Vacuuming with the right kind of filter can help in the fight against indoor air pollution. Modern and efficient filters can stop particles at the surface of the filter, preventing filter clogging. The particles can be easily cleaned from the surface of the filter, restoring complete airflow and efficiency. Taking the time to choose the right filter can help you keep the air in your home clean.

• Not all vacuum cleaner filters are created equal. Begin your selection by choosing a vacuum cleaner that features a surface filter such as a CleanStream® filter, which stops dust and particles at the filter's surface, not allowing them to penetrate the filter, thus preserving maximum airflow through the filter and ensuring optimum suction power with each pass of the vacuum. Greater airflow and suction power also reduces the time and effort required to effectively vacuum a carpet.
• Many vacuum cleaners on the market today contain depth filters, which draw and capture particles within the depths of the filter material. Eventually the depth filter becomes clogged, reducing airflow through the filter, which can compromise its performance and potentially shorten the life of the vacuum cleaner. Fine particles that reach the motor can cause overheating and wearing down of the vacuum's mechanical parts through dirt and dust buildup.
• Choose either HEPA or "high efficiency" filters. HEPA filters are rated to capture 99.97 percent of household dust, pollens, bacteria and many allergens and are effective down to 0.3 microns or 1/300th the diameter of a human hair.
• Remember that filtration efficiency is only half of the story. How the filter affects the vacuum cleaner performance is the real test of customer satisfaction.
• A HEPA filter in itself may not lead to optimal vacuum performance. Be wary of ordinary paper or microfiberglass filters that can tear or become damaged while in use, allowing dust particles and debris to flow through the filter or scatter back out of the vacuum and re-circulate into the air inside the home. They also can cost consumers time and money in frequent replacement.
• Look for a filter that is easy to clean and reusable, so that particles can be easily tapped away clean from the surface of the filter, restoring like-new airflow and efficiency.
• CleanStream® filters offer the ability to keep air flowing with the greatest suction power through a vacuum cleaner. With the introduction of CleanStream® filters, scientists and engineers at W. L. Gore & Associates have developed a filter that has maximum "Airflow Recovery Capacity" (ARC), a measure which refers to the filter's impact on airflow over the course of multiple cleaning cycles. It also is cleanable, reusable, durable and a great value. Click here for more information about CleanStream® filters.