How to clean a cartridge filter

How to clean a cartridge filter image
 
1. Remove the cartridge.  
2. After you have removed it, and before the cartridge dries, rinse any debris from the cartridge with a garden hose and spray nozzle. Drying will allow the collected debris to set into the cartridge media, making it more diffucult to remove later.
Rinsing the filter immediately after removing from the pump assembly. 
Rinsing debris from cartridge
 
3. Allow the cartridge to dry thoroughly, preferably in bright sunshine, which has effective algaecidal properties.
4. Shake or use an air compressor to remove loose particles from the cartridge fabric.  This can be done by tapping it on a surface, brushing with a stiff paint brush, or other means.  Note that this step is in preparation for the actual cleaning, so getting it perfect is not essential.
Brushing loose material from the filter's pleats prior to soaking.
Removing loose particles from cartridge
 
5.  Save the cartridge you would normally throw into the rubbish until you have several to clean.  Cleaning involves using chlorinie and takes time. Cleaning individual cartridges is not efficient.
6.  Prepare a large bucket with a tight fitting lid to soak your cartridge.  Use a solution of 1 part chlorine to 6 parts water.  Submerge the cartridge in this solution, then place the lid on the bucket.  Allow the cartridge to soak to kill any micro-organisms that are trapped in the cartridge media, and to break down any organic contaminants.  Three to five days will provide good results.
7.  Remove the cartridge and rinse in a bucket of clean water. Agitate the cartridge by holding them at one end and dunking them briskly in and out of the rinse water.  You should see a cloud of rinsed contaminants coming from the cartridge.
8. Hang or place the cartridge in bright sunlight and allow to dry thoroughly.  Any more dirt trapped on the surface of the cartridge should be brushed off, using a stiff bristled paint brush.
Dirty filters on left, and cleaned filters on right, drying in the sun.
Dirty cartridges (L) Clean cartridges (R)
 
9. Seal the bucket that you have soaked the cartridge in, when not in use. This is so that you won't have to add additonal chlorinie each time you clean a cartridge. As this solution is very strong, do not splash on your clothes and ensure that it is kept sealed and safely away from children. 
10.  Reuse your clean cartridge.