Never buy a Shop Vac filter again

[@AN-kg4ei]

I'm not a filter engineer but have used old socks for this purpose for years. My shop vac is 25yrs old and still works like new. Mens cheapie sport socks will stretch over the filter housing even if it seems impossible. I like the paper towel idea though but wanted to add another alternative as the sock lasts many, many uses...

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

Old socks also work well on sanders if you can't find the bag to catch sawdust.

[@nextellcup8]

@@HotspotsSoutheast that’s what i been using for the last two months now lol

[@dutch1777real]

I use old shirts, been doing so for years.

[@jakuehn]

Thanks! Our model is old enough we can't easily buy the replacement filter. I contacted Sears Parts, and the filter would have cost 47.80, when I could buy a new vacuum for not much more. But ours still works fine! So I'm off to fashion a filter after your recommendations. I really appreciate it!

[@communicator49]

I used shop vacs for over 40 years for my car detailing at large car dealerships a lot of dirt and moisture so I would use shop paper towels as filters quite often instead of buying new expensive filters. I used rubber bands or zip ties to hold them in place. Nice to see I had a similar right idea to save money many years ago.

[@twoweary]

Yes, I used rubber bands over 1 ply of paper towels too. I'll see how it looks in a few weeks but I think it'll work just fine.

[@heathermelohn]

Yep and some car rates small vacs come with just that only a fabric or towel type material with just a rubber band to hold it in place over exhaust

[@diylifter2934]

After checking my shop vac filter today, I am definitely going to use this hack. Thank you! FYI - I don't mind the music very 90's training video vibe!

[@canadude6401]

To be honest, I was much more impressed with the outdoor placement of shopvac and connecting PVC pipe into the shop! One could lose one's hearing with the very loud Shopvac!

[@4K68]

I liked the video and the idea, but the crucial thing in my opinion is having the shopvac outdoors. I think the nitty gritty of the filtration system and what you use become quite important when you have the shopvac inside, because you don't want to let those fine particulates out of the shopvac. See this video for some context if needed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmK9ZH-HirKlqdU

[@MADDLADO1]

"Never buy a Shop Vac filter again." In my local hardware store, here in small town Alaska, they are $49.00 EACH !!! I DEFINITELY need an alternative. Thanks for your upload.

[@METALMAN4Wii]

Amazon Bro.

[@MADDLADO1]

@@michaelmuncy3593 WHAT?

[@MADDLADO1]

@@michaelmuncy3593 Bullshit

[@MADDLADO1]

@@michaelmuncy3593 paper towels aren't industrial dry filters for a shopvac buddy. I'm still running that shit. You're being fecesious lol.

[@wesleyburke7514]

I use my leaf blower... Cleans the filter and the canister.... makes an awesome cloud of dust the neighbors love it

[@davidfox8827]

I hit my charcoal grill with my leaf blower once, that pissed the neighbors off, haha

[@andrewvelasquez3640]

Lol, I bet!

[@caljader3388]

I'm going to try that right now,,lol !😆✌️

[@darrellsaturnbigfoot]

I use the gas leaf blower to clean out my fire pit. The one one from Costco. Only when neighbours are at work 😂😂😂

[@privateburke1st]

I actually just use the shop vac reversed.

[@georgedargoltz5118]

Hey Bill. Thanks very much tried it yesterday with the blue shop towels and it seems that suction has actually increased in my 5 gal shop vac.. been buying filters for years at $15 a pop.. easy to clean and long lasting as the blue shop towels are stronger. 5 bucket fulls of sawdust and still going strong .. thank you for sharing.

[@Muffinshaker]

Use several layers of cheese cloth and rubber bands. It can be brushed clean even washed. Works with wet/dry as well and sturdy.

[@wileecoyote5749]

The filter that comes with Rigid shop vac I've cleaned and let dry at least 20 times now. They are well made and can handle the pressure from water hose to clean up.

