When it comes to one of the most commonly used household appliances, it is important to be able to clean and change filters on a vacuum cleaner. The good news is that this can be an easy task once you learn the practical household skill. This saves you time and money because changing the filter is not always necessary. Additionally, regular cleaning of a vacuum cleaner filter is increasingly necessary with bagless machines as they do not collect dust in a separate area. Below, learn how often you should replace a vacuum cleaner filter and how to get the job done quickly. This will help you keep your home appliance in the best condition so you can use it optimally for a long time.
Before you clean or replace filters on your vacuum cleaner
It's worth researching the best vacuum cleaners before buying so you can choose one that suits your needs. There are endless choices on the market, from robot vacuums to uprights, so you can find the right size and type for yourHome and your cleaning habitscan find. It's worth noting that choosing between a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner will affect the maintenance required. This could be, for example, changing the bag frequently or replacing the filter.
Of course, the best way to keep your vacuum cleaner's suction strong is to clean it regularly, especially the vacuum cleaner filter. Some devices have one or more filters that capture even the smallest dust particles. By trapping the dust in the filter, it is less likely to be released back into the indoor air and eventually settle on surfaces. If your vacuum isn't working as well as it used to, it's time to clean its filter first.
How often should you clean and change a vacuum cleaner filter?
If you vacuum weekly, dust and dirt can quickly build up in the filter, preventing the device from functioning properly. There are also different types of filters that affect how often you need to clean or change them. Most vacuum cleaners have two filters - before and after the motor. Generally, the pre-motor filter is made of foam or fabric and can hold a larger amount of dust before you need to clean it.
The second filter is usually a HEPA filter. It would be more likely to be folded or pleated and made from a finer filter media. If you have dirty filters, you will immediately notice a stale smell when you turn on the vacuum, as well as reduced suction power while you work. In high traffic areas, you may need to clean the filter monthly. Additionally, in most homes, vacuum cleaner filters require a thorough cleaning every three months.
The vacuum cleaner manufacturer usually specifies the maintenance interval for one of these filters. They would be within this guide in terms of the likely time frames you need to consider. The filters after the engine are available in different qualities, or rather how finely they capture the dust. You would generally be able to determine that for a given size, a high quality filter will need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently than a lower quality one. Many vacuum cleaner filters are also washable. This means you can skip cleaning them regularly every 3-6 months. However, for a vacuum cleaner with a non-washable filter, it is recommended to replace it every 6 months and at most every 2 years.
Should you clean or replace filters on your vacuum cleaner?
This is always one of the first questions you need to answer before cleaning your vacuum cleaner. As described above, there are three common types of vacuum filters:
- Foam filter:These are usually round filters that can be cleaned with soap and water.
- Folded paper filters or plastic cartridges:These inexpensive options are often not washable, but you can clean them several times before replacing them.
- HEPA-Filter:While you can't thoroughly clean some of these vacuum cleaner filters, you can extend their life by removing dust before routine replacement.
Before cleaning or replacing the filter on your vacuum cleaner, you should check the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't know where the filters are located or what type of filter your model uses, check the manufacturer's website for cleaning methods and how to order replacement filters. Here are some simple steps you can follow to complete the task.
Here's how to replace your vacuum cleaner filter
Finding the filter should be an easy step to get started. For bagged vacuum cleaners, the filter screen is most likely located behind the bag. Alternatively, some bagless models may have multiple filters in different locations. Therefore, it is always worth reading the manufacturer's instructions. Most filters come in a standard size, but if it's a little too big for your device, you can also crop it. To avoid problems when choosing the right replacement filter, it is again recommended to check your vacuum cleaner manual beforehand. The final step to replacing a vacuum cleaner filter is to secure it into the filter grid. Don't forget about any secondary filters that a bagless model may have. Once this is done, simply discard the old filter, close the lid of your vacuum and you can start cleaning.
Instructions for cleaning various vacuum cleaner filters
To clean a filter, you will need a sink or small bowl, microfiber cloth, drying rack, soft-bristled brush, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and a trash can. Always disassemble the vacuum cleaner parts before disassembling the component to avoid accidental electric shock. Then empty the collection container or discard the collection bag and look for the filter(s).
How to clean foam filters in vacuum cleaners
- First, in a sink or small bowl, mix a cleaning solution of two drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleaner in two cups of hot water.
- Submerge the filter and squeeze gently to move the cleaning solution through the pores of the foam. If the water turns black from excessive dust, mix a fresh solution and continue squeezing.
- Then rinse the filter until no more foam forms and the water remains clear.
- First, carefully roll the filter in a microfiber cloth to absorb the water.
- Then place the filter on a drying rack to air dry. This can take up to 24 hours.
- Do not place the filter in the vacuum cleaner when it is still wet.
This allows you to clean vacuum cleaner filters that are made of paper or synthetic fibers
Most pleated filters have a replacement schedule and are considered disposable by manufacturers. Additionally, you should never soak or rinse paper filters in water. However, some of these are made of a non-woven synthetic material, similar to dryer sheets. This can be cleaned with water a few times to remove dust. How to extend the life of a folded paper filter:
- First remove the filter from the vacuum cleaner.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to remove visible debris.
- Gently tap the filter on the side of a trash can or an outside handrail to loosen dust.
How to extend the life of a synthetic fiber filter:
- Follow the steps above that are suitable for cleaning a paper filter.
- After you've knocked out the dust, hold the filter under a stream of running water to flush out more dust.
- Then wrap the filter in a microfiber cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible, but do not squeeze it.
- Place the synthetic vacuum cleaner filter on a drying rack to air dry for at least 24 hours.
How to clean HEPA vacuum cleaner filters
- If your vacuum cleaner is equipped with a HEPA filter (hepatic particulate matter filter), it traps 99.97 percent of particles larger than 0.3 microns that flow into the vacuum cleaner.
- Additionally, HEPA filters are made of finely woven synthetic fibers and can often be rinsed with plain, cold water to flush out fine dust.
- However, also pay attention to the vacuum cleaner manufacturer's recommendations so that you know exactly how often you need to replace the filter.
- You can also extend the life of the HEPA filter by removing it from the vacuum and tapping it against the side of a trash can or outdoor handrail to remove some dust.
More tips on vacuum cleaner maintenance
- Empty the vacuum cleaner bag or dust container regularly.
- Clean the device's vent covers after each use to remove any accumulated dust.
- To freshen up stale-smelling foam filters, you can spray them with a few drops of essential oil.
