Rinse the vacuum cleaner filter. How to clean the filter from a vacuum cleaner. Dust bags and fine filters
A vacuum cleaner is one of the most essential appliances household appliances. Without it, as a rule, not a single cleaning of the house can do. In order for the device to work flawlessly, you need to clean its filters in a timely manner. How exactly to do this and whether it is possible to wash the vacuum cleaner filter at all depends on what type it belongs to. Consider the types of filter elements and possible ways cleaning them.
In vacuum cleaners, as a rule, several filters are used:
- primary designed to collect large particles of dust and debris;
- nera, designed to collect microparticles, the size of which does not exceed 0.3 microns.
Their use in vacuum cleaners is prerequisite. This is due to the fact that they not only remove pollution, but also prevent dust particles from entering the device’s engine, thereby extending its service life.
Nera
Air filters from the smallest particles, are called nera. They are of two types:
Primary
Primary filters designed to collect debris and large dust particles are divided into the following types:
Ways to clean them
In industrial and some expensive models Vacuum cleaners have a built-in automatic filter cleaning function. However, even in them, in the process of active operation of the vacuum cleaner, it gets clogged and you have to resort to cleaning it. manual ways. These include:
- washing and washing;
- blowing, shaking and knocking out.
Only reusable filter elements can be washed, but it is forbidden to wet paper ones. To clean them, they resort to knocking out, shaking, blowing.
Moreover, this should be done not indoors, since dust particles and microbes that come out during such cleaning can cause substantial harm human health.
When washing, you need to strictly follow instructions manufacturer. Due to the fact that even with timely cleaning of filters from pollution, they can form and develop various kinds microbes, they are subject to timely replacement.
Conclusion
Filter elements in a vacuum cleaner play an important role. They protect the engine of the device from clogging with dust. During operation, they can become clogged, resulting in best case will decrease significantly, and at worst, it will simply break. To improve the suction power, it is necessary to clean the filter elements. Such an action can increase the retraction force up to 80%, but only their complete replacement will give a 100% result.
Lately, more and more more models vacuum cleaners have a HEPA filter in their design. In this article we will try to explain: the principle of operation of HEPA filters, their main purpose, varieties and how to properly operate HEPA filters. The table below shows which microparticles the HEPA filter has to deal with. Many of these particles can only be seen with a microscope.
WhatHEPA
filter?
Translated from English abbreviation HEPA (H igh E fficiency P articulate A ir
or H igh E fficiency P articulate A bsorbing stands for "highly effective particle retention". HEPA filters are filters fine cleaning. The efficiency of fine filters is determined in laboratory tests by the percentage of retained microparticles. For such laboratory tests, an aerosol of a mixture of synthetic microparticles with a size of about 0.3 microns (from 0.1 to 0.5 microns) is used. According to EN 1822 / DIN 24183, HEPA filters are divided into classes:
HEPA 10 - retain up to 85% of particles with a size of about 0.3 microns.
HEPA 11 - retain up to 95% of particles with a size of about 0.3 microns.
HEPA 12 - retain up to 99.5% of particles with a size of about 0.3 microns.
HEPA 13 - retain up to 99.95% of particles with a size of about 0.3 microns.
HEPA 14 - retain up to 99.995% of particles with a size of about 0.3 microns.
What does a HEPA filter look like??
Depending on the material from which the HEPA filters are made, they can be disposable
- made of paper (cellulose) with the addition of glass fibers, or reusable
(they can be washed) - made of fluoroplast fibers.
In order for the HEPA filter to create as little resistance to air flow as possible, the HEPA filter must have the largest possible filtering area. To do this, it is made from a folded filter material (in the form of an accordion), glued into a frame as large as possible.
HEPA filters small size have a small filtering area. Therefore, such HEPA filters quickly become clogged and greatly interfere with the air flow, which leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner and overheating of the electric motor.
What and how does a HEPA filter capture?
HEPA filters are designed to filter small particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 1.0 microns. It is particles of this size that are most effectively captured by HEPA filters. These particles are captured by the microfibers through the following mechanisms:
1. Engagement effect
(interception). All particles, from the smallest to the largest, that pass in close proximity to the microfibers are caught on these microfibers and stick to them or are hooked on other particles that have already adhered to the fiber.
