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 hay fever and I have a dust allergy, so 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 it 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!
HEPA is the gold standard of air filtration. If you have allergies you will definitely want to ensure that your new Dyson vacuum has one. Don’t forget 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.
Which Dyson vacuums have HEPA filters?
Unfortunately 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? |
|---|---|
| Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless Stick Vacuum | No |
| Dyson V7 Animal | No |
| Dyson V8 Animal | Yes |
| Dyson Cyclone V10 | No |
| Dyson V11 Cordless Stick Vacuum | No |
| Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | No |
| Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | Yes |
| Dyson DC40 Multi Floor Lightweight Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Yes |
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 fibers 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 HEPA 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.
