How to Clean Vacuum Filters

Let’s start by highlighting all of the types of vacuum-like devices you may have at home, and the filters you’ll probably encounter the most:

Regular vacuum: it has a bag or is bagless with a foam filter, and it could also have a HEPA filter.

Handheld vacuums: typically, bagless with tiny cartridge filters

Workshop vacuums: often fitted with a filter bag, big cartridge filter, foam sleeves or reusable disc filters.

Some Essential Tips to Keep In Mind

• How often should I clean the vacuum filter? You can extend the life of a filter by cleaning it frequently; vacuum manufacturers will recommend that you replace (purchase) new filters periodically, but it’s not always necessary.
• HEPA filters are excluded. Made of tightly-woven materials, cleaning a HEPA filter can harm the fibers, make it less efficient at blocking microscopic allergens. Buy a HEPA-quality replacement filter from the manufacturer for the best guarantee.
• Maintaining a vacuum goes beyond checking the filter, but a crowded filter and dirty components will add stress to the motor, which can affect the life of the device.

How to Clean Foam Filters

How to clean a vacuum filter fast? A bagless or canister vacuum comes with a foam filter that catches dust beneath the simple-to-empty canister. When you take out the canister, you’ll probably see the foam layer that air passes through.

To clean a foam filter, dip it in water, press it to allow the dirt to escape the foam, and let it air dry before putting it back in your vacuum.

Like a foam filter, if your vacuum is installed with reusable disc filters, you should make it a point to wash them frequently to let good airflow. These filters are identical to reusable coffee filters and attach using mounting hardware; we have them on a big workbench vacuum, but you may not find them on regular household vacuums.

How to Clean a Vacuum Bag?

How to clean a vacuum filter bag? If you own an upright vacuum with a bag, it is either reusable or developed to be disposable. Changing or cleaning the bag on a vacuum is vital because for maintaining the condition of the motor, when full, the motor has to work harder to operate the appliance. Disposable bags should be changed before they're complete, but they're otherwise relatively maintenance-free.

If a vacuum bag is reusable, you should empty it into a big garbage can containing the dust. Knock the sides of the reusable bag to ensure that all of the dust has been taken, and for the excellent results, use another vacuum to remove dust on both the inner and outer surfaces of the bag.

How to Clean a Cartridge Filter?

Cartridge filters, typically cylinders of synthetic materials or pleated paper are practically disposable, but can last for a long time with frequent cleanings. Removing the dust from a cartridge filter helps to enhance the capability for air to pass through,

First, take out the cartridge from the vacuum. Then, with minimal force to avoid damaging it, hit the cartridge against a garbage can to loosen debris caught between the pleats. If it’s stayed long, you might be able to shake the filter for an extended period and continue to see sediment fall into the garbage. After it appears clean, you can change it into a vacuum.

How to Clean a HEPA filter?

Again, a HEPA filter comprises tightly-woven fibers, scrubbing, and washing; it is likely to affect the fibers' appearance, which in turn makes the filter less efficient at cleaning 99%+ of microscopic substances. When you realize that your HEPA filter is dirty, invest in a store-bought version.

Tips for keeping a clean vacuum

Before vacuuming, sprinkle the floor with a little homemade carpet cleaner. Add antibacterial oils–such as the lemongrass oils, peppermint, lemongrass oils tea tree eucalyptus, and add clean fragrance to the air simultaneously.

Remember to clean the brush roller on your push vacuums. Rollers wrapped in long hairs or matted with pet fur lack efficiency.

Resources and References:

• How HEPA Filters Work