Who doesn’t love their shop vacuum? But, in order for it to operate at peak efficiency, it’s really important to clean the filter on a regular basis. But, how do you do that neatly and quickly? Well, here’s one way you can.
Take a six inch long machine bolt, two washers, and a nut, and put it through the center hole of the filter. Feed it through from the underside, and put the washer and the nut on the top and tighten it up.
Once you’ve snug it up by hand, use a wrench on one side and a nut driver on the other to get it nice and tight. Now, chuck it into the drill, and use the power of the drill to spin out all that dust in the filter.
This will make your shop vacuum filter nice and clean again.
Watch the video, and check out more Simple Solutions.
Further Reading
- How to Use a Shop Vac as a Blower
- Importance of Keeping Garden Tools Clean
- Tips for Cleaning a Workshop with a Shop Vac
That is why I have a shop vac brand vacuum that I can install a bag into. I just simply wash the filter, which is barely dirty after filling the bag. I sometimes do not even have to clean the filter I just replace the bag.
I have a spare filter to use while the one is drying out. Usually takes about 3 days to dry. A lot less hard on the vacuum and I always have good suction. My one shop vac is 20 years old and I have only had to replace the switch.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the Today’s Homeowner community!
TH community members helping other TH community members — we love it. 🙂
I use a bench brush to clean it in a big garbage can. Sometimes I use an air blower.
Thanks for sharing your tip with the Today’s Homeowner community, Reid!
Another great tip! I took it one step further. I drilled a 1/2” hole through the center of a 5 gallon bucket top. Then put the bolt through the hole and snapped the top on the bucket. That way the dirt stays in the bucket. Put a trash bag in the bucket first and the dirt is even easier to get rid of. Thanks Joe!