Never buy a Shop Vac filter again

Use filter media you already have in you home at no cost.

[@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.

[@heathermelohnthereareno5505]

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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@MichaelCarouthGutenTag]

I use old shirts, been doing so for years.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

This is the guy who fixed the Apollo 13 oxygen scrubbers with duct tape and dirty underwear.

[@derwood]

brilliant😆

[@cynthiacrawford1573]

He took a dirty job and made it work.

[@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.

[@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!😁

[@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!

[@casmithc2]

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

[@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?

[@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!

[@briteness]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@drasco61084]

Could probably also buy some similar material in a roll and sew a filter with some elastic attached. Great idea! I looked at the replacement parts when I was buying my first shop vac and thought about just making my own when the time comes for a new one..

[@SaboSells]

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

[@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.

[@Robert-ko6wr]

This was brilliant! Couldn't be any simpler.Thank you!

[@allancrow134]

The blue shop towels are the bomb.

[@PanyingPilot]

I repurpose new pleated air conditioner filters cut to size and secured with Harbor Freight ball bungie loops, one light and one low. This works for a smaller Craftsman shop vac. A single AC filter can produce 4 or more vac filters.

[@timhofstetter5654]

A couple of old pillowcases from the thrift store will do that job... and never need replacing. Cheaper YET.

[@Surannhealz]

The advantage of the commercial filter bag is that all the dust is contained in an easy to handle bag. So when you open your shopvac, it’s still clean inside.

[@Sny734]

Who cares about the inside getting dirty?

[@Surannhealz]

@@Sny734 did you see when he opened it up? It still was a mess to handle. The bags you just grab and throw away.

[@Sny734]

@@Surannhealz You need to watch some episodes of Mike Rowe's dirty jobs. In the real world things are dirty. You must have been raised in a sterile environment. A wood shop like that I consider a clean place to work. Cleaner than the kitchen of the restaurant you eat at. SAW DUST.

[@borderm3]

Great content; Great idea. All facets of the video production is STRAIGHT out of 1985 pbs. Its excellent

[@phyllistipton8129]

Thank you. I see u use a bungee cord instead of that stupid plastic ring too. Idk why things are made To be so complicated. This eases my aggravation Thanks!

[@James_Hough]

March 2020- easier to find filters than paper towels....question, can I use a filter as a paper towel?

[@engineershomeworkshop2692]

You made me laugh James. These are tough times, appreciate the clever humor.

[@egreenie3819]

Yes, you can! You can also use filter to wipe yer a$$ too! Just be sure to shake the dust off first so things dont get gummy!😖

[@skyisthelimit9951]

Thanks so much for the simple HACK, loved it.

[@lizzielecates4430]

I usually use an old sheet or towel around my filter... but paper towels have much smaller holes... Thanks for the share!

[@THX..1138]

Yup I've been doing this for decades. My method is to use duct tape to make a bag out of paper towel attach it with bungee.I'll have to give the window screen method a try some time.....Oh and he's also right you wanna use good brand of towel the ones that are quilted or other wise made to be more absorbent. Cheap towels will clog quickly.

[@mikejohnson9118]

Bill, tone down the music volume just a wee bit. Thx for the vid MJ

[@jaredmorgan3665]

I like it. Would have went with this idea months ago if I had seen this. I had acquired a couple 1 micron polyester felt filter bags for other reasons. Ended up using one of them as a prefilter case surrounding the filter that came with the shop vac. Seems to be doing the job..

[@Gourdhedd]

I just got back from the big box store, still stinging over the price of shop vac filters. This is something that I'm gonna try!

[@darrellsaturnbigfoot]

I remove my pleated filters, shake them and reinstall them. Takes about the same time as what you do here. Plus I haven’t bought a new one yet after 6 years

[@MarkMcCluney]

Thanks Bill, that's a really helpful tip. I hope you won't mind if say that the music was rather distracting. Otherwise, very enjoyable. Thanks again.

[@lostintime8651]

so true

[@engineershomeworkshop2692]

Noted!

[@garygerard4290]

my filter just took a dump your idea sounds good, I'm going to give it a try thanks

[@suspence25]

dudes like this, we could all learn a thing or two from. good stuff. thanks for the Video.

[@sandwich8989]

Cool idea!! Another idea is my favorite, get a shop vac bag it will save your filter.

[@Note-dy6yd]

A clean apartment , why not but an old large house that was never cleaned properly is another story. You have to change the vac bag every few hour.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Thank you for showing me a cheap alternative to buying expensive vac filters. I will use this for sure Sir. Peace too.