[@j.mccarthy3008]

This was very helpful not to mention saving the money! Glad you added the music so the tiny brain folk had something to complain about!!!

[@pullingthestrings5233]

You tiny sausage folks really love getting distracted with music so you can forget about your 3 incher 😂

[@TheWilferch]

Been using paper towels wrapped around the cylindrical framework of the filter holder.....now for 20 or more years. Use rubber bands to hold in-place. Done. Not spending $25 for factory filters.

[@DeadThumbGamer]

Simple is what simple does Forrest! My favorite part is when he says "you don't have to know anything fancy. Just whether it works or not, Brilliant!

[@jeffhammack7400]

I’m Impressed! Inventors are mostly just people who constantly see a better way and design it! A simple application that saves you a ton of money. I love it! Thanks my friend.

[@ceeweedsl]

A quick search shows paper towels might filter well down to 20 microns which is not bad. Most shop vac cartridges will filter well down to around 3 microns. Fein claims 1 micron for their standard one. HEPA even more. My takeaway: "do buy vac filters, preferably cleanable ones and maintain them. Paper towels outside of your cartridge will act as a prefilter but don't use paper towels alone unless you have no better option or don't care about the amount of dust in the air. For cleaning a car, paper towels should be fine as long as car outside or door open.

[@tomj528]

Likely that works fine if your shopvac is outside but if it's inside it will exhaust fine particles which are the most damaging to lungs. I bought a Clean Stream Gortex filter that filters down to .5 microns a little over 25 years ago. It works great, cleans easily and can even be used "wet" and has been well worth the cost. My shopvac is my workshop's dust collection system along with 2.5" collection hose and fittings and does a great job and keeps the air clean too.

[@justinthyme7275]

I bought pool skimmer filters 30 for $15 on Amazon. They work perfect, just slip one over the filter. No screen needed since it has elastic to hold it in place.

[@rhollyday]

I just blow out the stock pleated filter with compressed air trigger nozzle. Still using the original filter since 1993.

[@omaricon8859]

Heeeeyyyy that's my guy, I do the same thing bro.

[@electroluxlad]

Rich I had the problem with mine of the rubber rots away

[@STV-H4H]

So long as you are careful to never forget to remove the filter when vacuuming up liquids, especially urine, and then failing to promptly rinse the canister (as well as filter if you failed to remove it first) you can make a filter last a long long time. My mistake was forgetting to thoroughly rinse the piss out of the filter, and discovering weeks later that it not only smells fucking awful but having to now vacuum up your own barf after seeing the rotting mess inside the canister and filter after the moldy piss inside has come to life. That vacuum would be around 20 years old by now. Memories.

[@rhollyday]

I leave the filter installed for vacuuming water. I used to bash filter against trash can or fence to remove dust before I recently started blowing it out. It's a tough bugger. 28 years of abuse. But no piss.

[@rhollyday]

@@electroluxlad Yeah my filter rubber has a couple small cracks, but still works.

[@chuckjohnson4048]

I didn't even notice the music. Guess I'm not as sensitive to it as others. Gonna try the PT trick along with a vortex device. Great vid, thanks.

[@mariad4183]

This was a GREAT video! Your outdoor access is SUPER impressive too! Thank you for the info dear

[@bluegrallis]

I use my shop vac to move and clean shelled corn for my corn burning stove. The first year I used it, I couldn't believe how much very fine white powder kept plugging my filter up every week. I bought a small plastic cyclone for under $15 and mounted it on a lid for a 5 gallon plastic bucket. The vac sucks on the top center hole of the cyclone, and your suction hose hooks to the side hole. I can use the shop vac all winter, moving more than 150 bushel of corn and the filter doesn't get enough dust in it to notice. ALL the dust goes in the 5 gallon bucket, which is very easy to dump. 3 years of use now, and I'm still on the original shop vac filter. Hint, you may have to adapt you hose to fit the cheap cyclone dust collector. LOTS of "KITS" are available online for twice the money, but I have no idea if they are made to fit certain shop vac hoses. Now I may add a paper towel to my shop vac filter to get 10 years use out of it.

