How to clean a vacuum cleaner filter

Cleaning methods depend on the type of filter element installed in your vacuum cleaner. It is strictly forbidden to immerse some filters in water, while others, on the contrary, are more effective simply by washing them under running water. So what filters are there, and what cleaning methods are suitable for each of them?

Types of filters

Most modern devices have a triple cleaning system:

• the first filter collects large dust particles and other debris (grains of sand, animal hair, etc.);
• the second is for the engine compartment, it protects the engine from dust;
• the third is a Nera filter, which traps dust microparticles with a size of 0.3 microns or less.

IMPORTANT! Filters not only collect debris, but also protect the engine from dust. Therefore, cleaning them is a prerequisite for using a vacuum cleaner.

Filter elements are of the following types:

• Bag. In turn, they are disposable paper. After each cleaning, such a bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner and thrown away, and then a new one is inserted. The bags can also be made of fabric, which are suitable for reusable use and can be washed.
• Aqua filters. Their operating principle is based on exposure to water, with dust settling to the bottom of the container, which can be cleaned after a while.
• Rough cleaning. In this option, all dirt goes directly into a special container; separate filtration is not provided.These vacuum cleaners need to be cleaned every time. But they have one plus: they are much cheaper than their counterparts.
• Fine cleaning. These filters include microfilters, electrostatic and Hepa filters. They trap even the smallest dust particles, preventing them from getting out with the air blown out by the vacuum cleaner. In practice, they have proven to be quite effective. High-quality air filtering devices allow you to clean the room not only of debris, but also of pollen, which is dangerous for allergy sufferers.
• Cyclonic. The principle of cleaning with these filter elements is as follows: large dust particles are attracted to the walls of the filter due to centrifugal force, then settling in special collections.

How to get a filter

To ensure that your appliance will function properly for many years, and that it will effectively remove dust and debris like new, make it a habit to clean all elements after cleaning.

Disassembling and cleaning the vacuum cleaner is carried out in several stages:

1. The device must be unplugged, wipe the cord and put it inside the case using the automatic winding option, or twist it and secure it with an elastic band.
2. It is recommended to place the vacuum cleaner, if possible, on the balcony or in the open air.
3. Disconnect the brush and hose and clean them.
4. It is necessary to open the device housing and take out a container designed to collect large debris and dust.
5. Remove all existing filters. Carry out cleaning appropriate to their type; this will be discussed in the following sections of the article.
6. After cleaning, washing and drying the filters and other elements, all parts must be installed back and the device must be taken to the place intended for its storage.

ADVICE! Although cleaning a vacuum cleaner, including its filters, is not the most pleasant task, it takes a maximum of 10-15 minutes. Make it a habit to clean filters and other elements after each cleaning.

A bagless vacuum cleaner typically requires frequent filter changes. But they work better and emit less dust into the air.

Methods for cleaning filters

To ensure that the vacuum cleaner lasts a long time and the cleaning process does not take much time, the following rules should be followed:

1. It is recommended to clean it after each cleaning, even if the size of the dust container is designed for a large volume of dust. First of all, this will extend the service life of all parts of the device. In addition, the quality of cleaning will be much higher. The third and, perhaps, main advantage is that the air blown back by the vacuum cleaner will be cleaner.
2. It is forbidden to remove construction waste with a vacuum cleaner; there are special devices for this, and a household vacuum cleaner can be irrevocably damaged.
3. Make sure that no foreign objects, especially sharp ones, accidentally fall into the vacuum cleaner. This can also lead to damage to individual parts or the vacuum cleaner as a whole.

IMPORTANT! To improve the suction force, it is necessary to clean the filter elements. This will increase dust absorption from 80% to 100%.

Cleaning the filter, as mentioned earlier, depends on its type. The reusable bag should be shaken thoroughly several times, preferably doing this outdoors so as not to inhale the dust yourself. The bag can then be washed by hand using soap or in a washing machine. After washing, it should be thoroughly dried; it should not be inserted into a vacuum cleaner while wet, as mold may form during storage and it will be irrevocably damaged.If the bag is disposable, you should simply throw it away.

Vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter require careful cleaning. Their design includes both a container and a Nera filter. Cleaning is done as follows: the container is washed under running water and dried.

The Nera filter is first blown out with a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer, and then washed with water without using detergents. Even reusable Nera filters require periodic replacement with new ones.

The cyclone mechanism must be completely disassembled, all elements cleaned and washed, then dried thoroughly.

Is it possible to wash the filter from a vacuum cleaner?

And so from all of the above we can draw the following conclusions. Only reusable filters made of fabric or polymer materials can be washed.

Filters made from paper are usually disposable. But even if the manufacturer allows reusable use, getting them wet is strictly prohibited. To clean them, methods of knocking out, shaking out or blowing are used.

After cleaning the filter, the vacuum cleaner starts working like new. It's better to clean it as often as possible. This will contribute to a longer service life of the device, and you will not have to inhale dust when operating it.