HEPA Filter Questions Answered

Why are HEPA filters one use only? Aren't they expensive enough to wash and reuse?

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are used in vacuums and air purifiers for extra protection against allergens and dust. These tend to be much more costly than normal filters and not reusable.

Why? The single use problem goes back into the construction of the filters themselves. In order to provide excellent filtration HEPA filters tend to be made up of a sheet of very fine glass-fiber paper folded in an accordion style to fit into a filter frame.

Washing or blow out the filter can cause damage. And a damaged filter will not screen out the particles you're trying to keep out of the air.

What can we do? There are two decent options:

1. Think about if you really need extra filtration.
HEPA filtration is great for allergy sufferers, but the general public has survived centuries without the product.

Normal filters screen out troubling particles, just not quite as intensively. They tend to be less expensive and (depending on the style) reusable.

2. Keep your vacuum bags changed or (for bagless) dirt cup clean.
If you do need HEPA filtration, take care of the filter to prolong its usefulness.

HEPA filters screen the exhaust air from your vacuum, so the best way to sustain them is to keep the rest of the machine clean. The air goes through the vacuum's bag and other filters before hitting the HEPA filter.