2. Inertia effect
(impact) . Explicitly expressed for large particles. Due to the large inertia of the particle large diameter are not able to bend around the fibers, following a curved path in the air stream. Therefore, they continue to move in a straight line until a direct collision with an obstacle.
3. diffusion effect
(diffusion) . The smallest particles of pollution, with a diameter of 0.01 microns to 0.1 microns, constantly collide with air molecules, from which such particles begin to move away from the air flow lines at distances exceeding their diameter. Such curvilinear motion increases the probability that the particle will stop permanently under the action of one of the above mechanisms. This diffusion effect is dominant at low speeds air flow (for example, in air cleaners) and is weakly manifested in the HEPA filters of vacuum cleaners, where the air flow rate is high.
What particles are harmful to the HEPA filter?
Particles ranging in size from 0.1 µm to 1.0 µm are most effectively captured by HEPA filters. Smaller particles are not captured by HEPA class filters. And larger particles have a very negative effect on the performance of HEPA filters. Particles larger than 1.0 microns constantly knock out already trapped small particles from their places, which leads to a significant decrease in the percentage of filtration efficiency. In addition, large particles quickly clog all the pores and air channels formed by the filter's HEPA microfibers. This results in an increase in the filter's resistance to airflow. A filter clogged with large HEPA particles greatly interferes with the passage of air through the vacuum cleaner, due to which the suction power of the vacuum cleaner drops sharply, and the electric motor overheats.
Therefore, dust particles larger than those for which the HEPA filter is designed, that is, larger than 1.0 microns in size, should not fall on the HEPA filter.
How long does a HEPA filter retain its characteristics?
A clean, new HEPA filter retains microparticles (from 0.1 microns to 1.0 microns in size - for which it was created to capture) in accordance with its class (H10, H11, H12, H13, H14) only as long as sticking occurs microparticles on the filter fibers. The duration of this process of normal / calculated operation of the HEPA filter depends on the amount of incoming dust and the area of the HEPA filter. What happens if all the places on the filter fibers are already occupied?
Further, dust particles entering the filter begin to stick to each other, cling to dust particles that have already adhered to the fibers ... this process continues until the accumulation of particles adhering to each other reaches critical mass. Then these clusters of particles break off the fibers of the HEPA filter, hit other clusters of dust particles, tearing them off too ... this process is like an avalanche. As a result, a HEPA filter that operates longer than the prescribed period has a dust retention efficiency significantly lower than that declared by the manufacturer, ceases to properly capture particles for which it was designed. When vacuuming with such a HEPA filter, an unpleasant dusty smell begins to appear.
To avoid this, the expired HEPA filter must be replaced with a new one (or washed if it is waterproof). The terms for replacing the HEPA filter or cleaning it are indicated in the instructions for the vacuum cleaner.
Can the HEPA filter be cleaned??
Some owners of vacuum cleaners with disposable HEPA filters blow through a clogged HEPA filter compressed air(in reverse direction). Blowing with compressed air can remove up to 80% of large particles (greater than 1.0 µm). Since it was these particles that clogged the HEPA filter, removing them can restore 80% of the filter's airflow capacity (i.e., reduce airflow resistance). Also, compressed air can remove up to 30% of weakly retained microparticles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 1.0 microns. The remaining 70% of these particles are held so tightly by the HEPA filter fibers that they cannot be removed. Bottom line: blowing with compressed air will allow up to 80% to restore air resistance, but it will not be possible to restore passport filtration efficiency, even by half. In addition, after several such procedures, blowing with compressed air will not have any restoring effect on the HEPA filter at all.
All of the above also applies to washing water-resistant, reusable HEPA filters. Only, unlike blowing with compressed air, it is much easier to wash waterproof HEPA filters at home.
How to create conditions for normal workHEPA
filter?
The HEPA filter perfectly captures particles ranging in size from 0.1 µm to 1.0 µm. But if there are a lot of these particles, then the HEPA filter fibers will accumulate very quickly maximum amount this dust and then the ability to hold these particles is sharply reduced.
