Why Should You Not Vacuum Out an Air Cleaner?

Reducing Dust Retention

• Cleaning a filtration system with another appliance, including a vacuum, can reduce its dust retention capacity. A vacuum can easily suck up particles present in the air cleaner designed to hold dust and other matter in place. The pulling action of the vacuum on the air cleaner's framework can also distort filter layers inside the cleaner. Diminished dust retention capacity means that more particulate matter can enter the air supply. More dust in the air can mean increased irritation for those who suffer from indoor allergies or other breathing difficulties .

Partial Cleaning Only

• A vacuum doesn't remove 100 percent of accumulated dust and other particulate matter from an air cleaner. Depending on the size and density of a given air cleaner, it may take some time before the unit is sufficiently clean. It's also difficult to tell how clean a filter is after vacuuming. The surface of the filter may be free of dust, but that could mean more particles are hiding in the deeper layers of the cleaner. Replacing the air cleaner's filter may be cheaper than the time and effort it takes to clean it.

Damage to Vacuum

• The powerful sucking action of a vacuum can easily pull parts of an air cleaner free. These small components can jam in the vacuum cleaner's moving parts, causing damage to the entire system. Components that don't immediately clog the system can heat up during the vacuum's operation. Over time, these heated bits can cause damage to the vacuum's internals and may even prevent the appliance from working properly. A homeowner may have to replace the vacuum or take the device to a licensed professional for repair. Repairing a vacuum can be quite expensive depending on the model.

Reducing Air Quality

• Attempting to clean an air filtration system with a vacuum that lacks sufficient power to remove dust can release those harmful particles into the air. Because a vacuum releases varying amounts of dust and bacteria during operation anyway, using the device to clean an air filter exacerbates the condition. Releasing large amounts of trapped bacteria and other particulate matter into the air can increase the risk of infection for those living in the home