – it should then come off with relative ease, as in the image below.
Peel off the seal and remove it completely before refitting the filters. The top filter will now be lower – but should still sit above the filter sleeve by a few millimetres, as in image B above.
Once this is done and the unit is full with fresh filters, apply firm pressure to the lid and press down hard while flicking the latches down until they click shut. This may be hard, however this is normal as you are now compressing the gaskets together to form an airtight seal.
Now simply reconnect your SalonAIR® unit to the wall and switch it on!
Need advice on the right filters for your salon space?
So that’s our blog on when and how to change beauty extraction filters in your SalonAIR® unit. We hope you found it helpful!
If you need more in-depth advice on changing your filters, maintaining your SalonAIR®, or anything else to do with keeping your salon staff and customers safe, please get in touch – we’ll be happy to help!
For more on looking after people in your salon, check out the blogs below.
