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Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.Make Cleaning Easier With the Best Shop Vac Filter
A shop vac effortlessly cleans up large particles and debris that would quickly clog up a standard vacuum cleaner. However, you may not know that its performance heavily relies upon the quality of its filter. Our dedicated team of professionals scoured the market, meticulously evaluating factors such as material quality, compatibility, and ease of installation, to help you find the best shop vac filter of 2024. While we favor the Extolife filter for its wide compatibility and user-friendly design, we are eager to showcase other outstanding options. Plus, take advantage of our buying guide! By outlining the most important factors to consider while shopping, we’ll help you make an informed selection.
View all ContentsThe Best Shop Vac Filters of 2024
Best Overall
Shop vac filters can often be time-consuming to install, but not this one from Extolife. It goes well with almost all the popular shop vacs and installs in just three steps. The hard plastic borders add weight to the filter so that it doesn’t move inside the vac. Its high-quality, non-woven fabric pleats act as the exterior.
The interior design features an aluminum foil net that traps all the dirt and dust. This aluminum net is responsible for maintaining the cylindrical shape of the filter and extending its lifespan. You can use this filter for shop vacs, regular vacs, and even pool vacuums, as it works well on dry and underwater surfaces. It is also washable and reusable, which makes it a long-term purchase.
Pros
- Ideal for home-cleaning purpose
- It has a broad compatibility
- It’s extremely lightweight
- The fabric is see-through
Cons
- A bit expensive
Runner Up
Lightweight filter cartridges like the Housemile VF4000 Shop Vac Filter are usually recommended because of their easy-to-fit-in design. This filter is made of paper and has a pleated design with a plastic lid and base. At the time of installation, it is necessary to push the lid into the cylinder, so that it acts as a second base to deposit the debris.
It has high compatibility with most 5-10 gallon shop vacs and regular vacuums, including wet ones. You can also use this filter to catch dog hair, so it is perfect for multiple-pet homes. This product can suck in dust, debris, and chunky wood residue without any risk of clogging. Even though the paper used in its production is lightweight, the reusable filter is washable under a low-pressure faucet.
Pros
- Enables high suction power
- It doesn’t leak
- Offers value for the price
Cons
- Not very durable
Honorable Mention
If you’re looking for a shop vac filter that is durable and worth the price, check out the BIHARNT Shop Vac Filter. It has high compatibility and works with most 5-gallon vacuums and shop vacs. The pleated part of the filter is constructed from PET plastic which is widely used for holding bacteria alongside catching dust.
This filter features black plastic borders sturdy enough to hold the other elements in place, even during high airflow. You can count on the foam sleeves that wrap around the cylinder to ensure maximum filtration and easy cleaning. Both the foam sleeve and the plastic pleats are reusable, washable, and easy to clean using a magnetic cleaning brush.
Pros
- It comes with a free cleaning brush
- An extra foam filter is provided
- The brush has a multipurpose use
Cons
- Foam filters don’t always fit
Also Consider
Who doesn’t like saving money on disposable items like filters? The ANBOO Shop Vac Filter promises you low-cost replacement parts. The product is made of plastic and features a pleated design that is efficient in trapping dust, dirt, debris, and tiny but heavy residue. These white pleats are almost opaque and help you get an idea of the space left in the filter.
The design of this shop vac filter allows increased airflow and suction on both land and water. It can also fit most of the 5-gallon and sometimes larger capacity shop vac cleaners, pool cleaners, and heavy-duty vacuums. You can reuse this product several times as it is washable and easy to fit. It features an easy installation, with minimum to no tools required.
Pros
- It fits snuggly in the filter cartridge
- Traps drywall dust as well
- The plastic used is high-quality
Cons
- A bit small in dimension
Selecting the Best Shop Vac Filter: A Buyer's Guide
Shop vac filters can greatly extend the life of your shop vac while improving its efficiency. This buying guide offers crucial insights to help you find the best shop vac filter.
What To Look For in a Shop Vac Filter
Material and Quality
Shop vac replacement filters are usually made of plastic, fabric, or paper, as these materials are ideal in weight and reusable. The most durable filter for a shop vacuum will be heavy-duty paper, fabric, or PET plastic. Make sure to confirm the material’s quality by reading customer reviews and looking for positive feedback on performance over time.
Compatibility
If your filter and vacuum are incompatible, they won’t filter the dirt properly after installation. Remember that not all shop vacuum filters are compatible with pool or regular vacuums, so double-check the compatibility before buying. The most versatile filters will handle both wet and dry debris, which you can confirm by reading the label.
Price
Filters for shop vacs don’t have to be expensive, even from a high-end company. The ideal price range for a quality shop vac filter is $15 to $20, with accessories like foam rings and cleaning brushes available.
Benefits of a Shop Vac Filter
A shop vacuum filter serves almost the same purpose as regular vacuum filters, but it can help you with a few more things. Head below to check them out.
Reduced cleaning frequencies
Efficient shop vac filters are pros at filtering dust particles in one go. They capture the tiniest of particles in a swish without letting them escape during the cleaning process. Compared to other filtering tools, they have the ability to trap the dust and debris without letting it resurface.
Maximum suction
A heavy-duty shop vac filter will support maximum suction at a standard setting. This is because the pleats maintain cleaner coils, allowing better filtration at the same setting. This way, you can save time, electricity, and effort and get your space all clean without dust escaping from the dust bag.
How To Clean a Shop Vac Filter
Under the faucet
Plastic shop vac filters are easy to clean under running water with intense water pressure. Unlike paper filters, high-pressure water doesn’t ruin the plastic filter, and it will thoroughly clean the dust and stains. Water pressure is enough to wash away the dust build-up without rubbing or scrubbing.
Submerged in water
Paper or fabric shop vac filters are too delicate to wash under pressure, so you should submerge them in a bowl of water for at least 10 minutes before rubbing the dirt away. This step will soften any grease or stains on the filter, making it easy for you to wipe it off using a cloth or sponge.
Cleaning brush
A filter cleaning brush can be quite helpful in removing dust from a reusable shop vac filter, although it is not the ideal tool for deep cleaning. It is an easy way to clean the filter on a regular basis for the general cleanliness of the machine. You can submerge the filter in water and use a wet brush with a cleaning solution to scrape off the dirt for better results.
Shop Vac Filters FAQ
When is it necessary to replace the paper filter for my shop vac?
Replace the paper shop vac filter whenever you notice any wear, rips, or tears from the debris. Dust clogging or staining is also a sign that it needs to be washed or replaced.
Is a plastic shop vac filter better than paper?
Plastic filters are always better than paper ones if you're looking for something durable. They are much more efficient since they filter the air better and catch dust, debris, bacteria, and even mold.
How often should I change my reusable shop vac filter?
Typically, it is best to switch out your shop vacuum filter every 3 to 6 months.
Can I use a shop vac without a filter?
Not using a filter can reduce the life of your shop vac, so it's better to use one.