The ingress of particles larger than 1.0 µm on the HEPA filter is generally not desirable, since this clogs all the pores of the HEPA filter material. And a sharp increase in the resistance of a clogged filter leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, overheating and breakdown of the electric motor.
Therefore, in a vacuum cleaner, it is imperative to have a HEPA filter in front of pre-filter. It is the main / pre-filter / dust collector that should trap all particles larger than 1.0 microns - which the HEPA filter does not like so much. And it is desirable that this pre-filter also retain as many particles as possible, ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 1.0 microns - while the HEPA filter will show its excellent passport characteristics for a long time without requiring cleaning or replacement. There are several options for pre-filters / dust collectors, these are:
aqua filter,
CYCLONE filter,
FABRIC bag,
PAPER bag,
SYNTHETIC multilayer bag.
HEPA filter and AQUA filter - a good combination in a vacuum cleaner?
In the water bubbles, a rather large amount of fine dust breaks through to the HEPA filter. And along with drops and splashes dirty water Large particles of dirt also reach the HEPA filter. But more trouble is caused by the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold and fungi on the HEPA filter. wet and warm air, plus a large amount of dust of organic origin - an excellent environment for the prosperity of bacteria, mold and fungi. As a result, when the vacuum cleaner is working with an AQUA filter, the entire apartment is seeded with spores of these microorganisms.
Bottom line: The HEPA filter in vacuum cleaners with an AQUA filter must be replaced regularly and often with a new one. And since these HEPA filters are water-resistant, the price can be unpleasantly surprising.
HEPA filter and CYCLONE filter - a good combination in a vacuum cleaner?
The cyclone filter, due to its design features and the laws of physics, passes a very large amount and small particles- from 0.1 microns to 1.0 microns in size and large ones - more than 1.0 microns in size. Which quickly clogs all the microfibers of the HEPA filter - as a result, the filtration efficiency drops sharply, appears bad smell dust when cleaning with such a vacuum cleaner. Then the HEPA filter becomes clogged with large particles - which leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, overheating and breakdown of the electric motor (if the vacuum cleaner is not equipped with an overheating sensor).
Bottom line: The HEPA filter in vacuum cleaners with a CYCLONE filter must be replaced regularly and very often with a new one. Cleaning the HEPA filter does not completely restore its initial properties, and after several such procedures, cleaning the HEPA filter will not give any effect at all. As a result CYCLONE vacuum cleaner"without consumables" turns into a vacuum cleaner "with very expensive and scarce consumables."
HEPA filter and FABRIC bag - a good combination in a vacuum cleaner?
The material of the FABRIC bag is not capable of retaining particles smaller than 2.0 microns. Because of what, the filtration efficiency is sharply reduced, an unpleasant smell of dust appears when cleaning with such a vacuum cleaner. Then the HEPA filter becomes clogged with large particles - which leads to a decrease in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, overheating and breakdown of the electric motor (if the vacuum cleaner is not equipped with an overheating sensor).
Bottom line: Do not use a CLOTH bag if your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter. Or replace the HEPA filter with a simpler and cheaper MICRO filter.
HEPA filter and PAPER bag - a good combination in a vacuum cleaner?
A PAPER bag is undoubtedly better than a cloth bag, but PAPER bags often present unpleasant surprises in the form of unexpected tears from overload, moisture or cuts from debris ... As a result, everything that has accumulated inside a paper bag ends up on a HEPA filter.
Bottom line: HEPA filter and PAPER bag is a good combination in a vacuum cleaner. But keep an eye on the condition of the paper bag and protect it from tearing.
HEPA filter and SYNTHETIC bag - a good combination in a vacuum cleaner?
SYNTHETIC multilayer bags are the next step in the development of paper bags. SYNTHETIC bags are excellent at capturing dust particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger. The dust collection efficiency of these bags is close to that of HEPA 10 filters. broken glass, nails, buttons ...) and are not afraid of wet debris.
