How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner Filter?

How often have you thought to clean the filter in your vacuum cleaner? Believe it or not, keeping the filter clean is more important than you may think, not only for your vacuum’s performance but also for your indoor air quality. This is because over time, the filter gets clogged up with dust, debris and pet hair, which reduces the machine’s suction power and allows these particles to be pumped back into the air you breathe. This is especially harmful if you have respiratory issues like asthma or allergies. In fact, over 34 million people in the US suffer from chronic lung disease, so it's more critical than ever to maintain good air quality in your home. Whether you have washable, non-washable or HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaner, make sure you clean them regularly to preserve your air quality and keep your device running smoothly.

Can You Wash a Vacuum Filter?

It depends if your vacuum cleaner uses washable or non-washable filters. Washable filters are made of materials like foam or felt and can be cleaned and reused by rinsing and air drying. They’re great if you want to be environmentally conscious or if you don’t like constantly buying new filters. Non-washable filters are made of paper and other disposable materials. They need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months to maintain the vacuum’s suction power and filtration. Though these are convenient, they require you to replace them more frequently. The type of filter your vacuum uses depends on the model and manufacturer.

Why Cleaning Your Vacuum Filter is Important?

Cleaning the vacuum filter is essential because it can become clogged with dust, hair and other debris, which can cause a range of issues that affect your health and the performance of the device.

One of the main issues with a dirty filter is that it reduces the vacuum’s suction power. As the filter becomes clogged, the vacuum has to work harder to pull in air. This puts strain on the motor and causes it to overheat. It also makes your vacuum less efficient and ultimately reduces its lifespan. By regularly cleaning the filter, you can reduce wear and tear on the vacuum’s internal components and you won’t have to spend any extra money to replace or fix it.

Another major consequence of a dirty filter is the effect it has on your health. When the filter in your vacuum has not been cleaned in a while, it causes trapped dirt, dust and other allergens to recirculate back into the air you breathe. This significantly decreases the air quality in your home. If you or your family members have respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, or even skin sensitivities, these particles in the air can worsen those ailments.

What Are the Different Types of Vacuum Filters?

Most vacuum cleaners have various types of filters such as HEPA, foam, paper or charcoal filters that help keep our living spaces clean and dust-free.

1. HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are often considered the gold standard in vacuum cleaner filtration because they are designed to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles including dust, pollen and microscopic allergens as small as 0.3 microns. This greatly improves your air quality and is beneficial for people with respiratory issues, allergies or asthma.

2. Foam Filters

Commonly found in most vacuum cleaners, foam filters are made of a highly porous and spongy material that helps trap large particles such as hair, dust and debris before they reach the main filtration system. They can be washed and reused multiple times which means they are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

3. Paper Filters

These disposable filters are typically made from high-quality paper materials that can effectively capture a wide range of particles including dust, dirt and pet dander. They are generally less expensive than other filter types and are disposable so you can easily replace them when they become dirty or clogged. They are often used in combination with other types of filters to create a more effective filtration system.

4. Charcoal Filters

Charcoal filters are made from activated charcoal and absorb and neutralize odors in the vacuum cleaner’s exhaust system. Whether you have pets at home or struggle with lingering cooking smells, charcoal filtration can dramatically improve the freshness of the air expelled from your vacuum.

How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner Filter?

Before you clean a vacuum cleaner filter, identify the type of filter in your vacuum. Turn off the vacuum and unplug it. Then locate the filter, it should be near the dirt canister or motor and remove it according to the instructions.

If you have a washable filter, you can simply rinse it under warm water to remove any built-up debris. Make sure to fully air dry the filter before reinstalling it in your vacuum. On the other hand, if you have non-washable filters, do not rinse them with water. Instead, use soft-bristle brushes or a clean, dry cloth to gently dust off any dirt and debris. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for your specific vacuum model because the method and frequency of cleaning can vary. For example, robot vacuums’ filters require special cleaning techniques .

