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How to Change a Vacuum Bag

Updated: Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM
How to Change a Vacuum Bag

Learning how to change a vacuum bag will keep your bagged vacuum running smoothly for far longer. And if you have just bought a top-tier vacuum cleaner, you definitely want it to last as long as possible. Most folks choose a bagged vacuum for the hygienic nature in which it operates. Having a bagged vacuum cleaner means knowing that dirt and debris are stored securely. Nobody likes to empty and clean a dirty canister, after all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Failing to change out your vacuum bag can result in multiple consequences, such as your vacuum spitting out dust and debris.
  • Different brands of vacuum cleaners have different directions for replacing bags, so check with the manufacturer’s instructions before anything else.
  • This process is speedy and should only take a few minutes once you have all the steps down.
  • This process is speedy and should only take a few minutes once you have all the steps down.

How to Change a Vacuum Bag

When first figuring out how to change a vacuum bag, make sure you always check manufacturer instructions. That will be the best way to determine the correct method for your vacuum. Additionally, you need to know how to choose a vacuum cleaner, so you can get the most suitable one. Unless you have an easy-to-clean bagless vacuum, you’ll have to keep up with your vacuum bags and change them frequently.

1. Gather Your Supplies

All you should need to change your vacuum bag is new filter bags. However, it might help to have gloves and a trashcan set up so you can dump it quickly and easily.

2. Open Your Vacuum

How you open up your vacuum will be different on each model. Typically, however, you just find the lid and undo a latch of some sort. Larger vacuums will have more than one latch or securement method. Bagless vacuums, like the one in our Prolux 2.0 bagless backpack vacuum review, have a simple one-button that instantly releases the canister so you can dump it out and snap it back on quickly. 

3. Check for Fullness

Sometimes, an indicator light will tell you when it’s time to change your vacuum bag. Other times, you’ll have to do so manually.

4. Remove the Current Bag

If you’ve determined that it’s time for a change, simply remove the current bag. How it’s attached will vary, but generally, it’s pretty easy just to pop it out. From there, just dispose of it in the trash.

5. Install the New Bag

This is also an easy process. You’ll want to remove the new dust bag from its packaging and install it according to any instructions on the packaging. And the next time you want to buy a new vacuum cleaner, remember to check “How to buy a vacuum cleaner” for more useful tips.

F.A.Q.

Why change your vacuum cleaner bag?

The reason it’s so important to change out your vacuum bags regularly is that, if you don’t, your vacuum won’t work correctly. It might start spitting all kinds of vacuum dust out of the exhaust.


How to make homemade vacuum cleaner bags?

You shouldn’t be making homemade vacuum bags for yourself. There are a lot of ways in which that could go wrong. Try always to use the bags that the brand has given the green light for with your specific model.


How Often Should You Change Your Vacuum Bags?

Depending on how often you clean, it’s around every three months or so. Pay attention to how full your vacuum is getting and whether you’ve been having problems with suction power lately.


How to empty vacuum bags?

Simply follow manufacturer instructions on how to remove the bag from your vacuum. From there, empty it as directed and then reinstall it. It’s a super quick, easy process. However, you might choose to drain into the trash outside so that dust particles don’t get into your air inside and make your house dirty.


STAT: Filters are washable and reusable – good to know in the average American household, where people spend 87% of their time indoors, and air quality matters. (source)

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