How to Clean or Replace Your Vacuum’s Filter
Leslie Murray 4 min readCheck if the filter is washable or not. Washable foam or HEPA filters can be rinsed with cold water and dried overnight. Non-washable filters should be tapped out gently or brushed clean. Replace your filter if the vacuum still loses suction after cleaning.
You just spent the past two hours vacuuming the living room, so why does it still smell musty or feel dirty? Before blaming the vacuum itself, check the filter. Keep in mind that for many high-performance vacuums, the disposable bag acts as the critical primary filter, trapping fine debris and protecting the motor. A clogged bag or filter can reduce suction power, trigger strange noises, and release unpleasant odours into the air.
The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to check. Here’s how to clean or replace your vacuum’s filter and what warning signs to watch while cleaning.
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Clean Your Vacuum’s Filter
More loose dust escaping, louder motor sounds, or weaker suction can all indicate that your filter needs to be cleaned. They’re often caused by dirt buildups blocking airflow. Thoroughly cleaning the filters should restore your vacuum’s performance to its original state.
Here’s what to do based on what type of filter you have:
Washable Foam or Mesh Filters
Removable filters, common in bagless vacuums, can be washed regularly to remove buildups. Here’s how to restore its previous condition:
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Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
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Remove the filter from its compartment.
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Tap gently to shake off loose dirt.
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Rinse under cold running water (no soap).
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Let it air dry completely overnight before reinserting.
Washable HEPA Filters
Some HEPA filters are washable, but check your model’s label first. They’ll be labelled as either “washable” or “permanent.”
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Unplug the vacuum and take out the filter.
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Tap to dislodge surface debris.
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Rinse gently with cold water only.
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Let it dry for at least 24 hours before reassembling it.
Warning: Never use soap or brushes on HEPA filters; otherwise, you’ll damage the fibres.
Non-Washable HEPA or Paper Filters
As their name suggests, disposable or non-washable HEPA filters can’t get wet. Dispose of or clean them dry instead.
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Carefully remove the filter.
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Tap lightly over a trash bin to loosen dust.
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Use a soft brush or low-suction vacuum to remove finer debris.
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Replace if there’s visible damage or lingering odours.
When and How to Replace Your Vacuum’s Filter
If your filter is worn out or clogged beyond repair, replace it. Thorough cleaning will only shorten the lifespan of your vacuum. Replacing it is the only way to restore mighty suction power and prevent overheating.
Watch out for these red flags:
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You’ve cleaned the filter multiple times, but the suction stays weak.
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The vacuum overheats or shuts off after a few minutes.
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Dust and dirt are blowing back out during use.
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The vacuum filter is visibly dark, torn, or warped.
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You still smell a musty funk even after cleaning the filter.
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You hear unusual sounds or motor strain that won’t go away.
| How to replace your vacuum’s filter at home? |
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→ Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Vacuum Cleaner
FAQs About How to Clean Your Vacuum’s Filter
How do you know if your vacuum needs a new filter?
The biggest sign is visible wear and tear. If your filter looks dark, torn, or misshapen, it’s time to replace it. If cleaning doesn’t improve your vacuum’s suction power, smell, or noise level, you'll also know it's due.
How to clean vacuum HEPA filters?
If your HEPA filter is labelled washable, rinse it under cold running water and let it dry completely overnight. For non-washable filters, just gently tap out the loose particles and debris. Don’t rinse or scrub them, as it will damage the fibres.
What’s the importance of cleaning vacuum filters?
You must still maintain the filters even if you only use your vacuum for simple cleanup. Regular cleaning helps extend your unit’s lifespan by preserving suction power, preventing overheating, and reducing motor strain. Your filter will also trap dust, allergens, and debris more effectively.
In Summary
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Dirty vacuum filters can cause weak suction, unpleasant odours, overheating, and increased motor noise.
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Clean washable filters with water and let them dry completely before reuse. Never wash non-washable types.
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If your vacuum still underperforms after cleaning, the filter likely needs to be replaced.
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Look for visible damage, poor airflow, or recurring odours as signs it’s time to swap filters.
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Match the right filter type and size to keep your vacuum running efficiently.
Henry for Home Has You Covered
Knowing how to clean or replace your vacuum’s filter is excellent for efficient cleaning, but you’ll first need a vacuum as high-performing as its filters. Henry's high-powered vacuums simplify maintenance by relying on our high-efficiency HepaFlo vacuum bags to perform the heavy lifting. Since the bag performs the critical defense, our multi-layer TriTex filters are designed to last for a household.
At Henry for Home, we offer high-quality vacuums and filters designed to withstand even the most rigorous daily cleaning routines. Browse the entire Henry family and enjoy free shipping in Canada on orders over $100 with our 30-day return policy.
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