Vacuum Cleaner Belts

Vacuum Filters are available in many different types, materials and sizes. Manufacturers usually make filters to fit only specific models or a limited series. Some manufacturers use more than one filter in their vacuums, so it is necessary to know which filter of these you need. The two most common types are Secondary and FINAL.

Secondary Filters are located inside the vacuum's body cavity and are usually made of foam or a foam/fiber combination. The purpose of a secondary filter is to protect the motor from dust and debris which might possibly escape the vacuum bag or dust cup. Dirt inside a motor means shorter motor life. Motor filters are usually washable, and should be cleaned about every year under normal circumstances.

Final Filters are the more frequently used filters. Micron, HEPA, Filtrete... are the most common terms associated with them. This final filter is the final barrier between you and the vacuum's exhaust; it provides the medium to capture the smallest of particles as defined by its name.

Micron filters do not capture as small particles as HEPA filters, but may capture 99% of particles anywhere from 5.0 microns to right above .3 microns in size. Thus, for the slight to moderate allergy sufferer, who may have problems with dust mites, ragweed and certain bacteria, micron filtration can more than do the job. Filtrete filtration is a technology developed by 3M, and denotes a type of micron filter. 3M filters usually look like soft, white, flat pillows and install on the front or side of the vacuum, usually behind a grate. Non-3M micron filters may also fit this description, or may look like thick foam pads. Some micron filters are washable, most are not - please check the specific product page for care/change information.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters capture at least 99.97% of particles .3 micron (or larger) in size. This means smoke, mold spores, and carbon are almost totally filtered from the vacuum exhaust. HEPA filters usually come as pleated white material inside a frame, or cartridge. Cartridges can be rectangular or circular in shape, and fit on the outside of the vacuum sometimes behind a door or port. Most HEPA filters should be changed at least every 6 months. Their filtering media is so exact that overuse will clog the filter, restrict air flow from the vacuum, and slowly burn out the vacuum's motor. Under special circumstances, such as use with dry wall dust and brand new carpeting, the HEPA filter should be checked more often.

A couple of hybrid filters: the micron-cartridge filter and the charcoal filter. Some manufacturers have put micron filtration material into a frame, or cartridge, for easier filter installation. While more convenient, the consumer should recognize that does not mean the filter is HEPA. Another unique filter combines micron filtration with charcoal. This mixture allows allergens and odors to be captured at the same time; good for pet dander and pet odors.

		Bissell Vacuum Filters				Dirt Devil / Royal Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Fantom Vacuum Cleaner Filters				Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Electrolux Home Care Vacuum Filters				Filter Queen Vacuum Filters
		EuroPro Genuine Paper Bag , Cloth Bag, & Dust Cup Filter				Hoover Vacuum Filters
		GE / Walmart Vacuum Cleaner Filter				Lindhaus Vacuum Filters
		Kenmore Vacuum Cleaner Filters				Oreck Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Miele Vacuum Filters				Rainbow / Rexair Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Panasonic Vacuum Filters				Royal Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Riccar Vacuum Cleaner Filters - Genuine				Sanyo Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Samsung Vacuum Filters				Shop Vac Vacuum Cleaner Filters
		Sharp Vacuum Filters
		Simplicity Vacuum Cleaner Filters