HEPA Filter for upright Vacuum Cleaners: WHY can't they be washed?

[Clarence Martin]

Got a new Hoover Upright Vacuum Cleaner. It's got the HEPA Filter. That filter runs anywhere from 12 to $22.00 , depending on where you buy it. The manual says don't wash it.

Question: WHY can't the HEPA filter on a Hoover Upright bagless Vacuum Cleaner be washed with just plain water, and let it air dry for 24 hours ?

[Lee Schierer]

Probably because any dirt would turn to mud and block the pores when it dries.

[Wade Lippman]

Nothing lost by trying. Let us know how it works out for you.

[Ole Anderson]

I am probably on my third bag on our Eureka "The Boss" smart vac upright and the HEPA filter still looks like new.

[Dan Hintz]

You typically improve the filtration of a filter by leaving it somewhat dirty (not caked on, mind you)... percussive cleaning is usually the suggested method.

[Kev Williams]

percussive cleaning, aka smacking it on the driveway

I also follow my percussive cleaning with reverse motion rapid moving nitrogen enriched oxygen molecules, aka I blow it out with an air hose

It's exactly how I clean my $1 furnace filters every month. Or three. And the AC coils above the furnace are always nice & clean.

[Clarence Martin]

You typically improve the filtration of a filter by leaving it somewhat dirty (not caked on, mind you)... percussive cleaning is usually the suggested method.

"Percussive Cleaning." Now, that's a term I never heard of ! .

[Pat Barry]

Take your shop vac to it. That along with the banging on the driveway will get er dun!

[Myk Rian]

Question: WHY can't the HEPA filter on a Hoover Upright bagless Vacuum Cleaner be washed with just plain water, and let it air dry for 24 hours ?

Probably because any dirt would turn to mud and block the pores when it dries.

After it dries? How will that make mud?

[Dan Hintz]

After it dries? How will that make mud?

Mud rarely turns back into individual congealed giganto particles of dirt once it dries out. You can ruin a good filter that way.