[@Casper_Espresso]

That was brilliant. The wire mesh makes a great deal of difference, and paper towels are so incredibly cheap. Thanks for a great video

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

"Bounty" ... its the quicker picker upper !

[@johnslaughter5475]

I just ordered new bags. They're going to take almost 2 weeks to get here. Can't wait. I took one of the old t-shirts I keep in the shop and wrapped it around the paper filter. That's 2 layers of fabric. Pulling it tight, I used safety pins to secure it. I cut off all the excess using pinking shears. I will check out how it's working in a few days. Suction is still great. The best thing is that these are washable.

[@freebirdsafety]

A much easier way is this. Cut the top section of an old wool work sock when you blow out the heal and get a whole. The top section that goes up the leg can be stretched over the cage. No mesh needed, No rope, no nothing. One huge advantage is No need for a change over from dry to wet. just keep going. When the vac. bucket is full and your going to dump it, but on a new up section of a wool work sock. After all they do come in twos right.

[@mariad4183]

This is an AWESOME tip! I'm even wondering if an old stretch pantleg would do? Thank you so much dear! Will try this for sure!

[@kevinsuleiman2895]

I'm glad you showed me this because those shop vacuum filters at home depot go for $30 that's a rip off considering that the shop vacuum costs $79.

[@ibleebinU]

It's kind of what ink is for a printer.

[@GearheadStew]

Great tip! I have a small shop vac that I use to vacuum vehicles and the filters cost more than the vacuum is worth, I'll give this a shot! :)

[@fedup7416]

I just went out and bought new filters for my shop vac. One day later this is on my youtube page. Big brother !!!

[@sandspar]

Been using paper towels as underwear for years. Saved a ton of money on water, electricity, and detergent. Blue ones for Sundays and dates.😉

[@bentorres925]

Hahahahahw hilarious

[@marclapointe368]

A short video, right to the point, Excellent. One channel that I will be exploring. Thanks

[@milktobo7418]

Also, mask-up and use an air compressor to clean out a filter. Most shop-vac filters can be re-used many times.

[@codycharles7147]

Finding N95 masks these days is a difficult task. To many scared people using them for the wrong thing.

[@susansg2419]

I don’t use my shop vac a lot. But enough to need cleaning a few times a year. I’ve never bought filters. I thump the worst gunk out into the trash (outside) , and pick the pleats clean with a bamboo skewer and thump it again. It’s a pain, but beats buying new filters. This is the tip I’ve been hoping for.

[@MrAustin61]

This video helped me immensely. I had an old shop vac that I did this too. The motor died shortly afterwards. I bought a new Dewalt vac that I love. Thanks for the tip.

[@Pro1er]

I've been using Bounty as a pre-filter over my paper filters for years now. The paper towel traps the larger particulates, but when I clean my primary filter there is still a lot of dust that gets caught, so if you use your vacuum indoors it might be a better to leave the primary filter in place. For my shop I use a cyclone ahead of the dust collector filter.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

Egg - Zactly ... !

[@shawnr771]

Great tip. I also use a exhaust filter when working in peoples houses. Some stuff especially drywall always gets through. The factory exhaust filter is a foam encased in a plastic vent. I wrapped the vent in paper towel for one added layer of protection.

[@Jeff-ql3tg]

Every once in a while an idea, something unique yet simple comes along and changes my life forever.

[@larrythompson2967]

I saw this video when you first posted it and I have been using it ever since. I have even put paper towels in our household "bag less" units. It works very well! Thanks for the great tip!

[@frostwolfnetwork6156]

I have a HEPA filter on my shop vac. When it comes time to empty the vac, I just clean the filter by blowing it off with an air compressor. You can reuse dry filters on shop vacs as long as they're not torn or exposed to water.

