Cleaning Air Conditioner Filters on Shabbat
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Question
Is it permissible to clean air conditioner filters on Shabbat using water and shaking?
Answer
Shalom Rav,
Generally, the filters are made of fairly thick plastic threads, and each thread is noticeable on its own. However, they are tightly woven.
In this manner, they are like hairs that do not have a prohibition of soaking, but there is a prohibition of wringing. Therefore, it is permissible to wash them with water, but it is forbidden to shake out the water absorbed between the threads.
[Additionally, the filter is part of a tool whose primary use is prohibited, and it is presumably muktzeh, and there is no permission to move it except for its use or place. For example, if the filter is very dirty and blocks the airflow]
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 308 and Siman 320.