According to the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association, your vacuum cleaner is one of your best defenses in managing air pollution. It literally can remove pounds of dirt, dust and contaminants from your home.

Maintaining your vacuum cleaner filter will help you achieve optimal performance from your vacuum cleaner while reducing indoor air pollution. It takes a good filter to keep fine particles trapped inside the vacuum cleaner, where they belong.

Here's what you should know about maintaining your vacuum filter:

• Traditional paper cartridge and bag filters cannot be easily cleaned and reused. If your vacuum cleaner uses these conventional filters, you should make a point of changing them regularly. A cartridge or bag that's too full can interfere with your vacuum cleaner's performance.

• Most HEPA filters are disposable and must be replaced every six to 12 months. It's a good idea to note the date of the filter replacement on the label.

• Unlike other filters, CleanStream® filters are easy to clean and are reusable. Just remove the filter, tap (or rinse) off the dust collected on the surface, insert it back into the vacuum, and it works like new. Over the life of the vacuum cleaner, consumers can save hundreds of dollars by not having to purchase replacement filters. Click here for more information about CleanStream® filters.