Finally Explained! The TWO Miele Vacuum FILTRATION options (AirClean & HEPA)

Finally Explained! The TWO Miele Vacuum FILTRATION options (AirClean & HEPA) as demonstrated on Miele Classic C1 HomeCare.
Understand what you're looking at when considering the purchase of a particular model of Miele vacuum cleaner. There are dozens of reasons for the price differences between the multitude of models offered.... For Example: the cheaper ones don't come with a HEPA filter! *What does "HEPA" even mean, what does it do, and how does that apply to the cleaning of your household?*
WATCH this simple video to learn more - and find out which level of filtration is right for you!
If you're local and excited to see/try a Miele vacuum in-person...Be sure to schedule a shopping appointment for yourself at www.QueenVacuum.com !
LEARN MORE about questions like:
- What is the best vacuum for pet hair?
- What is the best vacuum for allergies?
- What does HEPA filtration mean?
- Do I really need a HEPA filter vacuum?
- What is the best vacuum for carpet and rugs?
- What is the best vacuum for bare floors?
- What is a good lightweight vacuum cleaner?
- How often should a house be vacuumed?
- What are the signs you need to replace your vacuum?
- Why is my vacuum so smelly and gross?

[@junesousa3224]

I watched at least 3 other videos n none gave the information I was looking….now This young lady gave me all the information I was looking… I was so happy to find her video…. Easy to understand and more detailed….👍Thank you so much🎉

[@QueenVac]

Aww - thank you so much for your very kind compliment! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to watch and write. Happy vacuuming! PS - If you haven't already, it would help us SO very much if you would hit Like, then Subscribe and share with your friends :-) Thanks!

[@TheDivaFlava]

I must say you are awesome with the greatest instructions. I have the Miele C1 Brilliant since 2021. And it was worth every penny. I took it to a vacuum cleaner specialist I've trusted from my Mom's business. When I asked if they were familiar with these vacuums. They were & even sell them. I had them clean out my vacuum & it continues to work tough. The problem was my kid was vacuuming dog poop.

[@QueenVac]

Thank you SO much!! I appreciate the wonderful compliment, and you taking the time to watch and write :-) I have a Brilliant at home too! It's the BEST of the best indeed! But doggy doo is the worst....you may never get all the smell out of the hose (especially because it cannot be washed due to the electronics in the hose.) But good luck going forward and happy vacuuming! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@robwalton2007]

Nice video explaining the different filter options. The filter specs Rachel quoted for the basic AirClean cloth filter is equivalent to HEPA H10 - the lowest form of HEPA Filtration. It's the same filtration that bagless vacuums with pleated bin filters and Shark vacuums with the washable HEPA Filter on the exhaust have. Aerus Electrolux has used this same type cloth exhaust filter with their canister for decades. However, note that's for the GENUINE AirClean Filters that come with the genuine packs of Original Miele bags or that can be bought in 3 packs from a Miele dealer. If you're using genuine Miele bags & you're worried about allergies, honestly give them a try FIRST before putting a HEPA Filter in. I personally have allergies, and I have used the genuine bags & the genuine AirClean Filters & my allergies don't act up at all. Yes, it is their most basic form of filtration, BUT what Rachel should have REALLY EMPHASIZED in this video is just how fine the particles is that the genuine Original Miele AirClean bags capture. There's a REASON why your pre-motor filter always remains clean when using genuine bags in a Miele vacuum. What escapes those bags is so minute, that really only the most severe allergy sufferers would ever notice.

[@cafetero1]

Whats the HEPA or MERV rating for the genuine miele bags? I wonder what they filtration rating is

[@deedeetrbovich8525]

Can the Hepa filter be cleaned and reused?

[@QueenVac]

Sorry, NO they cannot be reused. Miele HEPA filters (the ones in the BAGGED models) are very fine, tightly-woven material that trap microscopic particulates from going into your breathing air. They are intended to be discarded and replaced after about 1 year (or 50 hours) of use. Triflex HEPA's can go 2-3 years, and should never be weeted! There may be SOME "HEPA" filters out there that advertise they can be washed, dried and re-installed. But my experience is that it's nominally effective.... This kind of material is so fine that it tends to hold the water, turn much of the dust to cement in the pores, and sometimes breed mildew! (as they don't dry easily or quickly.) Then, with partially-blocked pores, the vacuum struggles to "breathe" well and runs hot. Not good for performance or longevity! I hope that makes sense and helps :-) Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@gammondog]

Thanks for the explanation of the time strip. I originally thought that it worked like an egg timer and ran through the chemical reaction in a year regardless of usage. Now I understand that it runs more like a stopwatch. It starts with the heat of operation and stops when the vac is off. Makes more sense. By the way, I visited a cleaning channel that you once posted a comment on, cautioning the host about not using a house vacuum to vacuum up baking soda powder off a mattress. This was some years ago. Her recent video on freshening a mattress with powder now cautions the viewers to only use a shop vac. I thought you might remember and appreciate that your efforts extends beyond your immediate audience.