It is SYNTHETIC bags that are able to ensure the normal / regular operation of the HEPA filter, protecting it from a large number dust size from 0.1 µm to 1.0 µm and generally preventing dust particles larger than 1.0 µm from reaching the HEPA filter.
Outcome: HEPA filter and SYNTHETIC bag - THE BEST combination of filters in a vacuum cleaner.
At the same time, the HEPA filter works for a long time and in accordance with its passport data.
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A long time ago, in a certain apartment in one of the cities of one of the countries post-Soviet space, appeared new vacuum cleaner. And everything was fine with him. He sucked into himself with terrible force the dust and debris of that very apartment, leaving cleanliness and order around ...
After some time, the suction power began to decrease. This was due to dense layer dust on outer surface HEPA filter. Washing the filter under running water again returned the vacuum cleaner to its former power. In the end, the HEPA filter began to be washed after each cleaning, using thin hard objects (such as a screwdriver or knitting needle) in the washing process to pick out dirt from the filter folds.
But as you know, nothing lasts forever under the moon, and after about 2-3 years of operation, the filter began to look like ... 
Searches on the Internet for a new HEPA filter gave a disappointing result - about $ 25 (it was about 3-5 years ago). This is about a third of the cost of a new similar vacuum cleaner ... But the toad began to tell that the vacuum cleaner itself is still like new, the engine works great and it would be nice to find another way out.
And the way out was found.
Once buying a certain app at the car market. part for the car, I paid attention to automobile filters for air purification. After reviewing the options offered, I settled on a filter from Moskvich 2141 worth about $ 1. 
HEPA filter recovery process:
For work we need minimum set tools and materials. 
With wire cutters, we bite the outer protective mesh of the car filter from both ends and along the middle. Then the mesh is removed from the filter. 
Further sharp knife cut off paper web end filters rubber seals. It is necessary to cut along the filter material, in several passes directly at the junction of the filter material and rubber. 
The resulting sheet of filter material is laid out on flat surface. We measure from one longitudinal edge a distance equal to the height of our old filter (from full height filter, you need to subtract the height of the plastic bottom and cover). Draw a line with a ruler and cut with scissors. It turns out here is such a preparation. 
Now we need to prepare the remnants of the old filter for reincarnation. Cut off the lid and bottom. 
We mechanically clean them from the adhesive composition with which the filter material was glued. 
Apply new adhesive. Ordinary plumbing silicone is perfect for this case. Holds well enough, hardens in a day, peels off at the next filter change much easier than native glue, sold at every corner. 
Now the most responsible operation.
We fold the beginning and end of the filter material accordion together with a slight overlap. 
We compress the resulting cylinder to desired diameter and insert it into the bottom of the filter smeared with glue. 
Next, holding the floor filter with one hand, glue the cover on top.
This process is best pre-worked out without glue.
If everything is inserted / stuck evenly, then we put a suitable load on the revived filter and set it to dry for a day.
As a result, we get the following result. 
In such a simple way, I don’t remember how many years I have been going against the global conspiracy of manufacturers and marketers of vacuum cleaners))). Add to favorites
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I began to notice that over time, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner deteriorates. Roughly speaking, it starts to work poorly. I soon found out that, most likely, the filter was clogged and it needed to be cleaned literally with my own hands. Is it possible to wash the filter from a vacuum cleaner and how to do it correctly? I'm telling.
Filter types
Before you figure out how to clean the vacuum cleaner filter, I suggest deciding on its varieties. Detailed specifications presented in the table:
| Image | Filter types |
 |
Option 1. Bag.
There are disposable and permanent bags (the former are made of paper, the latter are made of fabric).
|
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Option 2. Aqua.
The aqua filter of a vacuum cleaner is characterized by a specific mechanism of action:
In the photo - an example of a device with water cleaning. |
 |
Option 3. Rough cleaning.
All dust immediately enters the large debris compartment, there is no special filtration. Such equipment must be cleaned after each cleaning.
|
 |
Option 4. Electrostatic microfilter / HEPA.
Such an output filter for a vacuum cleaner is considered the most reliable. Manufacturers guarantee 100% quality cleaning. |
 |
Option 5. Cyclonic.