[@AK-tx1vg]

HEPA filters are awesome, totally agree. No amount of paper towels will filter out those too-small dust that gets into our lungs.

[@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell]

High pressure air creates gaps in the fibers leaving the filter more porous and allowing dust to pass through.

[@frostwolfnetwork6156]

@@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell Never knew that. I've done it all the time and the filter works fine. Just don't use too much pressure. A leaf blower works too.

[@Member-el4zo]

I use the blue shop rolls. More durable than paper towels and seem to be made out of the same material as the filters. Don't need to use the screen just goes on like a regular filter. This is on a smaller shop vac, on a larger Rigid one I use their reusable filters. Probably will filter finer particles. Seems to work just fine.

[@convincedquaker]

Viva paper towels are awesome. Better than Bounty.

[@jimsmith4005]

I just wash my OEM pleated filters when they get dirty. Even though the filter medium is paper, I found that I can hose them clean with a garden hose and a nozzle set on shower. It takes a few minutes of spaying until the runoff is clear, but it gets the job done. Set the wet filter aside for a couple days until its completely dry and its good to go. I've been cycling two filters for a few years and they perform like new ones.

[@tpcoachfix]

I do the same thing. Use an old paint brush to clean off the heavy stuff before you rinse it. Have two so you'll always have a clean one.

[@robertskinner6487]

Great idea but what I use is a leg from an old pair of sweat pants.I tie a knot in the end that hangs down the extra length gives more filtration area thus less suction loss as the dust builds up on the filter.

[@h2oecho]

I'm pretty sure if you use bags the filter wont ever get clogged, the dirt is contained and the suction will always be constant.

[@ndn2589]

Yah your 100% correct on that

[@EV1L1369]

Watched this video a couple of years ago. Thought no way this is going to hold up around here. Boy was I very wrong! This is a great alternative. On my 3rd "filter" now. Everyone that has seen it was amazed how clean the inner wraps are. Great video and thank you👍💪

[@engineershomeworkshop2692]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@kenea3226]

You didn't need the music, otherwise, great tip.

[@paulgaunt9481]

Yes, it caused me to almost abort mission… But I hung in there and yes, a great tip. Thank you.

[@DanielSmith-uz6vh]

How about wrapping a roll of paper towels around that music.

[@rockitlikeawolf]

....and then setting it on fire!

[@mitchellandre268]

lmao

[@katweasel4996]

that was great musik and I'm very angry that you don't like it so I'm going to slash all the cars tires in my neighborhood.

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 lmao can't stop laughing

[@raybin6873]

Well...if it was bluegrass..it'd be different!😁

[@guyh.4553]

Oh my gawd! That is so stupidly simple! Absolutely love it! And I love how/where you located your vac too!

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Mine fell apart years ago. I rarely use it inside my house, so I never replaced it. MUCH better suction than with any filter. I still wrap the cage with screen to keep debris out of the motor.

[@lucdrouin2625]

Thanks for the wonderful tip sir. I was getting tired of the exploitation. Filters are way over priced. I'm thinking of using large dollar store microfiber cloth as something that might work as well.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

Someone did a video attempting to utilizing a microfiber pillow case as a collection bag / pre-filter and that ex Erment failed miserably.

[@ifmimow]

I just spent $15 us for three filter bags. I'll hang on to those and try this. I would have been so afraid of harming my motor somehow but I trust you so I'll do it. Thank you for helping me to save money, subscribing right now

[@x-man5056]

What you've done works. But...I regularly clean my factory filter and bag cover. As long as you do not vacuum up liquids, it works fine. After shaking and knocking off the loose stuff, I use a plastic bristle parts cleaner brush (dedicated to this purpose), then compressed air, about 30psi is plenty. Be careful not to breach the filter element. Works great. I have the same filter for 15 years. Works on house vacuum filters also.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

Make certain to pre- filter that hose to your lungs with a face mask or respirator when you reintroduce all those dust particles (allergens, bacteria & viruses) back into the atmosphere ; your lungs are basically the pleated filter cartridge @ the far end ... !

