A vacuum cleaner serves as a reliable and faithful assistant for every housewife for many years. To extend its service life, it is important to properly monitor the operation of the device, promptly replace broken parts and clean filters. You will learn how to properly clean the filter from contamination in our article.
When choosing a vacuum cleaner model with a cyclone filter, it is important for you to pay attention to the strength of the waste collection container. It should be strong enough not to burst.
Large particles of debris often knock against the walls of the container, creating additional noise.
The advantages of this choice include the fact that you do not have to regularly change dust collectors. Such a vacuum cleaner should not be heavy, which means it will be easy for you to work with it.
Minus - while cleaning the container you will be forced to come into contact with dust
Can it be washed?
It doesn’t matter what model of vacuum cleaner you have and what type of filter it has, it needs timely replacement and, sometimes, proper cleaning.
In general, we strongly advise against exposing any filter elements to water. This may cause your vacuum cleaner to break down. We recommend wiping with a damp cloth or napkin and tapping the filter structure thoroughly.
Important! Before putting the wet filter back into the vacuum cleaner body, dry it in a dry, warm place, but not on the battery - the filter will become deformed!
a disposable dust bag as a filter , then you do not need to clean it. It is enough to replace it with a new one in a timely manner.
The reusable fabric dust bag requires regular and thorough cleaning. First, carefully pour the contents of the bag into the bag. Try to do this outside or in the bathroom so that dust does not have a chance to settle on clean textiles. Then the bag needs to be washed and dried thoroughly, but here it is worth drawing a direct analogy with clothing - the more often you wash the dust collector, the faster it will wear out and fail.
Replacing a disposable dust bag with a new one or cleaning a reusable dust bag from dirt is much easier than cleaning an aqua filter .
The cyclone filter should be handled carefully due to two aspects: it can be fragile and become damaged during cleaning, or if it is not cleaned carefully, all the dust can end up in the air or on the floor.
The aquafilter should also be removed from the vacuum cleaner with extreme caution. If you can't lift heavy objects, then a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter is not for you. You empty a container of dirty water by pouring the contents down the drain, and then clean it without using cleaning agents or detergents. Then wipe it dry with a napkin and put it back in place. Read more about models and types of vacuum cleaner bags here.
Cleaning a cyclone vacuum cleaner
The dust collector in cyclone models is a plastic container. The main debris settles on its walls, and the exhaust air is cleaned of small particles of dust and household allergens by pre-motor and HEPA filters. If they are clogged, the vacuum cleaner draws less air and the motor becomes overloaded. Therefore, the filter system must be cleaned after each cleaning.
How to clean a vacuum cleaner with a cyclone filter?
- Detach the container by pressing the latch on the handle and pulling it (as in Figures 1 and 2).
- Open the lid of the container above the trash can by pressing the locking fasteners. Shake out the trash.
- There is an output filter under the top cover. Open the lid, take it out, shake out small particles of debris. To do this, you can lightly tap the filter on something hard. Rinse the part thoroughly under the tap, without using soap or other cleaning products.
- Wash the container itself with cool water and rinse. Allow the parts to dry naturally, then reassemble the device in reverse order.
How to clean the filter of a cyclone vacuum cleaner?
At the back of the vacuum cleaner body is a fine filter, or HEPA. It is needed to additionally clean the air from the smallest particles of dust, pollen, mold, and other household allergens and microorganisms. HEPA is not afraid of water, so it needs to be washed regularly.
- Remove the cover of the compartment that contains the HEPA filter. Slightly loosen the lock that holds it in place and pull the filter towards you.
- Lightly tap it on a hard surface to shake off any dirt.
- Is it possible to wash the HEPA filter of a vacuum cleaner? Yes, but only without using detergents. After washing, leave the part to dry naturally.
Which is better?
The easiest way is with a disposable dust bag. It's easy to replace, you don't have to breathe dust while cleaning it, but you'll have to regularly spend money on new consumables.
Vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter can boast of being hygienic, but such units are quite heavy , since their body contains a container filled with water. Therefore, in general, it is worth classifying this type of vacuum cleaner as a specialized anti-allergenic device.
Cyclone vacuum cleaners break down more often than others. Their weakest point is in the garbage collection bowl. She just bursts. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to what material all the parts of such a vacuum cleaner are made of.
What particles does the Nera filter capture?
Based on the degree of dust retention, devices are classified as follows:
| HEPA filter class | Dust retention percentage |
| HEPA 10 | 85% |
| HEPA 11 | 95% |
| HEPA 12 | 99.5% |
| HEPA 13 | 99.95% |
| HEPA 14 | 99.995% |
| HEPA 15 | 99.9995% |
| HEPA 16 | 99.99995% |
It is this criterion that experts recommend paying attention to when purchasing equipment.
The main difference between these devices and any others is not in the destruction of pollutants, but only in their detention. This is one of the disadvantages of HEPA, since due to the fact that biological particles remain viable, they can multiply and die directly on the filter element. In this regard, they often become a source of bacteria and dangerous microorganisms.
When choosing a HEPA device, it is important to pay attention to the following points:
- Dimensions - the larger it is in size and area, the greater the number of dust particles will be retained. Small models clog much faster.
