This guidance applies to the semi-rigid square air filter used in current-generation Steak Locker cabinets, including Home G5 and recent G4 units that recover humidity from the evaporator and do not use a reservoir drawer.
Can the square filter be rinsed and reused?
Yes, if it is otherwise clean and undamaged. Remove the filter and rinse it gently with warm water only.
Do not use detergent, dish soap, sanitizer, disinfectant, fragrance, or other cleaning chemicals. Residues can remain in the filter and may introduce unwanted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the controlled aging environment.
Allow the filter to air-dry completely before reinstalling it. Never reinstall a damp filter.
When should the square filter be replaced?
Replace it rather than reuse it if:
- you see mold, fungal growth, bacterial deposits, or other biological buildup;
- an odor remains after rinsing and full drying; or
- the filter is torn, deformed, delaminated, clogged, or otherwise damaged.
Does rinsing the filter sanitize the cabinet?
No. Filter rinsing and cabinet sanitation are separate maintenance tasks. Follow the cabinet cleaning and preventive-care procedure for the unit itself.
Where are the full maintenance instructions?
See Cleaning and Preventive Care in the Steak Locker Home Edition G5 Owner’s Manual (PDF).
Does this apply to legacy filters?
No. Legacy cabinets with a reservoir-drawer humidity system use the rectangular filter. Follow the instructions supplied for that model and do not assume the square-filter rinsing procedure applies.
