To understand how a vacuum cleaner filter works, we need to understand how a vacuum actually works. A vacuum uses air pressure to create a small vacuum that sucks up air, dirt and dust from carpets, fabrics or any surface. Vacuums tend to work best on carpeted or fabric covered objects, where a broom is not as functional as it is on a smooth surface.
There are different types of vacuums today. Several vacuum models use bags, which traps the dirt and the bag itself acts as a filter while it expels air back into your house. The bags are usually made up of a thick paper or layers of cloth material that contain tiny holes, small enough to let air through but tight enough to keep dust and dirt trapped inside.
In addition, these types of vacuums may have an additional filter, which is usually meant to insert a scented filter if the owner chooses to do so. Scented filters come in a variety of aromas and leave a short lasting fragrance behind. Some people complained the air coming out of the vacuum was stale or even unpleasant. The added filters allowed for a temporary solution of covering the air that escaped from a vacuum. These scented filters are available in an add-on filter that attaches to the vacuum or it can be found in the bag itself.
Canister vacuums work a little differently with filters. The vacuums suck up the dirt and dust from the carpet and then will deposit the material into a canister in the center of the vacuum. The air is pushed out of the vacuum through a series of filters that traps dust and dirt before the clean air is emitted back into the room.
Again, a filter system inside the canister vacuum can have an additional filter for scents. These are usually smaller and different sized scented filters than needed for other types of vacuums. If you wish to use a scented vacuum filter, you may have to research the right model numbers to find an appropriate fitting scented filter.
Found to be a problem with some vacuum filters is the way filters tend to fill up with dirt and entrap dust, causing the filters to become clogged. This can be a problem because the filters then cause the vacuum to loose suction. With the loss of suction, the carpets or other materials the vacuum is used on may not become as clean as when the filters were clean. In some cases, you will need to replace the filters and do so often. Depending on the model, most filters will need replacing about every month or two.
There are various opinions on which system works better but the proof is in the sales numbers. More and more people are turning to canister vacuum cleaners as the filters are smaller and easier to replace. This relieves you of the job of replacing messy vacuum bags.
Extra filters may be purchased at the store where you bought your vacuum or they may also be found online. Be sure to compare brand names and model numbers to be sure to choose the correct filter you will need. As mentioned, filters come in unscented or scented styles, the choice is yours.