[@QueenVac]

So glad this info was helpful! I still like to change my own HEPA filter based on time. But that Timestrip really is a lifesaver for many of my customers who use their Miele waaaaay more than the average! They would have overheated the vacuum had it not been for the Timestrip's warning! And thanks for that neat little "blast from the part!" That definitely made my day :-) Thanks for watching and writing!

[@Call-me-Emilio]

Even Miele customer service couldn't help me figure out how to change from the AirClean to the HEPA filter. I was afraid that I was breaking my new C3 by pulling that cage out! This was perfect -- Miele should link it to their manual. Thank you!

[@user-yd9fe2gh4t]

Great job of explaining! Could you please review how to remove the Hepa filter? I'm struggling. Thanks!

[@QueenVac]

Thanks for watching and writing! And I'll add your suggestion to my list of videos to make one day. But for now, the HEPA filters are in there pretty tightly, as they have a nice rubber gasket all around. But they are designed to come out easily, with no tools. The HA30 hepa has a little "clip" thingy that comes down on the front.... if that's what you have, you'll want to pry that clip away from the casing first...once done it should break the seal and start to lift away. They also added a little gray rubber tab on the lower left side, which is another leverage point to lift up on. If your fingers are weak, you may need a screwdriver. if they're just slippery, try one of those rubber jar opener cloths for grip. The HA50 has no locking tab. It's really just a tight, pressure fit. Again, you can try a little leverage for prying up with a screwdriver, butterknife or chopstick. But really, it should just come out by your fingers alone. GOOD LUCK :-) PS - if you haven't already done so, please consider Subscribing... it would help us SO much!! :-)

[@emmbee1551]

Ahhhh! Thank you! Not sure why it's so hard to find this explanation but glad I finally did. :)

[@QueenVac]

So glad I could be of help! Thanks for watching and happy vacuuming! PS - if you haven't already done so, it would be so helpful if you'd consider subscribing :-) Thanks!!

[@suemccaffrey1748]

Thank you. I just bought a Miele C3. The written instructions are 🤷🏼‍♀️. You are a lifesaver!!

[@QueenVac]

Aww, thank you so much! I'm a visual learner, myself, so I live off of how-to videos! These are fun for me to do :-) And I agree...even Miele's instruction books are pretty lackluster and confusing! I'm so glad to have been of help :-) Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write :-) PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@lawriekimbrough2688]

Best instructions I've ever watched re: Miele filters !!!!!

[@QueenVac]

Aww, thank you so much! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write :-) PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@pythone.g.account5355]

thanks so much. it finally makes sense:- i was trying to figure out how to place that white filter pad into the hepa exhaust filter. the user guide was driving me nuts.

[@QueenVac]

You're NOT the first to struggle with that LOL! I'm so glad our video helped clarify things :-) Thanks for watching and writing!

[@jimfenlon8121]

Great video.. You should invest in a gimble for recording on your phone.

[@keithevans4643]

I couldn’t workout where this HEPA filter went until watching this video been using this hoover for a few years now without it. Do not do what I just did which is squeeze that bubble until it bursts that red ink makes quite the mess.

[@QueenVac]

So glad this video helped! Thanks for watching and writing :-) So sorry to hear about the INK accident though!!

[@misshanamai]

Thank you for the thorough and thoughtful explanation of when and why we should choose which filter. So appreciated. I could not find this detailed info anywhere. Will be ordering a HEPA filter ASAP!

[@QueenVac]

Yay - so glad this was helpful to you! Thanks so much for watching and writing :-)

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

C1 OR K2 SEBO? WHATS BEST@@QueenVac

[@QueenVac]

@BOOSTEDLASER Depends on your application.... If it's normal household stuff, I'd go with Miele. But if for some reason it's a more commercial application, SEBO is more commercial grade. Also be careful to compare "Apples to Apples", and make sure you're judging between the same tools/accessories packages. K2 Sebo's are pure suction, with a Turbo at best. (K3's are "electrified") A Miele C1 has the compact series (same setup as K2,) while the CLASSIC C1, at the top end can be equipped with an electric power nozzle (if you need to deeply, properly clean rugs and carpets.) Last consideration - your LOCAL vacuum store and service provider..... what brands to they carry and maintain. Either brand is a great vacuum, and a heavy investment. Best practice is to buy local from a real person who can help you pick the correct model AND repair/maintain it. Some dealers carry BOTH brands, which would be a win-win! Hope those tips help :-) PS - and if you haven't already, please consider SUBSCRIBING! It would help us SO much! :-)