You sir have a new subscriber. Excellent idea.

[@Well_I_am_just_saying]

That is fine for that type of system, but I would never use paper towels if the vacuum unit was portable inside of a living space. I normally have the vacuum in the same room that I am using the vacuum.

[@freedomhigh2160]

That’s a great idea. I didn’t think paper towels would hold up, but am going to try it. VERY economical. Thank you !

[@corinnestevens4705]

Great money saving tip!Thanks 😊

[@MrSuperheterodyne]

Thanks. Saving money in the current financial situation most of us are in. :-)

[@rossboyd2272]

Thanks I love it , I’m doing my vac that way from now on . Filters are insanely too high .

[@johnsimon4128]

Thank you for this quick tip. I appreciate it.

[@chuckgates1171]

My shop vac i bought at kmart in 2000 still works.

[@Thelonious2Monk]

I simply wash the cloth filter from time to time and dry it well. It holds for many years,

[@dogface6040]

Mine have gone a decade or longer. Just gently tap to remove the caked dust, then flow water over the filter. Don't spray with force, just wash it off. Avoid brushing the media which will abrade it and reduce its effectiveness. But if you really want to clean up, it's time to consider a dust collector with 1-micron filter rating.

[@Milosz_Ostrow]

The method shown here results in a down-time of a couple of minutes to change the paper towel, not hours of waiting for the cloth filter to dry.

[@dogface6040]

@@Milosz_Ostrow You are putting up a straw man. Install the wet filter, run the fan for a minute, the fabric is dry. You just like to waste paper towels?

[@Milosz_Ostrow]

@@dogface6040 - Next time you get a chance, run that "fan" for sixty seconds and see if the fabric is dry.

[@dogface6040]

@@Milosz_Ostrow It is, for me. Phoenix, AZ. In summer, give it 15 seconds. But I usually clean the filter AFTER using the vac, so drying time isn't an issue. Another thought occurs: if you find yourself running a shop vac for long periods of time, consider getting a dust collector. They're more energy efficient, and designed to run continuously. Also, they provide much higher filtration efficiency, and waste disposal is a lot easier. Most DIY users go through a progression of methods on dust control. Shop vac is usually an intermediate step.

[@spreddyreds9408]

What we would like to see is 'first use your homemade filter, display the results and then use a bought out filter and use at the same area, then show the filter. This would make it clear the effectiveness of homemade filter. Else the video is good.

[@michaelmartinez5217]

Good tip. However not a good tip for drywall dust. That crap is too small for that set up.

[@jean-pierredeclemy7032]

Better than a scruffy bit of rope which you have to retie every time is an offcut of shock-cord knotted into a loop.

[@rogermccaslin5963]

Looked more like a bit of surgical tubing to me.

[@kevswick]

Genius! Thanks!

[@kevinchastain727]

I have been using washable H vac filters in all my shopvacs

[@FC-kx5yh]

Background music is too loud. Just an fyi for future videos.

[@downeastermaineusa3794]

Yes, he RUINED his own video. Not smart man.

[@krisknowlton5935]

Anyone with a hearing disability will tell you that background noise (and that is what music is to us) will cause the speaking part to sound like Charlie Brown's teacher. Otherwise good video. Thank goodness for close captioning.

[@stroys7061]

Way too loud.

[@stroys7061]

Ok, stopped at 56 sec. if you need loud background music to make your point then you don’t have a point worth hearing . Stop the damned music!!!

[@bobm7275]

What a load off my mind, I've been using old t-shirts for over 20 years and every one said I would blow up my shop vac, now I am safe for many more years.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

The very best filter is, of course, your corona t-shirt face covering. This is a Level 7 HEPA filter suitable for virus protection in the CDC containment bunkers (see the film Outbreak for typical use examples).

[@holylandfan3275]

I first thought the screen was it. Haha. I was thinking...well, that didn't work very well. 😂 The paper towel worked great. I have a different style my mom had from Sears and it's a big filter that has a tear in it. I may get it back out and see if something like this will work. I have found them online, but the style never matches up with the number, so I'm afraid to buy, thinking it would be a waste. Thanks for the help.

[@pullingthestrings5233]

You should try filtering out that music

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

I agree it makes it almost unbearable for me and it gets worse as the video goes on

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

@@sweetdrahthaar7951 but at 1:50 it's pretty epic even if it's shitty 😂🤣

[@GuldeScott]

Put paper towels over your ears.

