Best Filter for Shop Vac (2026): 5 Filters Compared
Five filters for shop vacs, compared by fit, pack count, layers and washability, for 5 gallon and above wet/dry vacuums.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
Best OverallShop-Vac 90304 HEPA9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
Best KitCabiclean 90304 Kit9.7/10View on Amazon - 3
Best for RidgidGIBTOOL VF40009.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Best Value PackJAMHER VF2002 6-Pack9.6/10View on Amazon
Sawdust coats the bench after a round of cuts, drywall dust hangs in the air after sanding, and the shop vac is the tool that puts the shop back in order. The filter inside it decides whether the vac keeps its suction or chokes on fine dust. This guide compares the best filter for shop vac use across the sizes and types garage vacs take, so the filter on the vac matches the mess on the floor.
GarageToolHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
- Best Overall Shop-Vac 90304 HEPA: 4-layer HEPA cartridge for 5 to 16 gallon Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuums, washable and reusable. Check price on Amazon
- Best Kit Cabiclean 90304 Kit: 2 cartridge filters plus 4 foam filters, 2 lids and 1 brush for dry and wet floors. Check price on Amazon
- Best for Ridgid GIBTOOL VF4000: Standard filter for Ridgid 5 to 20 gallon vacs, Husky 6 to 9 gallon vacs and Craftsman vacs. Check price on Amazon
- Best Value Pack JAMHER VF2002 6-Pack: 6 disc filters with 3 retaining bands for 5 gallon and above wet/dry vacuums. Check price on Amazon
Picks for the garage
Shop-Vac 90304/90344 Cartridge HEPA Filter
A 4-layer HEPA cartridge filter for 5 to 16 gallon Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuums, washable and reusable, listed for both dry and wet use.
Pros
- 4-layer HEPA material for finer dust particles
- Fits most 5 to 16 gallon Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuums
- Listed for both dry and wet use
- Washable and reusable with mild water
Cons
- Bullets give a height of 6-1/2 inches while the spec table gives 7.08 inches
- Only 1 filter in the pack
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
90304 Replacement Filter Fit for Shop-Vac 90304
A kit with 2 cartridge filters, 4 activated carbon foam filters, 2 lids and 1 brush for Shop-Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333, for 5-gallon and above wet/dry vacuums.
Pros
- 2 cartridge filters plus 4 foam filters, 2 lids and 1 brush
- Cartridge for dry floors and foam for wet floors
- Captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Washable and reusable with no tools required
Cons
- Cartridge and foam sleeve must not be used at the same time
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
- Fits 5-gallon and above vacuums only
Replacement for VF4000 Ridgid Shop Vac Filter
A 1-pack standard H13 filter for Ridgid 5 to 20 gallon wet/dry vacuums, Husky 6 to 9 gallon vacuums and Craftsman vacuums, washable and reusable.
Pros
- Fits Ridgid 5 to 20 gallon, Husky 6 to 9 gallon and Craftsman vacuums
- Washable and reusable, clean every 2 to 3 weeks
- 3 month manufacturer warranty
- Installs with no tools or hardware
Cons
- 1-layer standard filter, not a multi-layer HEPA cartridge
- Only 1 filter in the pack
- No safety listing is stated
- Cleaning every 2 to 3 weeks takes regular upkeep
Extolife Replacement Filter Compatible
A 1-pack pleated replacement filter for Shop-Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333, for most 5-gallon and above wet/dry vacuums, washable and long lasting.
Pros
- Pleated design with larger surface area to avoid clogging
- Fits Shop-Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333 for 5-gallon and above vacuums
- Synthetic material, washable and long lasting
- 30 day warranty
Cons
- Only 1 filter in the pack
- Not for 5-gallon portable model H87S and hangup vacuums
- No safety listing is stated
- 90304 and 90398 filters look similar, so check the size first
JAMHER 6Pack Reusable Wet/Dry Filter VF2002 90107
A 6-pack of reusable disc filters with 3 retaining bands for ShopVac, VacMaster and Genie wet/dry vacuums 5 gallon and above, for dry debris collection.
