The condition of the filters largely determines the quality of the vacuum cleaner. A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons why a vacuum cleaner starts to work loudly and over time can cause it to fail. There are several types of filters used in vacuum cleaners, which differ in the way they clean the air. Therefore, whether it is possible to wash the filter from a vacuum cleaner depends on its specific type. Let's look at how to clean it properly so as not to spoil it.
Filter bag
It can be disposable (made from paper) and reusable (usually made from synthetic fabric). An overfilled disposable bag must be discarded and cannot be reused. When reused, the disposable bag can break at any time. And then all the debris can fall into the engine compartment and disable the engine.
After use, a reusable cloth bag must be knocked out well and then washed using powder (detergent). After drying, the bag is ready for reuse.
Cyclone filter
It consists of a large plastic container (it serves to collect large debris, dust) and several fine filters. After use, the container must be disassembled and each filter must be cleaned separately, depending on its type and characteristics. The large plastic dust container must be cleaned of debris, rinsed thoroughly and dried.
Aquafilter
In washing vacuum cleaners, the filtration system consists of an aqua filter (water) and a fine filter. In the water filter, the dust is moistened, after which its particles settle to the bottom. The aquafilter must be thoroughly washed (you can use special chemicals that do not corrode plastic), then dry it and put it back into the vacuum cleaner.
Advice! It is recommended to rinse the container and filters only with cold water.
HEPA filters
It is customary to refer to fine filters, because they provide air filtration from 99.5% of inclusions (impurities). They catch not only the smallest dust particles, but also animal hair, various allergens and even microorganisms.
Whether it is possible to wash the HEPA filter for a vacuum cleaner - this can be clarified by reading the instruction manual. They are of two types - disposable and reusable. There are two ways to clean (restore functionality) a reusable HEPA filter:
- Water-based - rinse under running water from a tap or shower, then dry thoroughly. Do not use detergents while doing this. Cannot be used until completely dry, its air permeability is greatly reduced, which leads to a loss of suction power and an increase in the load on the running engine.
- Air - blown by a powerful air flow, which is directed in the direction opposite to the main direction of filtration. HEPA paper filters can only be refurbished a few times.It should be borne in mind that after cleaning it loses its properties, on average - about 15-20% after each recovery operation.
Charcoal filter
It is quite rare, its main purpose is to absorb unpleasant odors. Suitable for pet owners. It is a rectangular cassette filled with activated filter granules. The service life is 2-3 months, and it does not matter how actively the vacuum cleaner is used. Because the cassette absorbs odors even when the vacuum cleaner is not working. This filter is completely disposable, its low prevalence is also explained by its high price - from $ 30.
