Filters

About Filters

Maintaining the performance and longevity of your dust extractors and vacuum cleaners requires regular filter replacement, and our comprehensive range of filters ensures you can keep your equipment running at peak efficiency. Whether you're working with a professional dust extractor on site or maintaining workshop equipment, having the right filters is essential for capturing fine dust particles, protecting motors, and ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety requirements. Our selection includes filters from leading manufacturers including Bosch, Festool, DeWalt, Draper, and Kärcher, covering everything from basic pre-filters to specialist PTFE and PES flat pleated filters designed for demanding applications.

Different extraction tasks require different filter types and specifications. Cellulose flat pleated filters offer excellent general-purpose filtration for wood dust and construction debris, whilst PES (polyester) filters provide superior performance with fine dusts and can be cleaned and reused multiple times. For particularly demanding applications involving sticky residues or fine powders, PTFE-coated filters offer the ultimate in filtration efficiency and easy cleaning. Understanding which filter type matches your specific extractor model and the materials you're working with is crucial for maintaining effective dust extraction and protecting both your health and your equipment investment.

Regular filter maintenance and timely replacement is not just about equipment performance—it's a critical health and safety consideration. Clogged or damaged filters reduce suction power, allow harmful dust particles to escape back into the working environment, and can cause premature motor failure in your extraction equipment. Whether you're a carpenter dealing with wood dust, a decorator managing plaster dust, or a general builder facing mixed construction debris, having spare filters on hand ensures you can maintain continuous, effective dust control on every job.

Jargon Buster

M-Class Filter

Medium-class filtration that captures at least 99.9% of particles, suitable for wood dust, plaster, and general construction dust. Required for compliance with many HSE workplace exposure limits.

PTFE Coating

Polytetrafluoroethylene coating applied to filter material that prevents dust from penetrating the filter surface, making cleaning easier and improving performance with sticky or fine dusts.

PES Filter

Polyester filter material that offers excellent durability, can be washed and reused multiple times, and provides superior filtration compared to cellulose alternatives.

Flat Pleated Filter

Filter design with accordion-style folds that dramatically increase the surface area for filtration, improving airflow and extending filter life compared to flat filters.

Pre-Filter

Coarse filter installed before the main filter element to capture larger debris and extend the life of the primary filter by preventing premature clogging.

Cartridge Filter

Self-contained cylindrical or conical filter element that typically offers tool-free replacement and higher filtration surface area in a compact design.

Who Uses Filters?

Replacement filters for dust extractors and vacuum cleaners are essential for a wide range of trades and applications:

• Carpenters and joiners managing wood dust from sanding, sawing, and routing operations
• Plasterers and drylining specialists controlling fine plaster and joint compound dust
• Decorators dealing with sanding dust and preparation work
• Floor fitters extracting dust from sanding and cutting operations
• General builders managing mixed construction dust and debris
• Workshop owners and fabricators maintaining clean working environments
• Stone masons and tilers controlling silica dust from cutting operations
• Vehicle body shops extracting fine sanding dust from preparation work
• Maintenance teams and facilities managers ensuring extraction equipment remains compliant and effective
• Serious DIY enthusiasts maintaining home workshop equipment

How to Choose the Right Filters

Selecting the correct replacement filter requires careful consideration of several factors:

Model Compatibility: The most critical factor is ensuring the filter is designed specifically for your dust extractor or vacuum cleaner model. Filters are rarely interchangeable between different models, even from the same manufacturer. Always check your equipment's model number against the filter specifications—for example, Bosch filters are model-specific with different options for the GAS 25, GAS 35, or UNIVERSALVAC ranges.

Filter Type and Material: Consider the materials you'll be extracting. Cellulose filters offer cost-effective general-purpose filtration but may clog quickly with fine or damp dust. PES filters provide better performance and can be washed and reused, making them more economical long-term despite higher initial cost. PTFE-coated filters excel with sticky residues, fine powders, or when maximum filtration efficiency is required for health-critical applications.

Classification Level: Ensure the filter meets the required classification for your application. M-Class filters are mandatory for many trades under HSE guidance, particularly when working with wood dust above exposure limits. If you're extracting potentially hazardous materials, verify that your filter choice maintains appropriate compliance standards.

