Here’s the tragic story of a bad relationship between a vacuum owner and a vacuum cleaner. Every time they clean together, the vacuum cleaner filter gets more and more clogged and the vacuum’s suction gets weaker and weaker. Eventually, the owner gives up on the old model and trades the appliance in for a shiny new one.
Let’s be honest, most of us have been guilty of ignoring poor performance in our appliances then throwing them away when the problem gets worse. We say it’s time for a change, because cleaning out (or in some cases replacing) your vacuum cleaner filter takes less than an hour and could even save you the cost of a whole new appliance!
Before you begin cleaning…
Here’s a warning before you embark on this task: it can get messy. Dust from your vacuum filter can rise up in a big cloud before settling on your carpets, so heed our top tips to save yourself some extra work.
- Take the vacuum outside to clean it. Sitting outside on a nice day with some music playing and the sun gently warming your skin hardly feels like a chore at all. More importantly, dust settling on your grass won’t need cleaning up afterwards.
- Have the tools you need ready before you begin so you don’t have to keep stopping and starting. You’ll most likely need some screwdrivers to take the vac apart to access the filter, a bin bag for the excess fluff and dust, and some kind of tool to aid with cleaning.
- Figure out if your vacuum cleaner filter can be washed or is non-washable. You’ll need to consult your appliance manual for this. Washable filters can often simply be rinsed under the tap.
FYI: Bagless vacuum cleaners are more likely to need their filters cleaning as vacuum bags often come with filters built in. However, it’s always worth checking your appliance manual to see what kind of cleaning the manufacturer recommends.
How to clean a non-washable vacuum filter
We’ll take you through the cleaning process step-by-step for a bagless vacuum. Are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin.
However, before we do, it’s worth noting that different vacuums come apart in different ways and the steps below are just a rough guide. If you can’t separate parts, don’t force and break them! Once again, your manual is your bible to help you access the right part of your machine.
1. Remove the vacuum bin from the main body of the vacuum.
2. Unscrew the filter section from the rest of the vacuum bin.
3. Remove the filter from the dust bin.
4. Brush the excess fluff and dust from the outside of the filter.
5. Separate the filter from the vacuum. It’s clear which areas will need cleaning as they’ll be coated with dust!
6. The interior of the filter should be clean, so you just need to get to work cleaning the outside.
For added satisfaction, get a before and after picture!
Important note: Never wash your filter to clean it unless you’re certain it can be washed. Washing a non-washable filter will either cause it to disintegrate or cause the micro holes that allow air to pass through get blocked, rendering the filter useless.
How to clean a washable vacuum filter
Some filters can be washed, and here’s how.
1. Unscrew your vacuum to get to the filter.
2. Remove the filter.
3. Wash it under the tap with lukewarm water (no detergents needed!).
4. Leave it to air dry thoroughly and naturally until it’s completely dry. Don’t use anything to speed up the drying process, as appliances such as hairdryers and radiators can damage a filter.
Tip: If your vacuum gets a lot of use and leaving the filter to dry is a pain, you can always get yourself a spare one and alternate between the two.
How to replace a vacuum filter
Torn, damaged, or excessively worn filters should be replaced completely rather than just cleaned. The process for getting to the filter is the same. You just need to pop your shiny new one in the same position as the old one. And if you aren’t sure where to buy a new filter, don’t worry. We have plenty in our wide range of vacuum cleaner filters!
When buying a replacement, you’ll need your model number to hand. It’ll most likely be on the sides or base of the vacuum on a sticker or data plate.
Here’s Josh with a step-by-step video to help you:
Clean your filter, repair your relationship with your appliance, and save yourself money on the cost of a new one! We wish you and your vacuum cleaner many happy years together.
Now that your vacuum’s filter is refreshed, why not also make sure your vacuum cleaner smells fresh and doesn’t emit the stuffy odours often associated with vacuuming? Our own Eucalyptus Vacuum Air Freshener is the perfect accessory to get your vacuum nicely scented and odour-free in no time!