In this design, a special cylinder is provided, in which large dust particles settle due to centrifugal force. |
Cleaning methods
During operation of the device, not only filters become clogged, but also other important details: brush, hoses, dust collectors. To properly clean the vacuum cleaner you need:
- arrange filters;
- clean the hose and brush, carry out preventive maintenance.
3 ways to clean the filter
Reception 1. How to wash the vacuum cleaner filter (cyclone, HEPA, electrostatic):
| Image | Instruction |
 |
Step 1
Disconnect the device from the mains. |
 |
Step 2
Open the lid and take out the dirty filter.
|
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Step 3
Wash the filter under running water if its design allows. |
 |
Step 4
Dry the part and put it back into the device. |
Reception 2. To wash the aquafilter, follow the following algorithm:
- Disconnect the equipment from the network.
- Take out the water container and rinse it. Pour in new liquid.
- Set the structure in place.
Reception 3. Cleaning a vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust bag is easier than all other design options:
- If a paper bag is installed- just replace it with a new one.
- If synthetic- empty and wash in the washing machine.
The volume of the bag is designed for cleaning for 1 time, so try to empty the filter after each use of the vacuum cleaner.
Parts cleaning and maintenance
How to clean a vacuum cleaner from dust and all its accessible parts?
| Image | Instruction |
 |
Step 1. Clean the hose
Remove the hose and rinse it inside under a good pressure of running water.
|
 |
Step 2. Clean the brush from dust
|
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Step 3 Wipe down the case
Slightly damp cloth Wipe all surfaces of the instrument housing. |
To avoid damage to the vacuum cleaner and make it easier to clean try to adhere to the following recommendations:
- For cleaning construction waste household appliance no good.
- Empty the dust bins regularly (preferably after each use).
- Don't let it get inside sharp objects, you can damage parts or the entire device.
- If you find any problems with the functionality of the vacuum cleaner, contact the master.
Conclusion
We found that most parts of the vacuum cleaner can be cleaned of dust. Particular attention should be paid to the filter, since cleanliness depends on its performance. floor coverings and hence the air in the room.
The video in this article will show you clearly how to clean the filter from a vacuum cleaner. Ask questions in the comments - I'll be happy to answer.
How to clean an aquarium filter?
Cleaning an aquarium filter is not such a difficult task. However, we believe that the aquarium site should have some visual material cleaning this equipment. Modern systems filtration, regardless of the manufacturer's brand and power, are actually similar to each other. Therefore, the example below can be safely applied to other filters, both internal and external.
Before starting the briefing, I would like to draw the reader's attention to the fact that cleaning the aquarium filter can be divided into two types:
Cleaning of filter elements;
And complete cleaning, that is, cleaning of both filtering and mechanical elements;
The filter elements are cleaned regularly and as they become clogged, but a complete cleaning is recommended in cases where colonies of microorganisms and other deposits interfere with the normal operation of the equipment.
At the same time, it should be borne in mind that it is not worth cleaning to sterile purity, thereby washing out useful colonies of bacteria that are involved in the biological cleaning of aquarium water and help maintain the biobalance in the aquarium.
From the foregoing, we can deduce the following rules that must be observed when caring for and washing an aquarium filter:
CLEAN THE FILTER AS NEEDED. Try to wash the filter media as infrequently as possible. Terms and frequency are purely individual and depend on many factors.
DO NOT CLEAN THE FILTER AND FILTER ELEMENTS WITH SOAP OR OTHER DETERGENT. This will completely kill the colony of nitrifier bacteria formed in the filter. Do not wash the filter in hot water.
Now let's start cleaning and washing the filter
To do this, we take out the filter and carry it into the bath.
We disassemble: disconnect the blocks with the filter element 
Main mechanical unit 
Container with filter element 
Filter element - sponge 
Empty container, no sponge 
Detach the safety cap 
We disassemble the cap into two components 
We see a motor with blades 
We take out the motor by pulling it 
Disconnect the air intake adapter 
As a result, we get such a picture 
Rinse the filter element 
We wash containers 
My cap 
Washing the filter motor 
We clean the inside of the mechanical block,
you can use cotton swabs