Do we *have* to change HEPA vacuum cleaner filters after 6 washes?

maz_student

Hi all

Im absolutely gutted… my hoover broke down.
My previous one was a bagless one so I bought another one from Argos. I've never liked the idea of having to pay for hoover bags, i.e. its an additional expense.

Anyways. I went to Argos and bought this one for £88
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001801&langId=-1&searchTerms=4063500&Submit=GO+%3E
(Incase if the link expires in a couple of months time: Dirt Devil DCC001 2000W Bagless Cylinder Cleaner)
When I bought it I was quite happy, knowing I had read the specs and chosen the best possible one within my price range of under £100. The most important factor to me is its suction rate (and this one has an Air Watt of 360) plus the mains cable and hose are of good length.

I know that hoovers are excluded from the 30-day refund from Argos so decided to read EVERYTHING beforehand (the manuals). I’m a little disheartened now... apparently, after every vacuum I have to clean the HEPA filter (to ensure good airflow). What i’m *not* happy about is that after the 6th wash, I have to replace the HEPA filter. It'll work out expensive because I use the hoover quite a lot, and it all adds up!

So my question to you guys is this: The whole point of washing the filter after each use is to keep it clean so that it maintains the vacuum’s sucking power. If we wash the filter more than 6 times will it get dramatically worn-down? So we cant plan to keeping the same filter for longer (eg change it quartlerly -- every 3 months) because after the 6th wash, the filter will be so worn down that it has to be replaced, regardless. Has anyone kept the filter in for more than 6 washes and what has happened? :think:

Our last hoover lasted us about 10 years and I had an old type, so there was no need to continually buy parts for it. I just don’t like the idea of having to buy a new filter after 6 times because I see it as a hassle :rolleyes:

Hope my question makes sense.

macke_2

Found a product called Filtaclean from Filtamagic (Google it)

You put this over the filter and it keeps it clean.

Works very well.

Ken

maz_student

Thanks, found it

Here's the link incase if anyone else is interested...
http://www.filtamagic.com/cgi-bin/sh000001.cgi?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww.filtamagic.com%2f&WD=filtaclean&PN=Universal_Cylinder_Bagless_Vacuum_Cleaner_Filter_9996.html%23aVCC_2f9996_2fMAG_2fUNIV#aVCC_2f9996_2fMAG_2fUNIV