My routine is to hose out the filters every week with high pressure from my garden hose. Monthly I use an instant filter cleaner spray (Leisure time makes a good one). After rinsing your filters just spray on wait 5-10 minutes and hose off well to avoid foaming. Every water change (2-3 mo.) I do the soak over nite type. It's usually a good idea to buy a 2nd set of filters and just rotate. Good Luck.