So you’re in the market for an upright bagless vacuum? There are a few things that must be kept in mind when selecting a bagless vacuum over a regular one, and probably one of the most important things is the cleaning procedure.
Since no bags are used, the container where all the dust accumulates must be emptied regularly, and the filters cleaned, like with any other vacuum. The cleaning process should be done outside, if you don’t want to see all the dust from the container go right back onto your carpets and floors.
Most vacuums have the same cleaning procedure, and the steps should be done in order, to ensure your vacuums optimal functioning.
The first step you need to take is opening the waste collection canister and removing the filter from it. This is usually in the middle of the canister, and easily recognizable by the massive amount of dirt on it.
Then you must wash the filter with warm water, and soap is recommended as well. After it is washed, bang it against a hard surface so all the dust and dirt that are stuck to it will come off. This is why we recommend doing it outside, because once you start banging it, dust will fly all over the place. Something to cover your mouth and nose is also recommended.
After the filter has dried, put it back in the canister, or replace it with a new filter entirely. Those can be ordered from a number of places, including the manufacturer’s site, as well as different online stores.
The HEPA filter is usually located in a side chamber, and since that must be cleaned as well, open the side chamber and remove it. You can wash it, or it can be replaced, just like the regular filter. Once that is done, slide it back in and close the plastic latch that attaches it to the vacuum.
At the base of the vacuum hose you will find the last filter, which is square. You can slip this out of its place and wash it thoroughly, just like you did with the other filters. Once it is dry, put it back in its place.
It’s not a complicated procedure, but this must be done quite often to ensure that your vacuum has maximum suction power and nothing is clogging it inside. Although filters can be replaced whenever they’re dirty, we recommend washing them a few times before finally replacing them.
They are not very expensive, but the costs can add up and washing them produces equally good results. Once you see that dirt no longer comes off when washed or banged against a hard surface, it is finally time to change them.
The HEPA filter in particular must be paid close attention to, since this handles dust particles and must be kept extremely clean, for your vacuum to have an optimal cleaning efficiency.