[@DasaScent]

Great video. Is it normal that after 2 months new hoover its less suction then when I bought it new? Thanks

[@QueenVac]

Oh certainly.... vacuums can quickly lose suction when the bag gets full and/or filtration media gets clogged. Most Hoover's these days are BAGLESS... and bagless requires a great deal of dismantling and cleaning out to keep working like new. You would notice a slower, but steady, decline in suction in this case But ALSO - looks for overt CLOGS! (like socks, tissues, toys, etc.) We are most likely to pick up something large/awkward (that we shouldn't) when the vacuum is at its most powerful....when new, or just after service. The obstruction will block the airflow, and your suction will diminish pretty dramatically, and quickly. SOME clogs are quite small, like a stick, leaf or pin..... these won't fully block the hose. But other debris like hair, fur, and carpet fiber will CATCH on it and form a larger, obstructive clog more slowly. These are sneaky!! So inspect for clogs, then perform all the routine maintenance of the filtration system - and brushroller - as instructed for your model by the manufacturer. Best of luck! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@MrIhateposting]

very very helpful mmuch appreciated. Wasn't sure if we needed to have the thinner filter along with the HEPA.

[@QueenVac]

So glad this cleared up your question! Thank a million for watching and writing 🙂 PS - If you haven't already, it would help us SO very much if you would hit Like, then Subscribe and share with your friends :-) Every person counts! Thanks!

[@KO-vb4tg]

Thank you for making this video!

[@hellowill]

There's actually a 3rd. If you buy the XXL dustbag pack they give you fabric exhaust filters (NOT AirClean or HEPA).

[@sheilascanlon1565]

Thank you so much for this explanation. I read and reread the manual and could not for the life of me figure out that the Hepa filter replaced the standard filter. Can you tell me whether I need to replace the black filter that is attached to the lid or if I can just clean it? My C1 may be a lower end model, but it is an absolutely fantastic cleaning machine.

[@QueenVac]

You're welcome!! Glad it was helpful!! The black "filter" is really just an exhaust muffler...so NO, it's not something needing to be cleaned or replaced (your other filters do all that work already) And yes - there's nothing like a Miele (of any grade!!) Thanks for watching and writing :-) PS - if you haven't already done so, it would be so helpful if you'd consider subscribing :-) Thanks!!

[@karencowan3458]

GREAT information ! You are the QUEEN of VACUUM info !!!! Thank you

[@QueenVac]

Aww you are so sweet LOL! Glad to be of help :-) Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@edieweiss5797]

You are very thorough! Thank you for answering all my questions and more!!

[@QueenVac]

You are MOST welcome!! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write :-) PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@judyloring5390]

Very helpful video with information I have been unable to find elsewhere. Thank you!

[@QueenVac]

Oh I'm so glad this was helpful for you :-) Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@clinares7849]

Can I put both filters?

[@dianedenapoli3017]

Very clear and helpful instructions. Thanks so much!

[@QueenVac]

You are very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch and write :-) PS - if you haven’t already, please consider subscribing….. it would help us SO much! :-)

[@cindylynch2336]

Finally! An explanation for the HEPA filter for my Miele C3. Now I'm wondering about the 2 different filters that come in the Box with the vacuum bags. One is marked Miele AirClean (S240/250/290) and the other is marked S300, S2000, S4000-S8000. They both have a scissors emblem implying that they are to be cut to size and are for the pre-motor filter that is directly behind the vacuum bag? Covered by the blue plastic grate? Non of the markings are a precise fit for that filter spot. So - do I cut the soft AirClean filter to fit that space or the other one that has a rougher feel to it? Thanks for any info you can provide!