How to Clean a Vacuum HEPA Filter?

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in your vacuum cleaner play an important role in improving the air quality in your home. They are highly effective at trapping small airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander and some bacteria and viruses. When left uncleaned, they become less efficient in doing their task and this could affect your health, especially if you’re prone to respiratory illnesses. As a general rule of thumb, HEPA filters in a vacuum cleaner should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months, or more often if you’re using the vacuum more frequently or if you have a lot of dust in your home.

To clean the HEPA filter in your vacuum:

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner and remove the dust canister or filter housing.
2. Remove the HEPA filter but remember to take note of the way it is placed on the vacuum so you know how to reinstall it after cleaning.
3. Tap the filter against a hard surface and dislodge any large debris. Most HEPA filters are not washable so you shouldn’t use water or cleaning solutions as this can damage the material of the filter. If you have a washable HEPA filter, make sure you use a gentle cleaning solution and completely air dry it before reinstalling it.
4. Thoroughly clean the filter using a soft-bristled brush or a can of compressed air.
5. Check the filter for any tears or damage. If the filter is in good condition, reinsert it into the vacuum. If not, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.

How to Clean Foam Filters?

Foam filters trap and contain the dirt, dust and debris that is sucked in when you use the vacuum. Over time, they can become clogged and dirty, which can reduce the suction power of the vacuum and make it less efficient at cleaning. It can also cause wear and tear on the motor and potentially shorten the vacuum’s lifespan. Cleaning foam filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on the amount of dirt in your living space can help avoid allergens in your air and save you the cost of replacing or repairing your vacuum cleaner

To clean the foam filter on your vacuum cleaner,

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner and find the foam filter. This is usually located in the vacuum’s dust canister or bag compartment.
2. Remove the filter by gently pulling it out or unscrewing it. If you’re unsure, check your manufacturer’s recommendations on how to remove the foam filter.
3. Rinse the filter under running water, gently squeeze and massage it to dislodge any trapped dirt and debris. You can use an all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid to remove any stubborn dirt.
4. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling it in the vacuum.
5. Insert the filter back into the vacuum carefully and make sure it’s properly secured in place.

How to Clean Paper Filters?

Cleaning paper filters ensures that dirt, dust and debris that has been accumulated in the filter doesn’t reduce the vacuum’s efficiency and airflow. This means that your device will be able to trap allergens, pet dander and other particles efficiently and your living environment will continue to be healthy. It is recommended to clean paper filters every 3 to 6 months, but if you use your vacuum often, have pets or if you see visible buildup of debris on the filter, make sure you clean it more often.

To clean paper filters on your vacuum,

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner and remove the filter. If you’re unsure how to do this, check the manufacturer’s recommendations
2. Gently tap the filter against a hard surface to remove any loose debris
3. Use a soft-bristle brush or compressed air to carefully dislodge any remaining dirt or dust
4. Tap the filter to gently get rid of the remaining debris. Do not use water, soap and detergents, as they can damage the filter material
5. Once dry, carefully place the filter back into the vacuum

How to Clean Charcoal Filters?

Charcoal filters contain activated charcoal or carbon that removes unpleasant odors, impurities and contaminants from the air or water and create a healthier and cleaner environment in your home. If left uncleaned, they become less efficient in eliminating these contaminants which can expose you to harmful compounds. To avoid this, charcoal filters need to be cleaned regularly. If you use your vacuum cleaner more often or if you often have unpleasant odors in your house from appliances, furniture, carpets and fabrics, you’ll need to clean them often.

To clean charcoal filters in your vacuum,

1. Unplug the device and remove the filter from its housing.
2. Gently tap the filter to remove any loose debris.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum attachment to remove any remaining dust or particles from the filter. Some carbon filters can be washed with warm water or mild detergent but check your device’s manual for specific instructions.
4. If you have washed it with water, allow it to completely air dry before reinstalling it in the device.

FAQ