How many of us have woken up in a cold sweat, realizing it’s been a year since we’ve changed the vacuum filter? Probably none of us.
But joking aside, vacuum filters contain dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. The longer you leave them, the more time that toxic brew has the chance to escape and do harm. Now you can see why it’s something worth setting a reminder on your phone for!
With more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, we need all the help we can get to keep allergens out of our homes. But exactly how often should you change your vacuum filter to get the maximum benefit from it?
Let’s dig into this question in more detail.
How Does a HEPA Filter Work?
Many people buy their vacuum because it comes with a HEPA vacuum filter. Somehow, we all know that’s a good thing, but it’s hard to say what it actually means. Basically, it’s a highly efficient filter that can, in theory, remove 99.97% of airborne particles from the air.
The smallest particles it can filter out are often quoted as 0.01 microns. Of course, filter efficiency varies from product to product. For context, the virus that causes COVID-19 is 0.125 microns in diameter, meaning a 0.01 micron HEPA filter should catch it.
This does not mean that a HEPA filter in a vacuum or an air purifier is effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. But it does show that they are capable of removing even the tiniest particles when they are kept in good condition.
How Often to Replace a HEPA Vacuum Filter
The answer to this million-dollar question really depends on how often you use your vacuum. You will find they last much longer at home than they do in the workplace.
Commercial Settings
In a commercial setting, like an office that is vacuumed every day, you will need to check your HEPA filter every month. First, put on a mask and gloves. Unplug the vacuum cleaner and remove the filter.
It’s best to do this outdoors on a clear, dry day. You’ll be able to see the dust and dirt that has accumulated on the filter. You can clean vacuum filters by carefully brushing them with a clean brush or by giving them a good shake. If you can remove all the dirt and the filter is quite clean, it should be OK to continue using it.
A good way to test is by holding it up to the light. Can you see through it? If not, you need to replace it.
The same applies to filters that are torn or damaged. They can’t contain the dirt any longer, so it’ll just leak back into the room. It’s time to get a new filter.
If you try to clean it and the stains won’t budge, the filter needs to be replaced. If you’re vacuuming heavily soiled floors most days, expect them to last for about a month. Otherwise, they can last for up to six months.
When you’re replacing filters this often, you need to find a reliable, affordable supplier like Discount Filters.
At Home
How often you need to change your vacuum filter will depend on how often you vacuum your floors. If you vacuum several times a week (and bravo if you do) then they may clog a little more quickly. That said, you can probably still use them for a year or more.
The key is to check them regularly. Do this the same way you would check a commercial vacuum filter, always wearing a mask and gloves.<
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