[@QueenVac]

Thanks for watching and writing! So glad this was helpful :-) If you're using a HEPA filter in your vacuum, the AirClean filter will be obsolete for you (that is, you will NOT use it - at all - anywhere in your vacuum.) Airclean is a very thin, basic exhaust filter, whereas the HEPA is a highly upgraded alternative exhaust filter. ** You use just one or the other., never both! ** Very old, or entry-level/budget models typically only come packaged with AirClean exhaust. The airclen fits inside (or under) a dark plastic spacer cage, that holds it close to the vac's body. But it's cool to note that ANY modern Miele can TAKE a HEPA if desired instead :-) So anyway - the only filter YOU will use from a typical package of bags, is that rougher, porous, pre-motor filter. Just follow the cut lines for your model series (found in the manufacturing sticker on the underbelly of your vacuum) as best you can. Or, you can simply MATCH UP to your old dirty filter, and cut to the same size. But yes - it's important that it matches the size of your vac's motor-intake port/grate - so that in case of a "bag accident," the loose debris doesn't all go into the motor... in other words, make sure it's not cut too small. When in doubt - sstart larger, then trim a little if necessary. (It's tempting to try and get two out of one filter, but both halves will be too small and useless LOL!) Hope that helps!

[@emmbee1551]

@QueenVac Thank you so much for explaining this so clearly!

[@sarahroyer4022]

Thank you for the information! Can you explain how I can get the black cloth filter on the lid, I've heard it referred to as the "muffler". I can't find a replacement for it. :(

[@QueenVac]

Thank for watching and writing Sarah :-) The black muffler is technically not part of the filtration system, and not something that is intended to be replaced. (So it's not something we stock, and I've never personally ordered one LOL!) But if yours is entirely missing for some reason - in a pinch - you could possibly take one of the Airclean fliters out of your next package of bags (or some other type of thin spongy material) cut it to size and press it into the lid. Again, it's not essential, but it does help diffuse the exhaust and muffle sound, if either of those are a bother to you :-) Good luck!

[@alexwoodhull5130]

I was just told by Miele that C1, C2 and C3 are all complete sealed systems and that is a big misconception that the C1’s are not. Where did you read that they aren’t? I would like to read it as well and get to the bottom of this.

[@QueenVac]

Thanks for watching and writing :-) That's very puzzling... So Miele themselves told you that the filtration systems are identical between all models of Miele? Out of curiosity, are you a consumer or vacuum dealer? And if a consumer, how did you contact Miele - was it on the phone through their helpdesk or some other resource? I want to be sure that we (and they) are on the same page being clear to the public about the specific, and very important differences between their products! Any details you can provide would be really helpful....thanks! Anyway, we (Queen Vacuum) have been a Miele dealer since 2009, around the time Miele introduced the "entry level" S2000 series (now called Classic C1). The difference in filtration potential, between these and their premium products, was an important difference that Miele emphasized to us as part of our manufacturer-direct technical and sales training. (In other words, it's not just some random info we obtained.) This new, less expensive model did NOT have what *Miele* called a "TRUE-SEALED System" (those are Miele's words) ... which they described to us as basically a *more advanced hermetic internal seal* that creates the highest level of filtration they offer. In other words, if you ran two different model series - both with hepa filters and all others things being equal - the "True Sealed" model had the least particle emission (as measured by a particle counter.) And I've seen a demonstration of that in-person. One of the places the difference was actually visible was around the bag compartment at the lid-to-body seal. There was NO big fat gasket on the S2/C1's. Over the years, we've seen it get added, then get taken away again. Right now, the model in my showroom has a gasket. C1 classics are still very nice machines.... however there (in our professional opinion - being their guts all day every day) there is a significant difference in the fit & finish details between Classic C1's and C3's for instance. All of that factors into performance and filtration.... but I suppose the only way to settle it 100% is to not take anyone's word for it...try them in person and use a particle counter to verify if the standards are hype or true! But when customers disclose to me that they have very serious medical issues and/or allergies - I don't take any chances - I encourage them to buy what I was directly trained on as the most effective solution. So I truly do apologize - IF Miele has published some new literature with different specifications than we were provided in our dealer resources, and/or changed the way they *describe* or measure some of the differences in their machines and filtration - I've not been made aware of it LOL! Thanks again for your time! PS - If you've not done so already, please consider SUBSCRIBING! It would help us SOOOO much!!!

[@tresayung2850]

Thanks much for this in-depth demo! VERY HELPFUL!!! 🎉 I too have the question about the Carbon Filters: I have pets, and would like to reduce smells w/ carbon but ALSO need HEPA filtration due to other allergies, is there a dual Carbon / HEPA filter option for that case?? OR does the HEPA filter alone actually cover both issues?? Thanks much. 😊

[@Magnetar83]

Is it normal for the vacuum to make a hissing sound when the HEPA filter is installed on a C3?