Pre-Filters and Multi-Stage Systems: Many extractors benefit from using both pre-filters and main filters. Pre-filters capture larger debris and significantly extend the life of your main filter, reducing overall running costs. Consider purchasing both types if your system supports this configuration.

Stock Multiple Filters: Having spare filters readily available prevents downtime when filters become clogged mid-job. Professional tradespeople typically keep at least one spare filter for each extractor, whilst busy workshops may maintain larger stocks to ensure continuous operation.

Popular Accessories

• Dust extractor bags – disposable collection bags that work alongside filters
• Filter cleaning brushes – specialist brushes for maintaining reusable filters
• Extractor hoses – replacement or additional hoses for connecting tools to extractors
• Hose adaptors and connectors – ensuring proper fit between tools and extraction systems
• Anti-static hoses – preventing static build-up when extracting fine dust
• Tool adaptors – connecting power tools directly to extraction systems
• Filter clamps and securing mechanisms – replacement parts for filter installation
• Complete dust extractors – when upgrading or expanding your extraction capabilities

Safety Information

Proper filter maintenance is a critical health and safety consideration that directly impacts workplace air quality and compliance with HSE regulations. Always switch off and disconnect extraction equipment from the mains power supply before changing filters. Wear appropriate PPE including dust masks or respirators when handling used filters, as they contain concentrated dust that may include hazardous materials depending on your work activities.

Used filters should be disposed of carefully—seal them in plastic bags before disposal to prevent dust release. If you've been extracting materials covered by COSHH regulations, follow appropriate disposal procedures for contaminated waste. Never attempt to clean filters not designated as washable or reusable, and never operate dust extraction equipment without proper filters installed, as this can result in motor damage and allows harmful dust to circulate in the working environment.

Replace filters according to manufacturer guidelines or sooner if you notice reduced suction, visible damage, or the filter cleaning indicator activates. Operating with clogged filters reduces extraction efficiency, increases motor strain, and may result in dust exposure levels exceeding HSE workplace exposure limits. Regular filter replacement is not an optional maintenance task—it's a fundamental health and safety requirement for anyone using dust extraction equipment professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my dust extractor filter?

Replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and the type of dust being extracted. As a general guide, professional tradespeople using extractors daily should inspect filters weekly and expect to replace cellulose filters every 1-3 months. Washable PES or PTFE filters can last 6-12 months or longer with regular cleaning. Replace any filter immediately if you notice tears, holes, or significantly reduced suction performance.

Can I wash and reuse my dust extractor filter?

Only if specifically designated as washable by the manufacturer. PES and some PTFE-coated filters can typically be washed with water and mild detergent, then thoroughly dried before reinstallation. Cellulose filters cannot be washed and will disintegrate if wet. Some filters can be cleaned with compressed air or soft brushes between replacements. Always check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for your specific filter type.

What's the difference between M-Class and standard filters?

M-Class filters capture at least 99.9% of particles and are required for extracting dusts classified as hazardous under HSE guidance, including wood dust above certain concentrations. Standard filters may only capture 99% or less, allowing more fine particles to escape. For professional trade use, particularly with wood dust, M-Class filtration is typically mandatory to comply with workplace health and safety requirements.

Why does my extractor lose suction even with a new filter?

If suction is poor immediately after installing a new filter, check that it's seated correctly with all seals properly engaged. Verify you've fitted the correct filter for your specific model. Also check the collection bag or container isn't full, hoses aren't blocked or kinked, and the pre-filter (if fitted) is clean. Poor suction with a correctly installed new filter may indicate other issues requiring professional servicing.

Are cheaper compatible filters as good as original manufacturer filters?

Whilst some third-party filters offer acceptable performance at lower cost, original manufacturer filters guarantee proper fit, filtration efficiency, and compliance with the extractor's specifications. For professional use where health and safety compliance is critical, or for warranty considerations, original filters from brands like Bosch, Festool, and DeWalt are the recommended choice. Budget alternatives may be suitable for light DIY use but carefully verify specifications and user reviews before purchasing.