[@autoadjuster]

I started using a HEPA filter on my shop vac, I use it inside the house and the HEPA filter catches all the dust. I started using it for dry wall dust and it works well. I think for catching saw dust the paper towels will work well. I will start using them in the shed and outside. FYI I blow out my filter often with my compressor as it extends the life.

[@briangc1972]

Using compressed air on a HEPA filter damages the filter by opening the pores in the media and you lose the small particle filter capability

[@moss8448]

A Scum Sock works good as an outer cover too. Have had my Shop-Vac since the `80s but the PT is a good idea too.

[@davidszakacs6888]

Paper towels, schmaper towels. I have a Craftsman vac bought in 1990, that is on it’s second filter. I use compressed air to blow it out when needed and maybe once or twice a year soak the filter in soapy water and rinse. A Sears salesman told me the soaking trick.

[@fishrrelaxing9361]

Neat trick but a cyclone type unit before the actual filtering unit costs almost nothing and makes emptying 100x easier. Although when I neglect my cyclone unit it will quickly throw dust into the filtering unit so I will likely use this trick to modify the cyclone units prefilter.

[@TingTingalingy]

This video is amazing. I grew up with so many hacks that insisted engineers were the dummies. Looking back, all those who so boastfully sneared at engineers, all had junk vehicles, junk homes and we're always broke. Thank you for proving them wrong yet again.

[@daveb8378]

I think it’s awesome that you changed into your shorts when removing that filter then changed back into your jeans afterwards.

[@nillers531]

Also his shirt was different too. It could have been his neighbor or friend changing the filter. Lol

[@jiujitsuforall8627]

Perfect timing!!! I have a 2.5 gal shop-vac and just ran out of filter bags, checked Amz, and was a bit shocked at the prices! Gonna go this route! Thanks!

[@roadrunner8428]

I have been cutting sections of my furnace hepa filters to use in the same manner. Heck your way is cheaper and a roll of paper towels will last me months if not years. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidwoolsey2300]

I admire the kindness of your responses to the comments section, and, I intend to try out your method. Thanks for taking time out of your day to help us find good alternatives to commercial products which are sometimes overpriced.

[@pappysproductions]

When you pulled off the screen, I thought it was your paper towel filter. I thought to myself, " Is this a joke?, that didn't work at all. Look at all that dust on the motor . I've used blue shop towels and tape . That screen and rope take it over the top. Great idea, my man!

[@theondebray]

Excellent idea. I have a home made modified lid for my (UK) wheelie bin (= garbage can, US), so all the dirt is blasted into that before being sucked into the vac. Works a treat on big jobs.

[@josephmeza1432]

Ive owned my shop vac for over 15 years and it works perfectly with the original filter

[@michaelweymouth4015]

I used to manage at a mill that made the paper for a well known oil filter. I sure bounty quality probably pretty close to the same porosity. We never tested it but it would have been interesting to compare papers to air filter specs. Thank you for the wake up call.

[@snap-off5383]

I soaked an original filter and then peeled the wet paper off, leaving the rubber melded to the wire mesh cylinder, then wrapped breathable foam around it, to use as a "washable wet filter" works great.

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

I would never have thought of using a paper towel for my shop vac and was really glad to see how you did it. Buying filters at the big box stores is Highway Robbery~! Thanks for the tip and I will be picking up some good quality paper towels shortly~!

[@Adam-zw1ck]

😂

[@feesor]

I put a sock over my mini Shop-Vac and for my large one I had extra screen, left over from the screen door I wrapped it around the filter area secured it with rubber band. I'm like a walking Heloise hints, I haven't paid for a haircut since 1993 by using my own clippers lol

[@clarkgriswold2480]

Wow. I've been blowing out my filters with my air compressor because I'm too cheap to buy a new filter. Now i can start using this method. Thank you for sharing!

