Filtration - The Basics
To make sure this doesn't happen, vacuum manufacturers have developed a number of filtration methods designed to filter particulate matter.
HEPA Filtration
According to the United States Department of Energy, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size by forcing particles through a fine mesh fabric. Some HEPA filters are disposable while others are washable. As a rule, you should wash your HEPA filter once a year for optimum performance. HEPA fibers trap dirt and debris through impact, inception, and diffusion. Impact is when a particle crashes head-on with fibers and gets trapped. Inception is when a particle moves too close to a fiber while moving through the airflow. Diffusion is when particles crash into one another and some end up sticking to the HEPA filter.
Miele AirClean Filters
A Miele AirClean filter traps 99.5% of particles that are 0.5 microns or larger. It is made out of multi-ply, electrostatic material to capture fine particles and keep your airflow clean and fresh. These Miele filters are suitable for any Miele upright or canister model. You should change your filter once for every 4 pack of bags you go through.
Electrostatic Micron
Used in the old Electrolux models, electrostatic filtration utilizes static electricity to clean and purify the air. This charge is created when air flows through a mesh of static fibers. Once the charge is created, the particulate matter gets attracted to that mesh and sticks to it until the filter gets washed. All electrostatic micron filters are created using an anti-microbial material to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. Typically, electrostatic filters can capture particles down to 0.1 microns in size.
Carbon Filters
A carbon filter uses a bed of activated carbon to remove odors, gases, and other contaminants from the atmosphere. Each molecule of carbon covers a wide surface area so that particulate matters finds and sticks to the filter media. These filters remove 99.7% of dust and debris down to 0.3 microns in size. These filters are highly recommended for pet owners. If you're looking for a carbon filter for your Electrolux, check out the Electrolux HEPA H12 Anti-Odor Filter.
Miele Active AirClean
Miele Active AirClean filters absorb odors from Miele bags using charcoal. These filters contain a Timestrip indicator that tells you when you need to replace your filter. When first installed, the Timestrip is green, but by the end of the year it will turn bright red. Motor Filters
Motor filters are designed specifically to protect the motor. In case your bag fails to pick up all particulate matter, the motor filter is there as a buffer to catch those miscellaneous particles before they damage your vacuum. These types of filters are standard on most vacuums.
Dyson Cinetic Filtration
Unique to Dyson, Dyson Cinetic Science is the latest development in the saga that seeks to optimize suction. 35 tiny oscillating tips generate powerful centrifugal forces that redirects dust and debris directly into the canister and away from the air stream. Far more powerful than its predecessors, Dyson Cinetic tips oscillate 350 times per second. This allows for your vacuum cleaner to be both bagless and filterless. Say goodbye to the days of spending your hard-earned money on bags, or cleaning dirty filters with your hands! A number of canister and upright vacuum cleaners are fitted with this technology; these include the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Upright, Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Allergy Upright Vacuum, and the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister Vacuum.
Vacuum Bags
Vacuum bags are made out of porous materials that act to trap dirt and debris before they reach the motor filter. Most bags, like Miele GN or FJM bags, are made with porous cloth that traps dirt and debris as the airflow travels through the bag. They also are equipped with a self-closing seal so that dirt and debris are not released back into the atmosphere when a dirty bag is removed and replaced.
We hope this guide was helpful to you in answering any and all questions you had about filtration. As always, you are free to call our customer service department at 1-866-972-8227 and speak with a trained vacuum specialist about any questions or concerns you may have. Happy shopping!
