Washable Activated Carbon Odor Filter (Composite Carbon Fabric)

The Oltaven washable activated carbon odor filter is a composite carbon fabric filter designed to remove cooking odors and harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia while also capturing larger particles like hair and dust. It is intended for range hoods, integrated stoves, air purifier pre-filters, fresh air systems, car cabin filters, central air return grilles, and industrial vacuum cleaners. The filter combines a polyurethane sponge base with specially cured activated carbon powder or fine granules, and its washable design helps reduce replacement costs.

From Media to Finished Filter

Activated carbon has a high surface area, but its performance in a finished filter depends on how the carbon is held in place and how air flows through the structure. In this product, fine carbon particles are fixed onto a polyurethane sponge using a special curing process, creating a composite carbon fabric. The sponge provides a flexible, open structure with low airflow resistance, while the carbon provides adsorption sites for odor molecules.

Pleating, framing, and sealing—when used—determine how the finished filter performs in a device. Pleating increases surface area within a given footprint, which can raise capacity and lower resistance. Framing provides mechanical support and ensures a proper fit in the housing, preventing air bypass. Sealing closes the edges so that air passes through the filter medium rather than around it. Oltaven sells finished filters, not just media, so we control these forming steps to deliver consistent efficiency, resistance, and capacity in every batch.

What Decides Finished Performance

Three main factors decide the finished filter’s efficiency, resistance, and capacity: media choice, forming, and sealing. The media choice—here, the type and amount of activated carbon and the sponge’s pore structure—sets the baseline adsorption capacity and initial resistance. A higher carbon loading generally increases odor removal capacity but may raise resistance if the airflow path becomes restricted.

Forming, such as cutting or stamping to the required shape and thickness, affects how well the filter fits the device and how evenly air flows through it. The sponge’s flexibility allows it to be cut into complex shapes for irregular spaces, which is important for OEM projects. Sealing, when a frame is used, prevents unfiltered air from bypassing the medium. Oltaven offers options such as aluminum frames, plastic frames, or frameless designs to match different housings.

The result is a filter that delivers both primary particle filtration and gas-phase adsorption. The initial odor removal efficiency can reach over 85% for typical cooking odors such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and volatile cooking fumes. Because the carbon is physically adsorbed, the efficiency will decline over time, but the filter can be washed with warm water and mild detergent to restore airflow and remove surface grease, extending its service life.

Applications

This washable activated carbon filter is used as a pre-filter layer in air purifiers, where it captures large particles and reduces odors before the main filter. In fresh air ventilation systems, it serves as a pre-filter to protect downstream filters and improve indoor air quality. It is also used in car cabin air filters, central air return grilles, and industrial vacuum cleaners, where odor control and particle capture are needed.

For range hoods and integrated stoves, the filter helps reduce cooking odors released into the kitchen or outdoors. Its flexible sponge base allows it to be adapted to different hood designs, and the washable feature means homeowners can clean it periodically rather than replacing it frequently. Oltaven supplies this filter in various thicknesses, pore densities, and shapes to match specific appliance models.

Technical Specifications

The Oltaven Factory and Certifications

Oltaven brings over 20 years of filter development and manufacturing experience to every project. We have developed more than 1,000 filter solutions for customers worldwide, and our OEM/ODM capability allows us to tailor size, structure, media grade, frame material, logo, and packaging to your requirements. Our production base covers 50,000 m², including six cleanrooms totaling 20,000 m², where this washable activated carbon filter is made.

Our in-house laboratory is CNAS-accredited and can issue test reports for filtration efficiency, dust holding capacity, and resistance. The company holds IATF 16949 (obtained in 2024), ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, and our products comply with REACH and RoHS environmental regulations, with compliance documents available. Multiple automated production lines support a monthly capacity of millions of pieces, and IQC, IPQC, and OQC controls run throughout the process.

OEM/ODM Workflow

1. Inquiry: share your device or vehicle model, required size or drawing, airflow or water flow, operating conditions, and estimated quantity.
2. Evaluation: our team reviews the request and recommends a suitable carbon loading, sponge thickness, pore density, and frame option.
3. Sampling: we produce samples, typically within 7–15 days, and can include CNAS test reports for performance verification.
4. Quotation: based on sample approval, we provide a quotation including MOQ, lead time, and packaging details.
5. Production: after order confirmation, we manufacture with IQC, IPQC, and OQC checks and schedule delivery.
6. Delivery: we arrange shipping according to the agreed trade terms.

Start a Custom Project

To receive a tailored quote, please provide your device or vehicle model, the required size or a drawing, the airflow or water flow, operating conditions, and your estimated quantity. You can reach our team through the contact page to discuss your project. We welcome OEM and ODM partnerships and will respond with a proposal that fits your application.