Is your shop vacuum not cleaning as efficiently as before? Well, it is high time that this cleaning device gets its own deep clean session.
Regardless of how ironic that may sound, a shop vac filter should be cleaned once every three months. I admit I’ve been careless about it, too. No wonder the vacuum that I mostly use for cleaning my yard and garage had begun to stink!
Although I’m very regular with cleaning my surroundings, cleaning my vacuum never occurred to me. It was only when my son pointed it out that I began scratching my head trying to think of the last time I had cleaned the vacuum filter.
Hello there! This is Stacy, and since there is no definite way to tell when the filter needs a deep clean or a replacement, I’ve curated this guide on how to clean shop vac filter. So, bring out your mask and safety glasses, and let’s get cleaning.
How To Clean Shop Vac Filter
Tools Required
- P100 respirator or N95 mask
- Safety goggles
- Rod or nail with a head
- Screwdriver
- Air compressor
- Removable caps (DIY caps will be just as good)
- Large container with a lid to collect dust
- Hand-holed lid
- Hose
Shop Vac Filter Cleaning Process
1. Unplug The Vacuum
I always advocate for maintaining full safety before starting any process that involves machinery and electronic devices. Thus, you must ensure that the shop vac is turned off and unplugged. Since these machines are more powerful than regular vacuum cleaners, accidents can be fatal, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
2. Dismantle The Exterior
Disassembling a shop vac is a no-brainer. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the lid. In case of any confusion, feel free to refer to the user manual of your shop vac. Just ensure that you proceed with care because you don’t want to end up with broken parts and additional expenses.
3. Tap The Dirt Out
Before you do this step, I recommend you move outdoors and wear your mask and safety glasses. Tapping the filter will form a lot of dust clouds, and you would not want to inhale that.
Now, put the filter inside a trash can or any large container, and cover it with the hand-holed lid. Doing so will ensure that the dust is collected in a single place instead of flying away and settling everywhere. Plus, it will allow easy disposal later on.
Keep tapping the filter on the bottom and sides of the container until you think most of the dirt and debris has fallen off. Once you’re done, simply dump the collected particles and tap the walls of the container to ensure nothing is left inside.
4. Enclose Both Ends Of The Filter
If the ends of your filter are not enclosed, use removable caps or DIY wooden caps for the purpose. This step will ensure that none of the dirt from the outer part enters the interiors of the filter.
However, if you’re making DIY caps, don’t forget to drill a hole on each so a rod or giant nail, preferably with a protruding head, can pass through. The head would add to the safety of the process since only one side would be sharp and pointed. Plus, it stabilizes the two caps and filter for the following step.
5. Use An Air Compressor
Now, connect a hose to the air compressor, which will be used to clean minute dirt particles hidden in the nooks and corners. Keep the head of the rod at the bottom and hold the other end to keep the filter from falling.
As you force air into the filter, the rod will allow it to spin for an overall efficient cleaning process. Ensure that you spin the filter moderately and not too fast to unclog all the sides. Further, you can use a blunt stick to get rid of stubborn particles of dust.
This step also produces a lot of dust clouds, so keep yourself covered at all times.
6. Assemble The Vacuum
Now that you’ve cleaned the filter, it’s time to reinstall it. If it still doesn’t work smoothly, the vacuum may need more than just cleaning. Or you might have to get the filter replaced.
Keep in mind that this process is suitable for cylindrical filters only. Such filters should not be cleaned with water, but I recommend checking the instruction manual carefully.
- Compatible with 90304 / 90350 / 90333 filters; Compatible With Shop Vac most 5 Gallon+ Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Compatible With Type U 9030400, Type X 9035000, Type W 9034000 Filters, models BLB450, SSP16-500A, SSP16-600C, SS12-350A, SS14-450, SS16-SQ550, SS16-SQ650, 86MTSQ550
- Compatible With 90340 SL16-575A SS11-450 SS12-300A SS14-350A SS14-550A SS14-600C 16RT500A 16RTP550A 4045AH 85L450 85L575 SS16-450 SS16-550A SS16-650C 86EM350 86L500A 86M350 86MT600C 86ST450 87L500A 87L650C 87M350 87P500A 87P650C 92L550A 92L650C 92P650C BLB550 BLB560C CH87-650C LB650C MSC85EM300 MSC85L450 MSC85L500 MSC85L600C MSC85M250B MSCQPL55 MSCSS12-250
- 【Perfect Match & Strong Compatibility】The 90304 Replacement Filter Compatible with Shop Vac Filter 90304 90585 90350 90333, Fits Most 5 Gallon and above Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Compatible With Shop-Vac Type U 9030400, Type X 9035000, Type W 9034000 Filters, models BLB450, SSP16-500A, SSP16-600C, SS12-350A, SS14-450, SS16-SQ550, SS16-SQ650, 86MTSQ550; NOTE: Not fit for 5-gallon Portable model H87S and HangUp vacuums!
- 【Compatibile Models】Compatible With Shop Vac SL16-575A SS11-450 SS12-300A SS14-350A SS14-550A SS14-600C 16RT500A 16RTP550A 4045AH 85L450 85L575 SS16-450 SS16-550A SS16-650C 86EM350 86L500A 86M350 86MT600C 86ST450 87L500A 87L650C 87M350 87P500A 87P650C 92L550A 92L650C 92P650C BLB550 BLB560C CH87-650C LB650C MSC85EM300 MSC85L450 MSC85L500 MSC85L600C MSC85M250B MSCQPL55 MSCSS12-250 Cartridge Filter.
- 【Advanced Filtration System】This 90304 filter replacement kit adopts advanced HEPA filtration technology, which can effectively filter cotton, fiber, lint, dirt, smoke, hair and other dry debris, absorbs 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, and works with your vacuum cleaner to run efficiently.
How To Clean Other Kinds Of Filters?
Not all shop vac filters are cylindrical, so you can use water to clean them. However, keep in mind that these must be hand-washed. Using a washing machine is a big no-no!
1. HEPA Filter
You can wash a HEPA filter with running water or use a filter flosser for a deeper clean. Ensure that the filter has completely dried up before reinstalling it in the vacuum.
2. Reusable Dry Filter
This type of filter is also easy to clean with a simple rinse. Again, give it enough time to dry before fitting it back into the vacuum.
3. Foam Sleeve
These filters separate damp particles from the rest of the dirt in dry and wet shop vacs. You can shake it vigorously or clean it with water to eliminate all sorts of dirt and debris. Let it dry before reinstalling it as a damp filter may cause mold and mildew infestation.
Although regular cleaning and maintenance is a must, you can elongate the intervals by installing a pre-separator in your shop vac. This addition can prevent clogging of filters to a great extent.
Summing It Up
There you have it- simple ways to clean a shop vac filter.
But, before I take your leave, I’d highly recommend paying close attention to the suction efficiency of your vacuum every now and then. Since there is no direct way to identify a clogged filter, a bit of caution while using it can go a long way in preventing internal malfunction and expensive repairs.
Let me know what your tips and tricks to clean a shop vac filter are. I’d love to learn something new! Keep a watch on this space because I’ll be back with more interesting reads.
Till then, stay safe and stay clean!