How to Convert a Vacuum to a HEPA Vacuum
A HEPA filter is recognized as being more efficient in removing airborne contaminants than the standard filters found on vacuum cleaners. To take advantage of what a HEPA filter offers, replace the filter in a canister vacuum cleaner with one of these filters. The compartment size of a canister vacuum cleaner can accommodate a HEPA filter, unlike that of an upright model, since the filter comes enclosed in its own form-fitting enclosure. A few household tools will be needed to enact the exchange. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dust bag
- Phillips jeweler's screwdriver or #10 Torx screwdriver
- Drying rack
- Paper towel
- Ruler
- Paper
- Pencil
- HEPA filter
- Masking tape
Instructions
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1
Unplug the canister vacuum cleaner's power cord from the wall outlet. Open the latch on the canister's front lid. Raise the lid. Twist the dust bag assembly off the socket that is inside the vacuum cleaner. Twist the dust bag off the assembly and dispose of it in the trash. Twist a new dust bag on the assembly and place the two aside for later.
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2
Rotate the canister vacuum cleaner so that the back end is facing you. Remove the screws surrounding the grill on the back end with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver or a Torx screwdriver; the type of screwdriver needed will be dictated by the manufacturer of the vacuum cleaner.
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3
Place the screws in a pocket to keep them from getting lost. Pull the grill off the vacuum cleaner. Wash out the grill in tap water in the kitchen sink. Dry the grill with a paper towel. Place the grill in a drying rack to air dry.
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4
Pull the filter compartment out of the open space in the back end that was covered by the grill; if a rubber gasket surrounds the filter compartment, pull the gasket out first. Wipe the gasket, if there is one, with a dry paper towel and then place it aside. Wipe the edges of the filter compartment with the dry paper towel.
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5
Remove the screws surrounding the filter compartment with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver; if there are no screws, ignore this step. Pull the two sections of the filter compartment apart. Pull the filter out of the compartment that it is lying against.
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Place the two sections of the filter compartment back together. Place the filter compartment on a table facing you. Measure the length, width and depth of the filter compartment. Write these measurements down on a piece of paper.
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Purchase a HEPA filter that is as close to, but not exceeding, the measurements you have written down. Place the HEPA filter into the open space at the back end of the canister vacuum cleaner. Affix strips of masking tape to the sides of the filter so that it is secured inside the space.
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Place the grill back on the back end and reattach the screws. Screw the end of the dust bag assembly onto the socket inside the vacuum cleaner. Close the lid and lock the latch.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many different manufacturers of HEPA filters. The prices for one can vary from one company to the other.