[@AndrewJDN]

I have no idea why the algorithm pushed this into my feed (now) but I’m so very glad it did! This is an Insider’s tip that is the epitome of the ‘KISS’ principle. I’m going to buy a nice Scotch with the money you just saved me. Cheers to you, sir.

[@billstanley4819]

Back before pleated cartridge filters were available, I used the disposable blue shop wipes/towels to make my own pleated filter. The old 30 gallon craftsman shop vac had plenty of room inside to fit about 10 square feet of this filter. This filtered great and was surprisingly durable. Fast forward to today, I’m using the current state of the art cartridge filters. Never look back. Stay safe!

[@mrBDeye]

I shake out the blue shop vac filter and reuse over and over again without issues for 10 yrs.

[@feesor]

I do the same thing you are very intelligent. I also do the same thing with my mower air filter. For my car I bought a lifetime washable air filter

[@davidlubinski2919]

Great piece. Saves me having buy more filters.

[@assassinlexx1993]

I put a piece of foam filter around the blue filter. Most of the dust gets trapped on the foam. Don't have to put the blue filter out very often just slip off the foam and tap tappy tap tap it is clean

[@edsmith4414]

I have an old 'suitcase' style Sears vac I love, but can't find filters that fit it anymore. Thanks for the tip....I've got plenty of paper towels and screen wire. Off to create my own !

[@briteness]

I was literally going to go to the box store to buy a shop vac filter this afternoon. Change of plans!

[@timmorrow9780]

I've been using the blue shop towels for about 4 years with no problems in suction and less air borne particulates.

[@charlesbryant3515]

Won't be using paper towels these days. We need it for toilet paper.

[@davidh7300]

What's wrong with your shirt?

[@markhedger6378]

@@davidh7300 hi's mum boiled it up for soup

[@bzcup]

You can still use it as toilet paper after you get it out of the shopvac.

[@brucebeamon5460]

WOW REALLY THANK YOU ... I was just at lowes about to buy an EXTRA filter for my vac after taking the 1st ( TOO SMALL extra one back ) but decided against after seeing the $ 24 price tag .... ALL I need now is some screen . And I’ll be DEFINITELY using this tip from now on

[@michaelmyers425]

Thank you for your help and cost savings idea!

[@1waukesha]

Awesome! Im totally doing this. I was about to buy a new filter, But can’t easily find the right one, and its too darn expensive anyway! Thank you!

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

For the air purifiers in my house (I have allergies to pollen and mold), once the factory filter is clogged up, I replace it with Swiffer dust sheets. And if I need extra purification I'll add a thin layer of charcoal filter. You would not believe how much dirt gets stuck to those Swiffer sheets after a few weeks! I use mostly the unscented Swiffer sheets, but if there is a strong odor in a room I'll use 1 scented sheet and two unscented. This is usually way more than you need. If you have allergies to perfume I would just use unscented. I have also used fabric softener sheets in a pinch, but they are usually very strong scented and don't collect the dust quite as well as Swiffer sheets. You can also put the Swiffer sheets inside your air duct covers, though I recommend you replace them often or they get really nasty due to the AC humidity. The charcoal filters also work well and don't collect the moisture as bad.

[@markhedger6378]

Get yourself some pure turpentine (pine oil)and spray it around your home regularly it will destroy mold spores and bacteria and help get rid of your allergies and it has a nice fresh smell good luck

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

If I smell mold in the air I will sometimes spray some bleach into the air intake on the AC. The bleach also opens my sinuses a bit more and makes it easier for me to breath. But putting strips of charcoal filter in the air ducts also works well.

