The filter in your vacuum cleaner is needed for it to function correctly.
Without a filter, two things happen.
- Your vacuum is spitting out what it sucked up.
- You run the risk of damaging the vacuum motor.
If you have no filter, all the debris you’re vacuuming gets put back in the air and floor. This defeats the point of vacuuming if you’re only spreading the debris again.
Also, not every vacuum cleaner has a pre-filter for the motor and relies on the main filter to protect the motor. The motor sits behind the filter to suck air in and vacuum up the debris, and the filter stops the debris but allows the air to flow through. Without the filter, the motor is getting hit with debris that can clog and destroy it.
Pre-Filter Needed
Just like the main filter, you should not run a vacuum cleaner without a pre-filter.
Pre-filters are more common on certain vacuums like Dyson, and to run without one is not recommended.
HEPA
You can replace your vacuum HEPA Filter with a standard filter, but you can’t run it without some kind of filter.
The HEPA Filter is not a pre-filter or a second filter; it’s sometimes the only filter on the vacuum. Therefore, removing a HEPA Filter from your vacuum means you removed all filters.
So you must keep some type of filter on your vacuum for it to run correctly.
Warranty
Running your vacuum without a filter will void the warranty with most manufacturers.
The filter is not only there to clean the air but also to protect the motor.
I Accidentally Vacuumed Without My Filter!
If you accidentally vacuumed without a filter, then re-install the correct filter and continue.
A couple of times won’t be the end of the world; just don’t make it a common practice.
Don’t Vacuum Wet Floors
You should not vac with a wet filter unless that filter is made to get wet like the foam ones for shop vacs.
If your home vac filter is wet, you need to let it dry out before using it.
A wet paper filter causes a vac motor to overwork, and a wet paper filter doesn’t work as well at stopping dirt when wet.
Tip: A wet filter can keep certain models from working. If the vac doesn’t turn on after letting the filter dry for 24 hours, try drying out the filter with a hairdryer. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need a new filter as something is not correct.
Never Change, This Happens
If you never change the filter, it will eventually burn up the motor, and will stop.
You need to regularly change your filter to keep your machine running the best.
Overtime filters collect dust, and for every collected particle, it stops airflow and makes your machine not work as great as it used to. A too clogged filter will have the motor work harder and stress it out until it gets to a point where it stops working.
Note: If you start to notice a loss of suction, it would be wise to replace the filter.
DIY
I’m seeing a trend of people who make their own filters for their vacuums.
While this is an interesting idea, I suggest you don’t DIY your vacuum filters.
A vacuum is made to run with the manufacturer’s specs; when you make something that the manufacturer did not plan, you risk damaging the vacuum.
I’ve seen people use sponges, paper towels, to coffee filters, and I’ve just got to say stop. You’re doing more damage while making something that is not as effective as the HEPA Filters you get from the store.
Vacuum filters are not that expensive and well worth the cost for what they do, especially the HEPA Filter.
Do They Make Vacuums Without Filters?
They make vacuum that don’t use paper or foam filters and instead use water.
I know it sounds crazy, but it’s probably the best kind of filtration you can get.
These water-filtration vacuums are not new and are super effective at cleaning. They’re so good that many air filters are also moving to the water filtration process.
Quantum X (Amazon Link Ad) probably has the most exciting water filtration vacuum as they have an upright version which is rare to see.
The more common style is a canister, like Sirena’s water filtration vacuum cleaner (Amazon Link Ad).
I go into more details about water filtration vacuum cleaners here.