A clogged or dirty filter makes it difficult for a central vacuum to draw in air, which makes the motor strain and run louder than it should. If you continue using your central vacuum system while its filter is dirty, your motor will overheat, melting the power unit’s internal wiring and finally causing damage.

Additionally, regular central vacuum filter cleaning is crucial to ensure that your filters continue to trap waste and enhance the quality of the air in your home. They need to be cleaned at least every three months, depending on how frequently you use your central vacuum system.

Here’s how to clean a central vacuum filter.

Paper or Cloth filter 

1. Remove the collection pail and the vacuum bag from the power unit.

    

2. Put a big plastic garbage bag over the power unit’s lower half. Hold it firmly in position.

    

3. Take hold of the filter’s bottom from outside of the bag. Shaking the bag well will cause the dirt to fall inside of the bag.

    

4. Remove the plastic bag from the power supply gradually, carefully.

    

5. Reattach the collection pail to the power unit.

Can you wash a central vacuum filter?

If your filter is made of plastic or foam, you can rinse it thoroughly with water and allow it to completely dry before placing it back inside the power unit.

Plastic or Foam filter

1. Remove the vacuum bag, filter, and collection pail from the power unit.

    

2. If the filter is plastic, simply give it a good rinse. If the filter is made of foam, rinse it with cold water until the water is clear.

    

3. Place it aside and let it fully dry. The drying time of a foam filter is roughly 24 hours.

    

4. Place the filter, vacuum bag and collection container back on the power unit.

In addition to cleaning, it’s important to regularly check the central vacuum filter to make sure it hasn’t been punctured or torn.

Check your filter for tears or holes. If your filter is torn or punctured, replace it, as it will no longer be able to do its job.

Checking, cleaning and replacing your central vacuum filter is an integral part of central vacuum system maintenance. Make sure to take care of your filter so that your central vacuum system remains robust and efficient.