Both my vacuum cleaners have HEPA filters in them and now I wouldn’t buy a new vacuum without one. My dog Xena sheds all the time, so I am constantly cleaning up her hair and dander from our carpets and hard floors.
We all have allergies in our house in the form of hayfever and I will always sneeze while I am vacuuming unless the HEPA filter is in a good state.
I’ve replaced my HEPA filter a couple of times. The last time I replaced it was because my vacuum had started to smell like my dog, yuck! A new HEPA filter made my vacuum smell like new again.
I currently have a Shark cordless vacuum and a Miele bagged vacuum for deep cleaning, both of which I love. But if you are thinking of buying a Dyson and you need one with a HEPA filter, this post is for you!
Related reading:
Several Dyson vacuums have HEPA filters. HEPA is the gold standard of air filtration. If you have allergies you will definitely want to ensure that your new Dyson vacuum has a HEPA filter in it. You will need to replace the filter every six months for best performance.
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What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA is a type of air filter. It stands for ‘High-Efficiency Particulate Air’. Vacuum cleaners, particularly those designed for cleaning up after pets, often contain HEPA filters. If you have allergies, you will want to look out for a vacuum that contains this type of filter.
What makes a HEPA filter so good at filtering air?
A HEPA air filter is comprised of thousands of fine fibres that can trap tiny airborne particles. All HEPA filters will have been tested and approved against a standard that ensures close to 100% of air particles are removed.
If your vacuum cleaner contains a HEPA filter you can be confident that any air pushed out by the vacuum is clean air. In fact, it can make the air cleaner than it was before you started to vacuum.
If you have family members who are sensitive to airborne dust and pollen, a HEPA filter will help tremendously when it comes to cleaning up.
Related reading:
- How To Clean Dust Without Spreading It
- How Long Do Shark Vacuums Last?
- How To Get Pet Smell Out Of A Vacuum Cleaner
Which Dyson vacuums have HEPA filters?
Not all Dyson vacuum cleaners have HEPA filters. Here is a list of the most popular Dyson vacuums for comparison.
| Dyson Model | Has A HEPA Filter? | |
| V7 | No | Buy On Amazon |
| V7 Animal | Yes | Buy On Amazon |
| V8 Animal | Yes | Buy On Amazon |
| V10 Animal | No | Buy On Amazon |
| V11 | No | Buy On Amazon |
Do Dyson vacuum HEPA filters need replacing?
Your Dyson vacuum HEPA filter will need to be replaced about every six months depending on how frequently you use it.
Unfortunately, you can’t wash a Dyson HEPA filter because the fibres will be damaged.
The pre-filter in a Dyson can be safely washed. This is the part that filters out the larger particles before it reaches the HEPA filter. Wash the pre-filter once per month for the best performance of your Dyson vacuum.
Can you use a Dyson vacuum without a HEPA filter?
You can use your Dyson vacuum without its HEPA filter. However, it isn’t a good idea to do so because a proportion of the dust you sucked out of the carpet will end up floating through the air and resting on your furniture instead.
Using a vacuum without its filter could be bad for your health. If you have asthma or are sensitive to dust particles you will find yourself suffering.
Fortunately, it is easy to replace your vacuum’s HEPA filter. Check your user manual for your particular model for replacement parts and where to purchase them.
Frequently asked questions
No. Always check before you buy because some vacuums will have a regular filter rather than a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter will remove more particles from the air than a regular filter can and will be better for your health.
