How to Clean a Bagless Vacuum Filter?

The filters of bagless vacuum cleaners play an important role in the cleaning of the floors in your home. 

They ensure that dust and dirt particles are picked up and directed to the dirt cup, keeping it away from the motor. They also ensure that dust and dirt do not get released back into the air.

Therefore, it is vital that you clean the filters on a regular basis so that they do not become clogged up. This causes the vacuum to lose power or to break down completely that you will need to buy a new one.

So asking the question of how to clean a bagless vacuum filter is understandable.

In this article, we briefly explain the different types of vacuum filters. We also explain how often should they be cleaned and the best ways to clean them.

Types of vacuum cleaner Filters

Lately, the majority of bagless vacuum cleaners are fitted with more than one filter. You will need to find and clean them all. Here are the different types that you can expect to find:

Cartridge filters, Cloth filters, Foam filters, Disk filters, SmartVacuumGuide
  • Cartridge filters – They are disposable and need to be replaced from time to time, by just dusting them off with a soft brush
  • Cloth filters - They are tough and washable
  • Foam filters - They can only filter air and some of them can be washed and re-used
  • Disk filters – They are mostly made of cloth or paper and you are able to wash or replace them

How often should you clean your vacuum’s filter?

There are many different types, makes, and models of bagless vacuum cleaners on the market. With that said, there are different types of filters and different ways of cleaning them. Some are disposable and need to be replaced ever so often and others that can be washed and re-used.

The manufactures of each type of vacuum cleaner will give you their own advice about how and how often you should clean the filters. They should mention this in the included manual that comes with each vacuum cleaner.

Generally, how often the filters should be cleaned would depend on the type of filter you have and how often your vacuum cleaner is used. On average, most filters should be cleaned or replaced every three months. But if you use your vacuum cleaner a lot it then should be more often. For example:
  • Daily use of your vacuum – It is best to clean the filters weekly
  • For once or twice a week, look at cleaning it monthly
  • Once or twice a month, every three months would be best

Consult the vacuum’s Manual

It is extremely important that before we get into how to clean a bagless vacuum filter, you grab the manual for your vacuum cleaner. Make sure you know how many filters your vacuum cleaner has and whether the filters are washable or not. 

While you are busy going through the manual of your vacuum cleaner. It is also worthwhile to take note of how to take the vacuum apart to gain access to the filters.

Now that you have an idea of the different types of filters and have consulted the vacuum cleaners manual. You also know if they can be washed or not. It is time to look at the different ways that the filters can be cleaned.

This can be a messy job to do, so it is best to clean your vacuum cleaner and filters while outside in your garden. This way the dirt and dust do not mess all over your clean floors or pollute your breathing air.

How to clean a Non-washable filter

To clean a non-washable filter there are a few tools that you could use. These tools will help to clean the filter like a soft paintbrush or an old toothbrush, hairdryer, or another vacuum cleaner if you have one.

Remember with a non-washable filter, you should not use any water or liquids at all, as this will damage the filters.

Then follow the steps below to clean a non-washable filter:

  • Carefully remove the filters from your vacuum cleaner
  • Next, remove the excess dirt and dust from the outside of the filter by gently tapping it against the dirt bin
  • Then use the paintbrush, toothbrush or vacuum cleaner to remove the remainder of the dirt from the outside of the filter
  • There should be much of a need to clean the inside of the filter but if there is, gently brush the dirt out.
  • Once they are clean, carefully put  the filters back into place

If the non-washable filters are damaged in any way, it is then best to replace them with a new one.

How to clean a washable filter

To clean a filter that is washable, follow the simple steps below:

  • Remove the filter from the vacuum cleaner
  • Gently wash it in some cool to lukewarm water with a mild soap or detergent
  • Rinse it thoroughly
  • Leave it to dry completely, this can take up to 48 hours
  • Replace the filter back in the vacuum cleaner only once it is completely dry. If you don’t it can cause mold to form on the filters which then your vacuum cleaner will release around your home.
  • Make sure you replace the filter correctly because if you don’t, the dust and dirt can damage the vacuum’s motor

Additional Tips

  • No matter if your bagless vacuum cleaner filters are washable or non-washable, it is advisable to keep spares handy.
  • It is also a good idea to inspect the rollers and brushes of your vacuum cleaner. Make sure that they are free of hair and are working properly.
  • Always remember if your filters are clean, the better your vacuum cleaner suction should be

How to clean a bagless vacuum filter will depend on the types of filters your vacuum has and whether they can be washed or not. To know for sure, it is best to consult your vacuum cleaners manual and follow the easy steps that we have provided to clean them.

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