There are quite a number of scenarios where you may contemplate using your vacuum without a filter but the main question is, should you use a filterless vacuum for cleaning?

For one, vacuum cleaning without the filters attached will get your instrument faster to its wearing out limit. The pores will get clogged easily and that will greatly affect the performance of the machine.

So, for example, let's assume you are doing your routine maintenance on your machine and in that vein, you have removed your filters, washed and left them to dry and there is need to do your vacuum cleaning. In such a scenario, going ahead with your vacuum cleaning will still be allowed but under the condition that you use the machine to clean wet surfaces or wet debris only - that way, there is a low chance of it getting clogged faster.

What's the primary function of a filter?

Without the filter attached to the vacuum cleaner, dirt particles will only be sucked in but the bad air from it will still find a way to get back into the environment. The filter functions more as an absorbent that traps dirt and dust from the air that's sucked into the vacuum cleaner, thereby providing a more pristine cleaning function.

What are the different classes and types of filters

Most vacuum cleaners today are built with a more sophisticated filtration system, there are hardly any filterless vacuum cleaners around.

Two major classes of filters

There are two major classes of filters that come with modern vacuum cleaners. They are:

● Primary filters

Like the name implies, what the primary filters do is to trap as much dirt and dust from the air that's sucked into the vacuum cleaner before it gets released back into the environment.

● Secondary filters

The secondary filters on the other hand add a more filtering finesse by further purifying the air that gets sucked in before releasing to the environment. The secondary filters do the excruciating job of filtering tiny particles like microbes and allergens which may be missed by the primary filters.This way, they assure you of a microbe and germ-free environment to a large degree.

The varying types of filters

Now that we have gotten an idea of major classes of filters in the vacuum cleaner, let's take it a notch further by looking into the the varying types of filters that makes up the filtration system of a vacuum cleaner.

● Cartridge filters

these filters are found in most vacuum cleaners in existence today. There can't be isolated into one class alone as they can both function as a primary and secondary filter. These filters are designed in a way that are not meant to be washed or cleaned but replaced as at when due. However, you could detach every once in a while and tap the dust particles off it to ensure optimal performance.

● Foam Filters

 As opposed to the cartridge filters, these filters are reusable. So you can wash, dry and reuse for quite a number of times, only to be replaced when you discover that it's not functioning as it ought to. These filters are more classified under the secondary filters as they mainly help to further purify the air that's been separated from the  dusts and dirt.

● Disk filters

these filters are not found in most of the vacuum cleaners you will find around, you will mostly find them in the portable and cordless vacuum cleaners. These filters look a lot more like coffee filters you will find in coffee machine and are highly efficient in filtering dust particles from the air sucked into the machine.

● Cloth filters

These are the oldest and longest-existing filters among the lot discussed here. When filters started getting incorporated into vacuum cleaners, they were the first type of filters that were adopted into it. They fall under the primary filters class. You will most likely find them in larger vacuum cleaners that are used to clean bigger spaces like in industrial settings. And as expected, these filters are designed in a way that they can be rewashed and reused for a number of times before they get worm out completely.

There are more filters that can be considered under the types, like the HEPA filters which are designed to trap undetectable microns from the air that is sucked into the vacuum cleaner.

Your vacuum cleaner will work at a very poor performance if you use for a long period without making any move to maintain routinely. Wash and dry the filters that are meant to and replace the ones that are meant to. The machine guide will fill you in on the types of filters that are embedded in your vacuum cleaner. Your routine filter maintenance should happen monthly. This should also help you be conversant with other things that may be wrong with your machine earlier.

So, can you use a filterless vacuum cleaner for cleaning? Yes. Is it advisable? No.