Vacuum cleaners operate by developing suction with a fan that discharges a stream of air from the rear of the vacuum. This sets up a powerful current of air that carries along any dust particles from the carpet or floor when the suction nozzle is applied. The air stream is passed through a filter in which the dust is collected.

Surface Filtration

Modern and efficient filters are surface filters, which stop particles at the surface of the filter. Surface filters prevent filter clogging while preserving maximum airflow through the filter and ensuring optimum suction power with each pass of the vacuum. The particles can be easily cleaned from the surface of the filter, restoring complete airflow and efficiency.

Both types of CleanStream filters - those installed in household vacuum cleaners as well as those sold as replacement filters for wet/dry or "shop" vacs - are surface filters.

Depth Filtration

However, most vacuum cleaner filters on the market today are depth filters, which draw and capture particles inside the filter. 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.

If not changed frequently, these conventional filters can even stir and spread dust and dirt throughout your home. If you or someone else in your household has allergies, you may want to avoid using conventional vacuum filters.

Airflow Recovery Capacity

While clogging can sometimes improve a filter's efficiency slightly - by taking up space that dirt could once pass through - its benefit is short-lived. Over time, this clogging negatively impacts the vacuum cleaner's airflow and airflow recovery capacity (ARC) - a measure which refers to the filter's impact on airflow over the course of multiple cleaning cycles. The higher the ARC rating, the greater the filter's ability to maintain maximum airflow. Maximizing a filter's airflow recovery capacity essentially allows you to capture more dust with every pass of the vacuum. This results in reduced labor for you, and more efficient cleaning.