Cleaning a vacuum filter is essential to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean a vacuum filter:
- Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner: Ensure that the vacuum is not connected to any power source before starting the cleaning process.
- Locate the filter housing: The filter housing is usually found at the back or bottom of the vacuum cleaner, depending on the model. Refer to the user manual if you have trouble finding it.
- Remove the filter: Open the filter housing and carefully take out the filter. Different vacuums have different types of filters such as foam, HEPA, or mesh. Check the filter type to determine the cleaning method.
- Shake off loose dirt: If the filter is not too dirty, you can simply shake it gently to remove loose dust and debris. Do this outdoors or over a trash can to prevent the dirt from spreading.
- Rinse the filter (if applicable): If you have a washable filter like foam or mesh, rinse it under running water. Use mild soap or detergent if required to remove stubborn dirt. Avoid using hot water as it may damage the filter's integrity.
- Allow the filter to air dry: After rinsing, place the filter in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry completely. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or placing it near a heat source, as excessive heat can warp or damage the filter.
- Clean non-washable filters: If you have a non-washable filter like a HEPA filter, it needs to be replaced rather than washed. Refer to the user manual or manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct replacement filter.
- Clean the filter housing and vacuum: While the filter dries, take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down the inside of the filter housing. Remove any dust or debris buildup.
- Reassemble the vacuum: Once the filter is completely dry and the housing is clean, place the filter back into the vacuum. Make sure it is securely fitted and properly aligned. Close the filter housing, ensuring it clicks or fastens securely.
- Test the vacuum: Plug in the vacuum cleaner and turn it on to ensure it is functioning properly after cleaning. If you notice any issues, double-check the filter placement or consult the user manual for troubleshooting steps.
Regularly cleaning the vacuum filter, depending on its type, will help maintain efficient suction power, prevent clogs, and ensure optimal performance when you need to keep your home clean and dust-free.
Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue
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POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
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LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
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ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
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PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
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SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
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BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
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LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.9-quart capacity for longer cleaning sessions. Easily remove dust cup to empty debris in seconds.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
BISSELL 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum with HEPA Filter Sealed System, Lift-Off Portable Pod, LED Headlights, Specialized Pet Tools, Easy Empty,Blue/ Black
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Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets
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Lift-Off Detachable Pod. 2-in-1 design with a detachable pod for convenient, portable cleaning
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Tangle-Free Brush Roll. Actively prevents hair wrap
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HEPA Sealed Allergen System. Traps 99.97% of dust and allergens. Tested per ASTM F1977 based on particles 0.3 microns and smaller
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Lightweight Design & Swivel Steering. Powerful cleaning performance without the heavy lifting
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One Touch Easy Empty. Pet hair gets spooled in the tank, keeping it out of your filters and off of your hands when it's time to empty
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Color and accessories included may vary
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Pet, Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, HEPA Media Filtration, For Carpet and Hard Floor, UH72625, Red
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Our Best Cleaning Bagless Upright*
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QuickPass Brushroll – 2X Faster Cleaning** - Clean surface debris without having to pass over the same area multiple times
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WindTunnel 3 Technology - Creates 3 channels of suction to lift and remove surface debris and deep down embedded dirt
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Brushroll On/Off Switch - Turn on/off brushroll for optimal cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
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Headlight - Spot hard to see debris in dim lighted areas for a better clean.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner, with Quick Release Wand, & Swivel Steering, 3198A, Color May Vary
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EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.Specific uses:pet hair on stairs, upholstery
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POWERFUL AND SEAMLESS PET HAIR PICKUP. Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology make cleaning pet hair anywhere quick and easy.
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QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION WAND. Always on so it's always ready to clean, giving you convenient above floor cleaning.
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SWIVEL STEERING & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN. Powerful cleaning performance without the heavy lifting.
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SPECIALIZED PET TOOLS. Reach dirt and pet hair on stairs, upholstery and other hard-to-reach places.