[@QueenVac]

No, hissing is NOT normal! Check again to make sure that the filter is indeed seated all the way down, flush with the vacuums body. Also, make sure that the grey rubber gasket around the HEPA isn’t twisted or folded…. If it is - air will flow incorrectly around/through it (and can act like a harmonica LOL!) Take it out, then carefully reinstall…. If there WAS a fold, you might have to encourage it to lay flat again by pushing the rubber back into place with a screwdriver or pencil as you push the filter down into place. This is a little more common with HA50 hepa’s like on C3’s or compact models (as opposed to other models using HA30. Also make sure your filter is GENUINE Miele! Many times I’ve seen fake filters installed perfectly correct, but because the fitment is poor, they’ll hiss. Hope that helps and thanks for watching! (PS - if you haven’t already- please consider subscribing….it would help us so much!)

[@BrumBrym]

We liked the punches a lot ! 😂

[@shellaway]

Is the Cat & Dog charcoal filter a HEPA filter? Does it catch the same particles as the HEPA filters that come with the other C3s? I heard you say that the charcoal filter does not have HEPA media in it. I am concerned about allergens.

[@user-lt8pe3bm8q]

Excellent instructions. Thank you

[@QueenVac]

Thank you so much for watching and writing :-) Glad I was able to help!

[@lovelight1133]

thank you so much for the detailed instructions!!!

[@QueenVac]

You’re most welcome! Thanks so much for watching and writing :-) PS - if you haven’t already, please consider subscribing…. It would help us so much!! :-)

[@paulschalk4812]

Thank you very much, for your advice ❤💥🌸🙏🙏🙏

[@DasaScent]

If there is no red light indicator when hose is lifted but then goes all red when I put it on floor what does it mean? Thanks

[@QueenVac]

That "indicator" you see is not a light, actually...but a mechanical strain-gauge that will give you a visual clue as to the vacuum's air-flow... When the airflow is blocked or restricted too much, you will see that little orange tab inside the pull over into view. So there are a few things that will trigger that indicator..... When the Bag is full / When the filter is clogged / When there is a CLOG in the hose or Wand / when you are using TOO HIGH SUCTION on a particular surface / or are cleaning a surface that itself is very restrictive (like this carpeting, the couch, etc.) *I THINK* based on what you're describing. is just that you're seeing the "airflow restriction" that naturally happens when you put your cleaning tool to the floor. I can't advise specifically without knowing WHICH TOOL you're using, and exactly what FLOORING TYPE you're going over... But if you're seeing great restriction, AND especially if your wand/tool feels DIFFICULT to move on the floor....you're using TOO MUCH SUCTION. Use your control panel on your Miele to dial the suction down a little until it feels easier to move. This means the airFLOW is restored and it will actually clean better!! This is most common when you're vacuuming a RUG, versus bare floors. Rugs are restrictive....you need to give it a little "breathing space" by reducing suction, and/or raising the brushroller height on the electric power nozzle (if you have one) If you're feeling this on BARE floors just using a combination floor nozzle tool - make sure you have the toggle switch set to Bare Floors (parquet symbol) so that the bristles are extended OUT onto the floor. If you accidentally use it in carpet mode on bare floor (with the bristles retracted inside) the nozzle will suction-cup to the floor. You'll see great restriction, be hard to move, and scratch your floors!! Sorry - that was a lot of detail LOL!! Hope it all made sense and helps :-) If not - please write back with more specifics as to what you're cleaning, and with which tool 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@WendyMcPherson-sy9qb]

Great and informative video. Thanks

[@QueenVac]

Yay! Glad this was helpful :-) Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@desertpotter1003]

Thanks, needed this video right now 😊

[@QueenVac]

Oh that's great - so glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to write :-) PS - If you haven't already, please consider subscribing - it would help us SO much!!

[@antonionunes8148]

Hey, nice explanation, nice video. Thanks

[@QueenVac]

You are most welcome - Thanks for watching and writing!! PS - If you haven't already, it would help us SO very much if you would hit Like, then Subscribe and share with your friends :-) Thanks!

[@reallywontsufferfools1620]

you dont need miela hepa filter, buy hepa filter anywhere cut to fit container sorted and cheaper

[@iv.d.p5226]

Great. I get it now.

[@QueenVac]

Oh wonderful! :-) Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write! PS - If you haven't already, please consider Subscribing....it would help us more than you know :-)

[@StephenBeale]

Very helpful, 👍🏻

[@QueenVac]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to watch, write and subscribe :-)

[@lizireland-skies]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@QueenVac]

Hooray! So glad :-) PS - if you haven't already done so, it would be so helpful if you'd consider subscribing :-) Thanks!!

[@lizireland-skies]

@@QueenVac 👍 just did 😊

[@karengolson6296]

Great information! Thank you so much

[@QueenVac]

Glad it was helpful!