Yup, you can remove the center vent by hand... medyo nakakatakot lang yung feel at tunog when you're removing it but its okay. You'll see the filter right behind the vent and all you have to do is to blow it with compressed air; ideally it's better to remove the filter and clean it but it seems to be harder (meaning you have to remove more panels) as i have not seen anyone do it and have been able to try it also on ours before.