Wondering how to replace a vacuum cleaner filter without outsourcing the problem to a professional? The good news is that this task is easy at home, so you can save time and money and learn handy household skills. Often confused with cleaning a vacuum filter, replacing a filter is increasingly necessary with bagless machines, as they don't catch the dust in a separate area.
Below, we explore how often you should replace a vacuum cleaner filter and how to get the job done quickly with the help of our expert, Pablo Montero, CEO of Lupe Technology. This will help you keep your vacuum in the best condition so that your investments last and you know how to clean a carpet as efficiently as possible.
It's also worth exploring the best vacuum cleaners to decide on a machine that suits your needs. Many are on the market, from robot to upright, so you can find the right size and type to fit your home and cleaning habits. It's worth noting that choosing between a bagged or bagless vacuum will affect the maintenance required, such as either changing the bag frequently or replacing the filter.
How often should you replace a vacuum cleaner filter?
Vacuum cleaners are one of the most used appliances in the home, so, understandably, they will need regular servicing to keep them working their best.
If you're vacuuming weekly (or still wondering how often you should be vacuuming), dust and dirt can quickly build up in the filter, preventing the machine from thoroughly cleaning floors and furnishings.
There are also different types of filters, which will impact how often your particular choice needs replacing.
Pablo Montero, CEO of Lupe Technology and ex-engineer at Dyson, has explained the common types:
"Most vacuum cleaners will have two filters - pre-motor and post-motor. The pre-motor filter would generally be made of foam or fabric and can handle a larger quantity of dust before needing cleaning.
The post-motor filter would likely be folded or pleated and made from a finer filter medium. The vacuum cleaner manufacturer will typically specify the service interval for either of these filters, and they would be within my guidance above regarding likely periods to be concerned with. The filters after the motor will come in different grades (or rather how finely they capture dust), and you would generally find for a given size, a higher grade of filter will need cleaning or replacing more frequently than a lower grade."
Many filters are also washable, meaning you can forgo replacing them with regular cleans once every 3-6 months. However, in a vacuum cleaner with a non-washable filter, Pablo recommends replacing it "at a minimum every six months, at the most every two years."
How to replace a vacuum cleaner filter
Pablo Montero, CEO of Lupe Technology, says, "When replacing a filter, it's always advisable to avoid dropping the dust on it and putting it into the air again where you could breathe it in. And when washing a filter, it's important to avoid adding cleaning chemicals to the water that may damage the materials in the filter."
1. Locate the filter
Finding the filter should be an easy step to get started with. The filter grid will most likely be positioned behind the bag in bagged vacuums. Alternatively, some bagless models may have multiple filters in different locations, so it's always worth checking the manufacturer's guide.
2. Prepare your replacement filter
Most filters will be a standard size - however, if it's slightly too big for your machine, it's easy to cut down. We recommend double-checking your vacuum's manual beforehand to avoid issues with choosing the right replacement.
3. Secure the new filter
The third and final step to replacing a vacuum cleaner filter is to secure it in the filter grid, not forgetting any secondary filters that a bagless model may have. Once this is done, simply dispose of the old filter, close the lid of your vacuum, and you'll be ready to start cleaning!
