The method depends on your filter type. For cartridge filters, remove the cartridge and soak it in a dedicated filter cleaning solution to break down oils, lotions, and fine debris before rinsing thoroughly. For sand and DE filters, a deep backwash followed by a rinse cycle is the standard procedure to flush out trapped contaminants. After severe events like an algae bloom, you may need to use a specialty deep cleaner or even replace the filter media entirely.