I was just wondering if there is any vacuum cleaner which does not require the filters to be replaced annually as these things add to the cost. Different vacuum cleaners have different technology or filters. Some filters are washable with water whilst some filters are not washable and needs to be replaced within 1 or 2 years depending on usage.

Currently my Karcher vacuum has 2 filters, the long-life filter and the HEPA filter. The long-life filter is said to be washable but I think there is a life span for this filter. Unfortunately this filter is not available to be purchased and for this reason I hope it will last as long as it could. For the HEPA filter, it is recommended that this HEPA filter is replaced in every 6 months.

Is there a vacuum that does not require any filter replacement? Basically a cost-free maintenance?

This post has been edited by Volkswagen2: Apr 26 2021, 03:23 PM

Filter usually made of paper or sponge, which is consumable parts. If there is, I think it will sell like hot cake

HEPA filter usually washable but make sure you dry it thoroughly under sun, else it will have a bad smells, at least it happens to my Electrolux and Deerma vacuum, the filter can last much longer than the suggestion if you maintain it well - My electrolux vacuum only did 1st change early Jan this year which last me about 5yrs. For Deerma HEPA filter I bought in bundle, average cost is about RM3+ each, which i have no worries on changing it once filled with dust.

For Karcher parts, you can go to Taobao and look for it, it's quite cheap compare to local seller - I owned Karcher K1 and bought lots accessories from Taobao which cost only half of the local selling price (including the sea ship cost from China to Malaysia).

This post has been edited by yhcyber: Apr 26 2021, 03:35 PM

u using for heavy duty or what ? if not better get those cordless

Actually there was..in the 80s National made a vac with a reusable cloth filter that u just needed to rotate a dislodger to softly dislodge dust.
In terms of HEPA memang fail la. I think its not rated for very fine particles.
It still kinda works for rough use e.g. cement dust from hacking although due to EOL for decades I can't even buy a new filter for it.

This post has been edited by ceo684: Apr 26 2021, 03:35 PM

THanks for the prompt response. I actually called Karcher last week to inquire. The filter that you mentioned is made from paper or sponge, for my model it is made of hard paper. I believe this is the "Long-Life filter". The Karcher representative mentioned they don't sell this filter and said I can wash it and reuse. Personally I am not sure if this filter which is made of paper can last long if it's continued to be washed by water. In the manual, it was mentioned that this filter should be replaced within 2 years.

For the HEPA filter, Karcher quoted RM90 for this. I was about to purchase but I thought of posting here first. So this HEPA filter can be bought from Taobao? I am not familiar with Taobao. I believe this is a Chinese website?

Can the long life filter (filter made from paper) be purchased also?

Not heavy duty. Just to vacuum high-pile carpet at home, 1 or 2 times a week. Usually cordless not enough suction power.

Yes, I still have one of these at home, more than 30 years old already. However, the suction power is not strong enough when compared to Karcher.

By the way, my Karcher is a VC5 Premium. I was told by Karcher that this model was just discontinued. THey are pushing the DS6 which looks quite good. However, this model also has the HEPA filter.

I didn't know the HEPA filter can be washed with water also. Must try one day..

Yes HEPA mostly made from hard paper, normal wash with tap water will do, do not soak it, or clean it with detergent, it's normal that it become darker color due to the dust trapped in between the filter. My suggestion is, go to open space, cover your nose, then knock it like old school duster on both side - you will see a lot of fine dust fly outs from the filter

Too bad if you can't read mandarin, I had search from Taobao official store, the link is below, maybe you can get someone that understand Chinese to help you out, or even buy from the link below
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=564311...d=3560933280488

I saw Ace Hardware also selling the Karcher vacuum, maybe you can try your luck with them

Edited : I read yours is VC5, which is RMB 79, around MYR 50+-, from above link

This post has been edited by yhcyber: Apr 26 2021, 04:01 PM

OK thanks. For the HEPA filter, I have not tried washing it with water yet. THe photo of the HEPA filter is as below.




As for the filter made of hard paper (Long-Life filter), I have tried washing it with water once after it got very dirty. Yes, it had to dry completely or else there would be a bad smell once the vacuum cleaner is in use. For this reason I don't wash it anymore but use my fingers to run along the hard paper to get the dust out, or as you say knock the filter on a hard surface just to get the dust out. The photo below shows the Long-Life cartridge made of hard paper.



Will check out the TAOBAO link and Ace Hardware in due time.

Luckily I posted here. I was about to order 3 units of HEPA filter from Karcher which will cost RM250+. Just cancelled the order.

This post has been edited by Volkswagen2: Apr 26 2021, 04:11 PM

Note that you generally should replace the cartridges once a year or once every two years, as the washing+knocking will eventually wear down and remove the fibres that give HEPA filters their particle-catching powers.

Otherwise just knock in a bin to loosen up dust, rinse under cold water, shake to remove excess water then let air dry completely for at least 24 hours (preferably under sun to prevent mold spores from settling in). I'd advise not to touch or brush the filter as that can wear down the filters faster.

Ok noted. With respect to the above steps to clean the HEPA filter to delay or prolong the replacement of a new filter, I presume you are only referring to the HEPA filter(square in shape) and not the long-life filter(round in shape) which is made from hard paper. Do you recommend the same cleaning for this long-life filter as well to prolong the life of the filter?

I haven't touched the HEPA filter yet. Actually I wasn't aware about this Hepa filter although I had been using the vacuum cleaner close to 2 years. I only knew about the Hepa filter after I checked the manual.

I only clean the long-life filter all this while everytime after vacuuming. The HEPA filter is still untouched.

I checked the Taobao link. From the picture it doesn't look like the long-life filter. I just checked the internet and found a shop in Sarawak which sells this long - life filter for the VC5 Premium. The price is RM42. However, I can't find the HEPA filter for the VC5.

https://innovestengineering.com/product/kar...ng-life-filter/

Really weird Karcher Malaysia does not sell this filter but someone else sells this.

At the meantime, will just use water to wash both Long-life and HEPA filters if they get serious clogs or very dirty.

At least I have found someone selling the long-life filter for RM42. I still can't find the HEPA filter(square shape) on the internet. Shopee has some Karcher filters for sale but they are all for other Karcher vacuum models.

Personally that kind of hard paper filter I'll just use gentle knocking in dustbin technique without washing with water (have something similar in a mattress vaccum), while I do think it can tahan brief rinse with water I'd rather not test my luck with our local humid weather after too often got bad luck with weather too many rainy/cloudy hours a day and the filter might get a funny smell anyway haha

Not only Karcher, but lots electrical companies in local also not carrying the replacement parts as well, like Electrolux, Elba, etc. Maybe that's not their major source of income

The item looks good, maybe can have a shot

Maybe you can PM the seller in Shopee and ask, sometimes they do carry but didn't put it on

The HEPA actually made of multi layer of papers + I-don't-know-what's-the-name materials, that's the reason it can catch the mold easily if didn't dry it thoroughly - that's the lesson i get from my current 3 vacuums (Wired, Wireless, Robot) when i clean the HEPA filter

https://shopee.com.my/product/9915388/51758...45-1619587553.9

Being using for more than 10 years since their 1st generation model. Currently own 5 units.