How to Clean Vacuum Filter – Cleaning your home is often a hard thing to do, especially when you’re also busy with other activities such as work or business.

However, this can now be overcome easily if you use a vacuum cleaner. Nowadays, vacuum cleaners are equipped with various advanced technologies that make cleaning more practical.

But, as it has a crucial role in your home, the vacuum cleaner also needs proper care, which one of them is cleaning the vacuum filter.

How to Clean Vacuum Filter

1. Unplug Your Vacuum Cleaner

The first and the most important step is to unplug your vacuum cleaner for the power socket and make sure that it’s completely off before proceeding to the next steps.

This is to ensure your safety and to prevent any electricity shock caused by the vacuum cleaner.

We all know that humans are not electric-proof, right?

Also Read: “Components of Vacuum Cleaners“

2. Dismounted the Filters

Depending on the model, the vacuum cleaner filter can be located in many different areas of the vacuum cleaner.

Some models may have the filter easily accessible on the top or side, while others may hide it inside the dust container or at the back of the device.

To find the exact location of the filter, it is very important to check the user guide that came with your unit.

This guide not only shows the location of the filter, but also provides important information on how to clean it and how often replacement is required.

If your vacuum cleaner uses a permanent HEPA filter, usually, permanent HEPA comes with a pre-filter and an activated carbon filter.

The pre-filter can be rinsed under running water to clean it. If the pre-filter is made of fine wire or is very dirty, you can rely on an old toothbrush to brush the surface to remove dust and dirt.

3. Thoroughly Check the Filters

If you notice tears, holes, or other damage to the filter, it is important to replace it rather than just cleaning it.

A damaged filter can reduce the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner and cause dust and dirt to enter the air, which can affect the air quality in the house.

4. Clean It!

Tap the filter to remove loose dust and dirt. You can do this by gently tapping the filter against a hard surface, such as a trash can. This will help loosen any dirt or debris stuck to the filter.

Use a soft-bristled brush to remove the remaining dust and dirt from the filter. You can use a brush designed for cleaning filters or a soft-bristled brush you have at home.

Sweep the filter in a gentle circular motion to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

For those of you who use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, you can clean the activated carbon filter slowly to remove the dirt.

If you have more than one vacuum cleaner, then use another vacuum cleaner to clean the activated carbon filter.

In addition, you can also wash the activated carbon filter and then dry it using a clean cloth. Let the washed and dried carbon filter sit for 24 hours to dry completely before installing it again.

If the carbon filter absorbs odors, you’ll have a hard time removing the odors and you’ll have to dry it in the sun for two hours to remove the odor.

Also Read: “How to Use a Vacuum Cleaner Properly?“

5. Reinstall the Filters

After making sure the filter is completely dry, you can reinstall it in the vacuum cleaner. To do so, follow the steps listed in your user manual instructions.

Make sure the filter is securely in place for the vacuum cleaner to function optimally. If you encounter any difficulties when installing the filter, double-check the position and direction of the filter according to the instructions.

Also, ensure that no dust or dirt remains in the filter area before installation. With these steps, your vacuum cleaner will be ready to use again with the best performance.

There you have it! A short guide on how to clean vacuum filters!