Cleaning dirt on dry pleated cartridge filter

[JM2023]

Hi TFP, there are lots of posts about "how to clean your cartridge filter" but I haven't come across any talking about the following --

1. When you close for the season you'll clean your cartridge filters with a hose (and/or some soaking if that's your style)
2. If you're like me, you did a decent job with the cleaning the filters, but not perfect. There is still debris between some of the pleats.
3. You'll bring the filters inside where they will rest for the winter.
4. After some time, the filter dries out completely and there is now dry debris between some of the pleats.

My question for the community -- any have suggestions on efficient methods for removing the dry dirt between pleats? Anyone know of a gentle brush that reaches between pleats well and isn't too abrasive?

Thanks for any insights.

 

[Newdude]

I clean my shop vac filters with a leaf blower once I bang them out. (Carefully and backing up if the pleats are taking too much stress)

You could also try moving the shop vac hose to the exhaust port for a gentler blowing. If the gunk isn't melted into the pleats it should come right off.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Try a horse hair paint brush. You can cut the bristles down to 1/2” or less (or whatever depth is needed) using a pair of scissors. Trimming the brush makes the bristles stiffer.

If you have an air compressor you can try to blow air from the inside out but it may be hard to get to the middle of the filter.