[@michealadams1206]

Thank you very much Sir. Your tip makes a great amount of sense! And I appreciated that mentioning Bounty as a high-end filtation media is important to consider, not for the name or endorsing the brand but that Bounty is factually a good choice because of it's quality & fiber mesh build although 2 complete rappings (or 3) around is needed as well. I also admired how you choose your desired screen style & gauge to act as an outer skeleton & framework for the paper towel. I'll be trying your idea too! I only wonder where I'll end up finding the exact screen type & gauge to be used. I also believe both the exhaust air will come out fairly clean (with 2 to 3 inner towel wraps) & the inner motor bearings should avoid much wear from this filtration choice as well. Of course one would need to occasionally tap-out (clean out excess vacuumed debris) from this filtration rig until a new towel raps are replaced. And finally, I can see only needing an appropriate large & think rubber band size & tension to be used to seal the bottom of the rigged filter.

[@casmithc2]

I got more from seeing that your compressor and vacuum are OUTSIDE your shop. Great idea!

[@rickprice407]

One add on I recommend is to get an Onieda Dust Deputy. I spendt maybe an hour after it arrived downloading a template to mount it on a 5 gallon bucket, cutting the holes and ounting it. Once installed it dumps literally 98%+ of the dust and debris in the bucket and it never even goes to the filter. Paper towel is geat depending on how small the particles are. I use an N-95 mask with the woods we work with that can be irritants or toxic. I've had a HEPA filter in mine for about 3 years and cleaned it once even though it wasn't really needing it. I empty the bucket about twice a month. Dust Deputy has saved me hundreds.

[@smithderf]

What is being overlooked is why store bought filters have pleats. More surface area. More surface area means longer time periods between filter attention. Much longer time periods. Convenience is worth something.

[@kerrygibbs8198]

Great tip from someone that knows what he’s talking about!! Thanks for helping the rest of us!

[@perropulgoso3351]

Please leave the music out next time, what's the need. Thanks for the idea, instead of paper towels I'm trying using the dry cleaning sheets for the sweepers from dollar tree store, (glued 4 together).

[@samTollefson]

Thanks for the great tip! I have found most Thrift stores have a variety of vacuum bags from old vacuum cleaners, I have had good luck cutting and gluing them together for my shop vac needs, I have cleaned off and re-used them for years. By the way, I have 8 shop vacs in my shop, one set-up and wired in to turn on when the machine is switched on.

[@Derek_S]

I just use the standard filter and then take it outside and blow all the dust off with an airline when it gets clogged.

[@phillipcoiner4232]

I do the same but I might put a paper towel over my filter to extend it's life.....I expect it would reduce airflow

[@linkydinkydoodledumplin]

Which airline? Spirit or Southwest, maybe?

[@onefixitman]

Great video. I use vac for a living. I use ridgid brand vac and filters because ridgid filters are designed to rinse out. I use water hose to spray out filter and let dry overnight. I keep 4 filters. When sanding drywall I do use disposable bags. Your setup works great for home use.

[@occipitalneuralgia2339]

I have two different rigid. I had no idea I could wash the white and blue filters out with water. That being said the bags do not work well with the rectangular box rigid, and I really need a solution besides filter alone on the 3.5 gal rigid.

[@LuckyTown77]

Will try it....but maybe wrap my face with paper towels before cleaning the vacuum filter 😷

[@spol1622]

I used to use a bag made of cotton fabric over filter. Then I started buying the cheapest filter I could find (close in size to the original). Those filters were about 1/2 inch shorter than original, so I glued piece of 1/2 in plywood as a spacer. Worked for many years, until I got rid of the that big shop vac. With my next one (the one I still have) I got wiser; I looked at the prices of filters, and based on that I purchased a particular shop vac. So now, I pay about half of what one filter used to cost me...and since the filters are not that expensive anymore, I do not even bother putting the fabric bag over it; but I will still use compressed air (with high flow air gun) to clean it...

