How To Clean A Henry Hoover Filter
Keeping your Henry Hoover filter clean is one of the easiest ways to maintain strong suction and help prolong the life of the motor.
A dirty filter restricts airflow through the vacuum, which can reduce suction and make Henry work harder than he should.
Thankfully, cleaning a Henry filter is very simple and only takes a few minutes.
How To Clean A Henry Hoover Filter
- Unplug Henry and remove the top motor section.
- Lift the filter out of the tub.
- Vacuum the filter thoroughly inside and out using another vacuum cleaner. The aim is simply to remove as much loose dust as possible from the filter material.
- If you don't have another vacuum available, take the filter outside and gently tap out the loose dust.
- Check the filter for damage, heavy staining or unpleasant smells before putting it back.
- Refit the filter and make sure Henry has a good-quality bag fitted before use.
If Henry had poor suction because the filter was clogged with dust, you should notice an improvement once the airflow through the filter has been restored.
Can You Wash A Henry Hoover Filter?
No. Standard Henry filters are not designed to be washed.
Washing the filter can affect the filter material, and moisture trapped inside a dirty filter can also lead to unpleasant musty smells.
Instead, remove loose dust by vacuuming the filter or gently tapping it out outdoors.
If the filter is too dirty to clean properly, smells unpleasant or is damaged, replacement is usually the better option.
When Should You Replace A Henry Filter?
You should consider replacing the filter if:
- Suction is still poor after cleaning
- The filter smells musty or dusty
- The filter is heavily stained or clogged
- The filter material is damaged or torn
- The vacuum has regularly been used without a bag
A filter doesn't need replacing simply because it has some dust on it. If it cleans up well and is still in good condition, it can continue to be used.
If your filter has reached the point where cleaning no longer helps, replacing it is the simplest way to restore clean airflow through your Henry.
Why Does A Dirty Henry Filter Reduce Suction?
Your Henry relies on air passing freely through the bag, filter and motor.
As dust builds up in the filter material, it restricts that airflow. This can cause:
- Reduced suction
- Poor pickup performance
- Dusty smells
- The motor running hotter than normal
If your Henry suddenly feels weaker than usual, the bag and filter are two of the first things worth checking.
Always Use Henry With A Bag
Henry should always be used with a suitable bag fitted.
The bag doesn't just collect the dirt. It also prevents large amounts of dust from reaching the main filter in the first place.
Using Henry without a bag can cause:
- The filter to clog much faster
- Reduced suction
- More dust to enter the motor area
- Dust and smells to build up inside the vacuum
- Possible motor problems over time
Using a good-quality Henry bag and changing it when necessary will help keep the filter cleaner for much longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my Henry Hoover lost suction?
A clogged bag or dirty filter is one of the most common causes of reduced suction. Check both first, then inspect the hose and tools for blockages if the problem remains.
Can you wash a Henry Hoover filter?
No. Standard Henry filters are not designed to be washed. Remove loose dust by vacuuming the filter or gently tapping it out outdoors.
How often should I clean my Henry filter?
There is no fixed schedule because it depends on how often the vacuum is used and what it picks up. Check the filter periodically and clean it if you notice a significant build-up of dust or a drop in suction.
How do I know if my Henry filter needs replacing?
If the filter remains heavily clogged after cleaning, smells unpleasant, is badly stained or has damaged filter material, replacement is usually the best option.
What happens if you use Henry without a bag?
Dust reaches the main filter much more quickly, causing it to clog and restricting airflow. Continued use without a bag can also allow excessive dust into the motor area.
Why does my Henry smell dusty?
A dirty bag or clogged filter is often the cause. If changing the bag and cleaning or replacing the filter doesn't solve the problem, check the hose and other parts of the vacuum for trapped dirt.
Watch The Full Henry Filter Cleaning Video
The video below shows exactly how to clean your Henry Hoover filter step by step.