Routine maintenance & care.
A few minutes of occasional cleaning keeps a Sonozaire at full ozone output for years. Skipping it lowers output, lengthens treatment times, and can cause failures that void the warranty.
How often to clean
Harder service means more frequent cleaning. Check more often at first to learn your interval.
| Operating condition | Suggested interval |
|---|---|
| Mounted outdoors | Every 1–3 months |
| Fire / disaster restoration | Check after every couple of jobs |
| Dry cleaners, hotels, vehicles, air quality | Every 2–3 months |
| High moisture, dust, or 24/7/365 operation | More often — inspect regularly |
| Elevated above floor level | Less often (less moisture drawn in) |
The 10-second dirt test: turn the ozone knob to zero and switch on — you'll hear the low fan. Turn the knob up briefly: a clean unit makes a low hissing/buzzing corona sound. No corona sound = dirty. A snapping/arcing sound = moisture or dirt — shut down and clean.
What you'll need
Clean water, glass cleaner, an abrasive cleaner and brush, cleaning cloths or pads, 20-weight oil (older blowers only), and rubber gloves for handling the glass electrodes.
The cleaning procedure
Unplug the unit first. Refer to your model's parts drawing as you go.
Clean the air filter
Unplug the unit and remove the filter from beneath it. Wash the spun-polyester (or electrostatic outdoor) filter with water and mild soap, then remove as much moisture as possible before reinstalling.
Open the cabinet
Remove the two or three screws at the bottom of the front cover and pull it down. Identify the transformer(s), electrode assembly(s), and blower motor. Check the glass for cracks, dirt, or a chalky look.
Remove the electrode assembly
Lay the cabinet on its back. Remove the high-voltage wire (wing nut) from the inner electrode/bus bar, loosen the retaining straps, and carefully lift out the electrode(s). The 115A has one; the 330A and 630A have sets of three. Wipe moisture off the transformer wire and gaskets.
Disassemble the electrodes
Spring the outer electrode open and slide it off the glass tube. If stuck, soak in hot (soapy) water or Lime-A-Way. Then squeeze and slide out the inner electrode.
Clean each component
Clean the glass like glassware (window/ammonia cleaner, or a bottlebrush if oxidized). Remove chalky aluminum-oxide buildup from the electrodes with a wire brush, SOS pad, or Ajax/Comet until you reach bare metal. Rinse off residue and dry everything thoroughly.
Reassemble the electrode
Spring the inner electrode open for a tight fit and center it in the glass (~1½" of clear glass each end). Slide the outer electrode over and align it with the inner one. Fit the bus bar on 330A/630A now or in the next step.
Reinstall the assembly
Inspect the blower/plenum gaskets (order replacements if worn). Seat the glass firmly against the gasket, align the inner-electrode tab, retighten all straps, and reconnect the HV lead. Keep the HV wire, bus bar, and tab away from the cabinet sides/rear to prevent arcing.
Wipe out the cabinet
Use a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. If you need a cleaner, avoid alcohol- or hydrocarbon-based products. Don't over-scrub the paint. Finish with a clean, dry cloth.
Oil the blower (older models only)
Newer blowers (part number starting "42") are permanently lubricated — skip this. Older motors: 10–20 drops of 20W oil or Teflon lubricant at each end, about every three months. Don't over-oil; wipe off any excess.
Reassemble and test
Replace the cover, plug in, and slowly turn up the ozone. Confirm the corona sound and ozone smell. No ozone or corona? Unplug, verify the glass is seated to the gasket and the transformer is connected, then see troubleshooting.
Order cleaning & replacement parts
Filters, glass tubes, electrodes and gaskets are on each product page and in the Support Center. Not sure what you need? Call (903) 525-9336 with your model and serial number.