[@kstaxman2]

For general dust and debris I'm sure this is a handy hack and would save a lot. However I work with dust that contains things like silica (from sheetrock mud sanding) or even asbestos (older floor tile and building materials) and I would be concerned with using paper towels as a filter due to the risk of very fine particles of hazardous silica or asbestos not being removed. And often these vacuums are used inside with workers present while they run.The level of filtration is not easy to obtain nor are any paper towels certified so this is especially important if you have workers who could have cause to claim later that a medical condition or even death occurred due to using filtering material of an uncertified nature. I will be trying, and most likely using, this paper towel hack on my home workshop vacuum. It's picking up standard shop dust and sawdust and the unit is located outside as well just as yours is. So all of the dust removed that isn't captured by the filter simply is released into the outside air and dissipated and I see no problems that should be present in that case.

[@TheReal1953]

HEPA pleated filter and HEPA barrel liners. Know that Shop Vac brand and Ridgid brand barrel liners are not the same/universal. You can shop around for the proper fitting HEPA bags so it's not so crazy expensive. Once you destroy your lungs with harmful particulates, what was the point of not using HEPA bags/filters?

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

if i was working with silica dust etc, I would wear a mask on my face in addition to shopvac type filters.

[@Note-dy6yd]

There are large white thin materials to use as filter for furnace. It is 8$ and is about a meter by a meter. It is washable and very good to capture the dust. Covered by a panty hose is always an additional protection and holds it there. Once shopping is lifetime.

[@DannoTull]

I would probably use those blue paper Shop towels rather than regular white towels

[@SaboSells]

I use pool filters in a similar fashion. Much easier to clean and install/reinstall. I think they let more air through also...

[@livingthedream335]

Thanks for taking the time to try to help others out! Everyone is free to try this or not, it's a shame some folks feel the need to complain and be nasty. I hope those few don not deter you from future videos... I was thinking about trying a thin shami cloth or Brillo cleaning cloth that can be found a most Dollar stores. Anyt thoughts?

[@engineershomeworkshop2692]

I have lots of videos posted on my channel. More on the way, I just need the time to publish. Alternate filter material? Test it out and see if it works for you.

[@GolanvIgvyi]

That's awesome! I have been using an air compressor to blow them out from inside to stretch the use. This will help a lot.

[@donnash5813]

I take them out in my woods with a 5-gallon stir stick and beat the dust out.

[@robertray3746]

Try rinsing out in the sink will last a long time

[@shaughnessyharrissey2564]

I discovered this out of necessity 10 years ago - or more. I needed a filter and all I had was blue shop towel paper towels and I rigged it up much like The Engineer did, and I've never gone back. Maybe I'm the only one, but I LIKE the music.

[@Thankz4sharing]

Anyone who wants music can add whatever they want to listen to. People who don't like what's forced on them can't have their preference so easily.

[@395PRS]

Yes, your the only one.

[@Thankz4sharing]

@@395PRS Anyone who passed third grade English should know - You’re:you are. Your:belongs to you. You’re welcome 😎

[@BalmandMrryhofGilead]

What about a wet vac situation?

[@shaughnessyharrissey2564]

@@395PRS LOL. Man, I want SOMEONE else to like it too...

[@genericusername1365]

Thanks. This reminds me of this one company that makes automotive engine oil filters out of a roll of toilet paper. Interesting how people can come up with innovations and ideas that are not conventional, but still work to one degree or another.

[@geofiggy]

Thanks for the tip and your time. Take care and stay safe.

[@mijodo2008]

Best tip on filters yet. Well done 👍😊. Thankyou. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@chrisgates2448]

Wow Great Tip! SO EASY... Thought for sure you were gonna tell us to order filter paper from china and fold it in an accordion pattern, then cut the housing and re-glue.

[@FredMiller]

Good to see you exhaust the output of the vacuum directly outdoors. Even if your filter fails you do not risk blowing all the debris back into the living spaces. Nicely done.