Are HEPA filters washable?

[nadalia]

I just vacuumed my apartment and emptied the canister. I'm washing those parts now. I looked at the HEPA filter and it's full of dust. I tried to get as much as I can out by hand, but it's still got a lot in it

Comments

[mazzie]

A quick google search reveals that HEPA filters may actually work better when they are dirty.
But probably knowing the make and model of your vacuum cleaner would make answering your question (via google, of course) easier.

[nadalia]

It's a Dirt Devil, but I can't find the model of the vacuum on their site anymore. The filter is on there, but there's no information about it.

[revchris]

If it's a pleated paper filter, I wouldn't wash it (it'd probably disintegrate).

If it's plastic or cloth, it might be washable, but washing may either damage it enough to make it leak through, or turn any dust you miss to impregnable mud, blocking all air flow though it forever.

I usually take them outside and bang them on a planter to knock loose as much dust as I can and then put them back into the vacuum.

[sunlit_shadows]

i have one and the instruction booklet says to rinse it out whenever it gets too dirty. :)

[bitchie_poo]

i just took the filter for my vibe and pulled all the dust and cat hair out of the folds, then tied it in a plastic bag and beat it to get the rest of the crap out. i can't find new filters anywhere but amazon (well, i probably could at walmart but i don't go there) so this seems a more sensible option.

next i try rinsing it!

[tonyasjournal]

Just a note from washing my own HEPA filters . . . . after it seems dry, let it dry for a few more hours (or days if possible) because if it's even still the least bit damp, it will clog like crazy and the vacuum will quit until you wash and dry the filter again.