With the ever-growing concerns about allergies, asthma, and Indoor Air Quality, much attention has been focused on the filtration capabilities of vacuum cleaners. More advanced, robust, and more efficient filtration systems have been developed as a result, sometimes involving several filters within one vacuum. Each vacuum filter has a different purpose and therefore constructed from a different material; in some cases there will be options to best suit the needs of your household.
A Motor or Pre-Motor Filter is designed to keep dust and fine dirt out of your vacuum’s motor. Over time, this debris would otherwise build up in the motor and eventually be the death of it, shortening your vacuum’s life. Replacing a motor filter is critical to the long-term life of your vacuum.
Exhaust filter: This type of filter keeps super fine impurities from re-entering your home’s air once they’ve been through your vacuum. This is often where the finest filtration occurs, after all the larger dirt and debris has been handled by the rest of the vacuum, either trapped within a vacuum bag or removed by cyclonic action and deposited into a dirt collection cup.
FilterBag: The bag that collects the dust and debris on bagged vacuum models also provides filtration. Bag design is often a compromise between providing good filtration and maintaining high airflow, and in recent years with modern materials, manufacturers have created more innovative designs so both can be achieve with greater efficacy. Disposable filter bags have historically been constructed out of paper and sometimes in multiple layers for added filtration, but more currently, synthetic cloth-like bags with electrostatically-charged liners, again, often with multiple layers, are much more the norm. Some vacuums utilize reusable cloth filter bags, which, like reusable filters, must be gently washed and thoroughly dried before re-installing in the vacuum, and also must be replaced if ever torn or worn, and so having a spare on hand is a good idea.
For odor control, choose filters with activated charcoal or carbon in their construction. These filters will work to absorb odors as you vacuum, and are popular in households with pets. Other odor-controlling filters may contain baking soda, such as Arm & Hammer, or other materials to protect against odor-causing microbes and bacteria.
Some vacuum manufacturers offer scented filters for some of their models as well. These filters enhance the feeling of clean by freshening the air as you vacuum, just like an air freshener. Some brands partner with brands like Febreze for their room-freshening, odor-masking filters.
Some vacuum filters are washable and re-usable, which can help cut down on costs and inconvenience. Often made of foam, these filters typically must be hand washed with a mild soap and allowed to completely air dry. Most recommend that the filter be allowed to dry at least 24 hours, so there is a clear benefit to having a spare filter on hand. Additionally, any washable filter that shows signs of wear and tear should be replaced. Some cartridge filters are also reusable, and just require a simple tapping or rinsing. An example of this is the Shop-Vac CleanStream filters. Be sure to examine your filter regularly to see if it needs cleaning or replacing. While washable and reusable, no filter is indestructible, and will likely need replacing at some point.
If your household suffers from allergies or asthma, choose HEPA filters whenever you can. HEPA filter stands for “High Efficiency Particulate air filter”. A filter that meets HEPA standards offers high levels of filtration, removing 99.97% of pollen, dander, mold spores and other microscopic particles as you vacuum, down to 0.3 microns. Ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers, or for anyone concerned about their indoor air quality. Watch for products that advertise as "HEPA-type", "HEPA-like", or "99% HEPA." They may not be True HEPA, may not satisfy HEPA requirements and may not have been tested in an independent laboratory.
ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air filter) and SULPA (Super ULPA) filters offer even higher levels of filtration than HEPA, up to 99.999% (ULPA) and 99.9999% (SULPA) efficiency, but these filters are less common. These filters are best used where maximum cleanliness is required, such as in the manufacture of microelectronics.
When shopping for filters, be sure to refer to your manual. Changing your vacuum’s filters regularly will keep unwanted pollutants out of your air, and will keep your vacuum’s motor running at its best, increasing the life of your vacuum.