[@pullingthestrings5233]

​@@GuldeScottget that screen out of your ass

[@rterry2752]

Your method is fine cause the vac is outside your shop. I would not do that if it were inside the shop. Holes in a paper towel are HUGE.

[@fredminpin]

Interesting video / filter application. Thanks.

[@mikefrech1123]

Might have been interesting. Too bad about the "music." 'Bye.

[@therecanbeonlyonechris5019]

Hey Michelle!! You dropped your soiled tampon

[@hard2getitrightagain314]

I've been using blue shop towels for years.

[@reebthedweeb6506]

Never been soo hyped up to change my shopvac filter!! LOVE THE MUSIC

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

Glad you liked it you are probably the only one who liked the stupid music

[@d.g.n9392]

I take an old t shirt, cut out the circle pattern to fit. Works about the same.

[@jeffstieren4474]

Wow, simply amazing and extremely simple

[@tinkert3100]

I suppose it's just for demonstration purposes, but no sane person would allow his vac to get THAT dirty.

[@robertthomas5906]

LOL. Think so? Most people, especially if they do this all the time they'll let it go until the suction starts to fail. There's always plenty to clean up around a shop without worrying about the shop vac.

[@tinkert3100]

@@robertthomas5906 ---- You're an idiot if you don't look after your equipment. It cost a lot of money.

[@johnbeckwith1361]

@@tinkert3100 "it" as in the slight chance that, in some time, many years later, the electric motor will fail? The likelihood this will happen? 20%? I'd rather worry about more urgent matters.

[@richardschickling6962]

Thanks, I will try it, like the screen holder.

[@mikeecho33]

to qoute a movie.....its so simple its brilliant (cant recall the movie)

[@philindeblanc]

you can use some thin insulation I would think, but cant beat ppr towel ! well done!

[@gregfanofbills2529]

I have an old hoover shop vac. Filter needs replacing but a) it costs between $26-$30 or so b) it's practically unavailable. May have to go with this.

[@rosstaylor71]

Great info. Tired of being ripped off by depot. I wonder if a 5 gallon paint strainer would work in place of screen? Will try it out.

[@carletonhoffman]

thanks, rats chewed up the foam filter in my already-old Shop Vac and of course as with everything else i've ever owned, it's "an old model and those aren't available anymore". i never buy paper towels but may try this, especially since it's probably going to be impossible to get the appropriate parts anyway.

[@lesmargaris7970]

Effective - well done.

[@garynosotti8999]

Thanks for the video. Dump the music though.

[@risingwarrior9937]

Thanks for the tip.

[@thehealer560]

Thanks Bill! Great Tip!

[@superque4]

Now if you can just diy a HEPA filter...Those things are cost prohibitive.

[@c5back9]

Brilliant! How about when using the shop vac to suck water out of carpet etc? Should we use the blue shop towels for when extracting water?

[@theobserver9131]

No, just use the foam filter, or no filter.

[@c5back9]

@@theobserver9131: you’re right of course! Don’t know what the heck I was thinking.

[@jacksagrafsky4936]

See a lot of negative remarks. But have to agree with you. Because the Sponge filter looks fine.

[@apga1998]

I just rinse, dry, and re-use the filter.

[@Note-dy6yd]

Doesn't water damage the filter? Mine is made from kind of cardboard moving box.

[@apga1998]

@@Note-dy6yd No, the original filter is made to handle water. It is a wet-dry vac.

[@rc3291]

Where can you get paper towels now?

[@MrMkapusta]

rc3291 funny thing is I seen on the news a tractor trailer full of toilet paper caught on fire some how in Pittsburgh

[@dufus2273]

check with the local government officials.

[@philipwichman2075]

Nice big like going to try it.😎👌

[@rswow]

How to filter out the music from the narration here?!

[@sand3882]

Turn volume off, and use close captioning.

[@rswow]

@@sand3882 Too bad we can send satellites into space, but can't have the simple technology to give billions of viewers the simple option to shut off the music in didactic videos.

[@bebetigre1252]

I dont want to deal with all that dustno way.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnnyjava_]

This was posted on Feb 7, 2019 and TubeYou just decided to turn my world upside down with this truth bomb now?

[@Oly6t1]

lmao

[@maxpainmedia]

😂😂😂

[@user-zq6pj5jo8j]

GET RID OF THE DUMB MUSIC..!!!

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

I SECOND THAT!

[@katweasel4996]

NO I LIKE IT