How Often Should I Change My Vacuum Cleaner Filter?

Written by Mark Howard

Published on November 8, 2024

The filter is the “lungs of your vacuum cleaner. Most manufacturers recommend you change your filter on average every 3-6 months or if clogged past the point of regeneration. However, it is recommended to change your filter even earlier depending filter type, usage, and allergy care.


Vacuum cleaner filters are necessary to capture dirt or debris and ensure that they don’t end up back in your home’s air. They also ensure optimal performance by keeping the debris away from critical mechanical parts, assisting in prolonging the lifespan of your vacuum. ​There are several factors involved when considering replacing a vacuum filter. These could include frequency of use, or type of filter. Not all filters are the same and many vacuums come with multiple filters. Please refer to our professional vacuum filter guide below for further information:

Types of Vacuum Cleaner Filters for Dry Collection

Primary Filter Types

1. Bagless Vacuums

Cyclonic Separation

Utilizes centrifugal force to “push” larger particles against the collection chamber and down into a dirt cup.

Panel filter
Utilizes suction to pull dust through a pleated panel where the larger particles are separated. Once power to the cleaner is shut off, the dust falls into a dirt cup. This system is common for smaller canister vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuums where (optionally) the dust cup may be automatically emptied into a Vac Bag in the charging station, while the robot recharges.

2. Bagged Vacuums

Disposable Dust Collection – Vac Bag
Collects and retains accumulated dust. Great for allergy sufferers to avoid coming in contact with collected dust. Various filtration efficiencies available. Single ply paper (or synthetic) vac bag. Level 1 (Okay) filtration to trap bigger particles. Fine particles remain in the exhaust. Two-ply paper or synthetic vac bag. Level 2 “Better’ filtration commonly referred to as “allergen” filtration, captures finer dust particles down to 1 micron. HEPA composite synthetic vac bag. Level 3 “Best” filtration” known as High Efficiency Particle Arresting, captures even very fine dust particles as small as 0.3 micron with 99.97% filtration efficiency.

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Secondary Filter Types

1. Bagless and Hard Shell Bagged Vacuums

Foam or electret (flat) Motor Filter

Purpose is to protect the vacuum cleaner motor. Captures some dust particles that gets past the primary filter.

Pleated Post Filter
Uses HEPA Level filtration to “scrub” the vacuum’s exhaust air to HEPA standards before returning it to the environment

2. Soft Shell Bagged Vacuums

Cloth Outer Bag

Generally constructed using HEPA level filter media, this “secondary” filter bag envelopes the disposable “primary” collection bag, capturing any fine particles that pass through.

1. Paper Bag Vac Filter

Purpose

Recommended Care
- Needs to be replaced frequently: Once it’s half full, OR weekly – whichever comes first

2. Cloth Vacuum Filter

Purpose: 
Level 2 of filtration to trap smaller particles than the bag filter

Recommended Care
- Shake it to remove bigger particles and dust.
- Wash regularly (once you start to see dirt collecting on the outside)
- Air dry

3. Micron Vacuum Filter

Purpose

Level 3 of filtration to trap finer particles

Recommended Care
- Shake and brush off bigger particles collecting on the outside
- Use compressed air to remove the finer particles
- Replace annually

4. Fine Dust Vacuum Filter

Purpose

- Provides better filtration for finer dust particles from things like drywall, stone and concrete grinding, saw dust, etc.
- Using a fine dust filter will protect and prolong the life of your motor and retain the dust within the vacuum

Recommended Care
- Shake off big particles collecting on the outside
- Use compressed air to remove finer particles
- Unlike the cloth filter, this filter CANNOT be washed

5. HEPA Vacuum Filter

Purpose

- HEPA filters work to trap particles and bacteria as small as 0.03 microns in size
- These filters are good for environments where good air quality is essential (such as health care facilities and labs)

Recommended Care
- Shake and brush off bigger particles collecting on the outside
- Use compressed air to remove the finer particles
- Replace annually

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Frequent Questions

Have Any Questions? We Can Help With That

We’re committed to making your shopping experience as smooth as possible, so if you need additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team.

How do I know which vacuum bag fits my model?

Check your vacuum’s model number and match it with the product description on our website.

Are these vacuum bags reusable?

Most of our bags are designed for single use, but we also carry eco-friendly, reusable options.

How often should I replace my vacuum bag?

It depends on usage, but typically every 1-2 months or when it's 2/3 full.

Do your vacuum bags help with allergens?

Yes, many of our bags feature HEPA filtration to capture dust, pollen, and other allergens. Look for "HEPA" in the product details.

Can I return or exchange vacuum bags if they don’t fit?

Yes, we offer returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase, as long as the bags are unused.

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