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EDGE-TO-EDGE CLEANING. Clean closer to edges and corners with each pass.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
DEVOAC N300 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 6 in 1 Ultra-Lightweight Stick Vacuum, 2200mAh Battery Up to 40mins Runtime, Powerful Handheld Vacuum for Hard Floor Carpet Pet Hair Home
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💎One Sentence Summary of Devoac N300 : A Low-cost cordless vacuum cleaner that has surprising performance. Fits most families for daily household cleaning.
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【Upgraded LED Motorized Floor Brush】- Compared to the old version, we have upgraded the roller of the floor brush for N300 cordless vacuum cleaner to extend its service life and reduce the possibility of floor brush blockage during use. Built-in LED headlights, the motorized brush head of this rechargeable vacuum cleaner is able to illuminate every dark corner and show out the dust. vacuum can maneuverable 180° swivels sideways and 90°up and down. Upgraded roller brush protects floors from scratches and delivers a thorough cleaning on both hard floors and rugs.
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【Surprising Powerful Suction with 2 Modes】- This cordless stick vacuum cleaner features a powerful 175W motor, which provides impressive powerful suction. It can be switched into two modes: Max Mode (20KPa for 25mins), and Standard Mode (15KPa for 40mins). So it can easily capture pet hair, dust, debris, crumbs, pet food, and other messes with ease. Suitable for tasks on the hardwood floor, low-pile carpet, stairs, curtains, furniture, car, etc.
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【Large Battery Capacity & Long Runtime】- Our cordless vacuum cleaner adopts a 2200mAh 6-cell rechargeable battery, delivers up to 40 minutes uninterrupted runtime in min mode and 25 minutes runtime in standard mode. It performs well in cleaning stairs, rooms, dorms and all around your house.
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【Ultra-Lightweight】- Our Devoac N300 cordless vacuum cleaner weighs less then 3.9lbs. The main motor of the vacuum cleaner weighs only 2.2lbs! You can easily pick it up to clean your house. With a labor-saving battery vacuum cleaner, you can get more out of your time and your arms won't be sore anymore.
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【High-Efficiency Filtration System】- With 5-stage cyclone technology and high-density meshing, the cordless stick vacuum cleaner can capture 99.99% of microscopic dust particles as small as 0.1 microns. Thus, it effectively makes the exhaust air cleaner, prevents secondary air pollution, and brings cleaner air to the family. The "One-Button Dust Dumping" design makes emptying simple.
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【6 in 1 Multi-function Vacuum】- With an upgraded motorized floor brush, long crevice, and 2-in-1 brush, the pet hair vacuum cleaner can be quickly converted into a portable handheld vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum lightweight. These accessories help clean up debris in the hard-to-reach place. The retractable metal tube is perfect for cleaning pet hair on the curtains or ceiling. The wall mount effectively holds the cordless vacuum cleaner and saves space.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering, Gray/Orange
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Never loses suction or power.Specific uses:Stairs,Furnitures.Amperage : 4.2 amps
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Cleans carpets and bare floors
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Lightweight - only 7 pounds. Amps- 4.2. Wattage- 500
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Versatile floor to ceiling cleaning
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Never Loses Suction or Power
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Cleans Bare Floors and Deep Cleans Carpets
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Lightweight
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Versatile Floor to Ceiling Cleaning
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Swivel Steering
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner, with Quick Release Wand, Swivel Steering and Automatic Cord Rewind, 3197A (Color may vary),Black
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Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets
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Powerful and Seamless Pet Hair Pickup. TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology make cleaning pet hair anywhere quick and easy.
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Automatic Cord Rewind. 27’ Power Cord automatically rewinds for quick and easy storage.
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Quick Release Extension Wand. Always on so it's always ready to clean, giving you convenient above floor cleaning.
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Swivel Steering & Lightweight Design. Powerful cleaning performance without the heavy lifting.