- Folds - they should be evenly distributed throughout the filter; there should not be too many or densely spaced folds that would impede the passage of air flow.
- Purification class - the higher it is, the more fragile the filter material is, which is why HEPA devices are often equipped with a plastic frame.
- Impregnation - it is recommended to purchase models treated with a solution that prevents the growth of microbes.
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
How long does a Nera filter last - how to understand that it needs to be replaced
The main sources of contamination of the device are pet hair, plants, tobacco smoke and, of course, human waste. On average, manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 1-3 years, but if you are a person suffering from lung diseases or allergies, you need to replace it three times more often.
How to clean a vacuum cleaner filter: instructions
Please note that you can try to clean disposable filters, but you should not do this, because you will not achieve long-term and good results.
If the vacuum cleaner begins to “pull” poorly and heats up, and the sound of its operation has changed, check the filters and the hose is clogged with cellophane or other airtight debris.
Let's figure out which types of filters in a vacuum cleaner are cleanable and which are not.
Garbage bag or dust container.
Paper and thin synthetic products cannot be cleaned. In a small apartment, they last from several cleanings to a month of regular work, depending on the area and amount of garbage. Fabric bags can be cleaned, shaken out and even washed. Their base, with which it is attached to the vacuum cleaner, is usually made of plastic with a rubber cuff inside. You can also clean them with a stream of compressed air.
Depending on the model and design of the vacuum cleaner, to remove the bag you need to either open the cover on the front panel (occupies most of its area) or another cover specifically designed for this. When you see a bag, pay attention to its fastening: it can be secured with a latch or a clothespin. In the latter case, you need to press the fastening lever and disengage the bag, after which you can clean it as you wish.
Cyclonic
A cyclone filter is a plastic container in which debris is pressed against the walls and held in place by centrifugal force. This dust collector can also be washed, naturally, after turning off the vacuum cleaner. This type allows you to quickly and conveniently get rid of debris, unlike the previous one - it does not need to be cleaned with brushes or washed. It is enough to shake out the garbage, and if it is very clogged, rinse it with water and let it dry.
It is usually removed from the vacuum cleaner by a separate module, vaguely reminiscent of a chart or a teapot. Once removed, you can remove the lid and throw away all the contents.
Aquafilter
A good type in which particles are retained in the water. After cleaning, cleaning consists of throwing out the dirty water and washing the filter itself. Removal and design as a whole are vaguely reminiscent of the cyclone type, and the principle of operation is reminiscent of a hookah. Dust enters the container from above, the filter is 1/3 filled with water (depending on the model).
Air from the container is sucked in in such a way that there is a layer of water and a partition between the air intake hole (hose) and the turbine. There is no connection between the input and output, everything is sealed. Thus, just like a hookah pipe where smoke passes through water, dust and “incoming” air also pass through. Dust passing through this layer gets wet and settles, and a clean air stream emerges from the water.
Read also: Charging alkaline batteries with a charger
Foam rubber
Foam filters, along with HEPA elements, are used as a filter in front of the engine and at the outlet of the vacuum cleaner. They are easy to clean with a not very hard brush. Can also be washed.
It is better to do this with soap or other detergent. This way you will get rid of unpleasant odors.
Do not squeeze the filter too hard, it is better to let it dry on its own. This way, you will extend the life of the foam rubber and will not deform it. Otherwise, it will either tear or not fit into its seat. Also note that if you brush, you may tear it.
You can make a new one with your own hands from a sponge, for example, for washing dishes. It is better if the foam is not too porous so as to allow dust to pass through, and not too dense so as not to impede the movement of air.
HEPA
Modern filters of this type come in paper - disposable and polymer. The last type "HEPA" is easy to clean. To do this, remove pieces of dust with a brush with medium-hard bristles (so as not to damage the element) and rinse it under water. After that, dry it.
To remove the HEPA filter from the vacuum cleaner:
- Turn off the power;
- Open the lid that hides the dust container;
- Remove the filter. One of them is installed on the back of the vacuum cleaner. To remove it, you just need to open the rear grille (it can be at the bottom) and lightly pull the filter.
Filters of all types and purposes can be held in place with plastic latches or levers. Therefore, carefully inspect everything again if the element cannot be removed.
Carbonic
The rarest of all the listed types of filters. Its peculiarity is that it “removes” unpleasant odors. Structurally, the coal element has a rectangular shape - a plastic base, which is filled with compressed coal granules. It is disposable, the most you can do is clean out the clogged dust with a brush. Due to its high price, it is difficult to replace; it is also worth noting that it always absorbs odors, and not just when the vacuum cleaner is turned on.
Conclusion
In fact, it is possible to clean any filter, but only foam rubber and HEPA elements made of polymer materials are tolerant to water.
All paper fiber elements cannot be wetted; if you still want to clean them, you can blow them with compressed air, for example, from a compressor for inflating car tires.
It is better to clean outside or on the balcony. Remember that dust contains many bacteria, including dust mites.
Today, vacuum cleaners are found in almost every apartment. They are used for dry and wet cleaning of premises.
Manufacturers of household appliances guarantee a long service life of vacuum cleaners. During their operation, various malfunctions arise. One of the causes of problems is untimely cleaning of the device from dust.
Let's tell you more about how to clean a vacuum cleaner at home.
