HEPA Vacuum Cleaners

Taking into account that the air exhausted from your vacuum has been flowing through the debris sucked in with it, capturing all those tiny particles like pollen, fine dust, dander, and even bacteria is important—especially if you or family members have severe allergies or suffer from asthma or other respiratory distress.

A common customer question is: are HEPA filters washable, and if not, how often do they need changing? HEPA filters are not usually washable and need to be replaced on a regular basis to do their job well. Depending on the vacuum, the manufacturer may have a recommended replacement schedule that can be flexible based on how often the vacuum is used and how "dirty" the space is that is being cleaned. Some HEPA filters have an indicator strip that is visible when you open the bag or filter compartment, and a quick glance will let you know if it needs changing.

Generally speaking, most HEPA filters should be replaced every 50 hours of operation. Again, depending on use, this could be as often as every 6 months or as long as once a year.