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Color may vary.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender
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LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and more.
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ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
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POWERFUL & LIGHTWEIGHT : Powerful suction to deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with a lightweight design for effortless portability.
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BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
-
SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
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PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the wide upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
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CREVICE TOOL: Access corners, baseboards, tight spaces, and ceilings for versatile cleaning.
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5-year limited warranty.
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Made in USA or Imported.
What can happen if a vacuum filter is not cleaned?
If a vacuum filter is not cleaned regularly, several issues can arise:
- Reduced suction power: When a vacuum filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, it can restrict the airflow, leading to decreased suction power. This means the vacuum won't effectively pick up dirt and may leave behind debris on the floor or other surfaces.
- Overheating of the vacuum motor: A dirty filter can cause the vacuum motor to work harder than necessary to compensate for the reduced airflow. This increased strain on the motor can lead to overheating, potentially damaging or shortening its lifespan.
- Decreased efficiency: A clogged filter can decrease the overall efficiency of a vacuum cleaner. As the suction power decreases, it will take more time and effort to clean a given area, resulting in less efficient cleaning.
- Foul odor: If the vacuum filter is not cleaned regularly, it can accumulate dirt, dust, hair, and other debris, which can lead to unpleasant odors. These odors can be released into the air when the vacuum is in use, making the cleaning process unpleasant.
- Allergens and airborne particles: A dirty vacuum filter may not effectively capture and trap allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or other airborne particles. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and potentially trigger allergies or respiratory issues in susceptible individuals.
To prevent these issues, it is important to clean or replace the vacuum filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
What should be avoided when cleaning a vacuum filter?
When cleaning a vacuum filter, there are a few things that should be avoided to prevent damage or reduce the filter's effectiveness. These include:
- Using hot water: Vacuum filters are typically made of paper, fabric, or foam materials that can be damaged by hot water. Instead, use lukewarm or cold water for cleaning.
- Harsh chemicals: Avoid using strong detergents, bleach, or other harsh chemicals to clean the filter. These substances can break down the filter's material or leave residue that may affect its performance. Stick to mild soap or a gentle household cleaning solution.
- Rough handling: Be gentle when cleaning the filter and avoid excessive squeezing or twisting, as it can deform or tear the filter media.
- Not letting it dry completely: Ensure that the filter is completely dry before reinserting it into the vacuum cleaner. A damp or wet filter can promote mold or mildew growth, affecting the filter's performance and potentially spreading allergens.
- Not replacing or emptying the filter regularly: Cleaning alone might not be enough to maintain optimum performance. Depending on the type of vacuum and filter you have, it's important to replace or empty the filter as advised by the manufacturer to ensure efficient suction and thorough cleaning.
Remember to always consult your vacuum cleaner's manual for specific instructions on cleaning and maintaining the filter.
How to dry a vacuum filter after cleaning?
To dry a vacuum filter after cleaning, you can follow these steps:
- Remove the filter from the vacuum cleaner. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this properly.
- Shake off any excess water from the filter. Gently shake the filter to remove any water droplets. Be careful not to damage or bend the filter.
- Pat dry the filter using paper towels or a clean cloth. Press the towel against the filter and absorb as much moisture as possible. Avoid rubbing the filter as this may cause damage.
- Place the filter in a well-ventilated area. Find a spot where the filter can air dry completely. You can leave it outdoors or in a room with good airflow. Ensure that the filter is protected from direct sunlight or extreme heat.
- Wait for the filter to dry completely. Depending on the filter type and environmental conditions, it may take several hours or overnight for the filter to dry thoroughly.
- Once the filter is dry, inspect it for any remaining moisture or dirt. If it still feels damp or there is debris left, repeat steps 2-4 until the filter is fully clean and dry.
- Reinstall the filter back into the vacuum cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure it is securely in place before using the vacuum.
Remember to clean your vacuum filter regularly to maintain its suction power and prolong the life of the vacuum cleaner.