Pros
- 6 disc filters with 3 retaining bands in one pack
- Fits ShopVac, VacMaster and Genie 5 gallon and above vacuums
- Non-woven fabric to prevent blockages and improve airflow
- Also fits Shop-vac 203600 2.5 gallon vacuum
Cons
- Dry debris collection only, not for wet pickup
- Does not fit 5-gallon portable H87S, HangUp, Wall Mount or 6-gallon P12S models
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety listing is stated
Compared on paper
| Model | Shop Score | Fits | Type | Pack | Layers | Washable | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop-Vac 90304 HEPA | 9.7/10 | 5 to 16 gallon | Cartridge HEPA | 1 filter | 4-layer | Yes | Not stated |
| Cabiclean 90304 Kit | 9.7/10 | 5 gallon and above | Cartridge + foam | 2 + 2 + 4 + 1 | Not stated | Yes | Not stated |
| GIBTOOL VF4000 | 9.6/10 | Ridgid 5 to 20 gallon | Standard | 1 filter | 1-layer | Yes | 3 months |
| Extolife 90304 | 9.6/10 | 5 gallon and above | Cartridge | 1 filter | Pleated | Yes | 30 days |
| JAMHER VF2002 6-Pack | 9.6/10 | 5 gallon and above | Disc | 6 filters | Not stated | Yes | Not stated |
Fit and pack counts come from each listing. Specifications are manufacturer stated, as published on each listing and collected 1 November 2026.
How the points were given
Each filter is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. No listing here states a safety listing, so the Shop Score rests on performance, build, value and warranty, and only two listings state a warranty term.
| Product | Shop Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop-Vac 90304 HEPA | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| Cabiclean 90304 Kit | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 22 | n/a | 0 |
| GIBTOOL VF4000 | 9.6 | 28 | 20 | 19 | n/a | 2 |
| Extolife 90304 | 9.6 | 28 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 1 |
| JAMHER VF2002 6-Pack | 9.6 | 27 | 20 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
What the listings tell you
We read 5 shop vac filter listings. Three are cartridge filters for Shop-Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333, one is a standard filter for Ridgid VF4000, and one is a pack of disc filters for VF2002. Four listings state washable and reusable filters, and two state a warranty term. Pack counts run from 1 filter to 6 filters, and one kit adds 4 foam filters, 2 lids and 1 brush. One listing gives a filter height of 6-1/2 inches in its bullets and 7.08 inches in its spec table.
How to pick the best filter for shop vac
Match the filter to the vacuum
Three filters fit Shop-Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333 for 5-gallon and above wet/dry vacuums, one fits Ridgid VF4000 for Ridgid 5 to 20 gallon vacuums, Husky 6 to 9 gallon vacuums and Craftsman vacuums, and one fits VF2002 for ShopVac, VacMaster and Genie 5 gallon and above vacuums. Check the model number on the vacuum before ordering, since the 90304 and 90398 filters look similar and the 90304 inner diameter is 6 inches against 4 inches for the 90398.
Cartridge or foam
The cartridge filter fits dry floors and the foam filter fits wet floors, and the two are used separately, never at the same time. The Shop-Vac cartridge is listed for both dry and wet use, while the JAMHER disc filter is listed for dry debris collection only. Pick the filter type for the floor in front of you, and keep a foam sleeve ready for wet pickup.
Check the layers
The Shop-Vac cartridge uses 4-layer HEPA paper, and the listing claims it captures finer dust particles. The GIBTOOL filter is a 1-layer standard filter for everyday dirt, and the Extolife filter uses a pleated design with a larger surface area to avoid clogging. The Cabiclean kit pairs its cartridge with rubber and metal mesh, and its foam filters use activated carbon.
Washable and reusable
Four listings state washable and reusable filters. The GIBTOOL listing describes cleaning the used filter every 2 to 3 weeks with a little brush, rinsing it under the tap and air drying it. The Shop-Vac listing describes cleaning with mild water and drying in the sun, and the Cabiclean and Extolife listings state washable filters. A washable filter saves repeat buys, but only if it dries fully before the next job.
When to replace
The Cabiclean listing states replacing the filter every 3 to 6 months for optimal performance, and the Shop-Vac listing states every 4 to 5 months according to use. A clogged filter cuts airflow and suction, so watch for dust blowing past the filter and a vac that sounds strained. Replace the filter on the schedule the listing states, not when the vac stops picking up.
For more garage upgrades, see the garage upgrades hub. For the vac itself, see best shop vacuum for home garage.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Garage Fit Check
- Match the filter to the vacuum: 90304 fits Shop-Vac 5-gallon and above, VF4000 fits Ridgid 5 to 20 gallon, and VF2002 fits ShopVac, VacMaster and Genie 5 gallon and above.
- Check the size before ordering: the 90304 inner diameter is 6 inches, and the Shop-Vac cartridge is 7-9/16 inches across and 6-1/2 inches high.
- Use the cartridge or the foam sleeve alone, never both at the same time.
- Count the pieces on arrival: the kit holds 2 cartridge filters, 4 foam filters, 2 lids and 1 brush.
- Keep the disc filters for dry debris only.
FAQ: garage tools
How do I remove the filter from a shop vac?
The Shop-Vac cartridge listing states the old filter comes off without any tools, and the GIBTOOL listing describes pressing the new filter down near the center until the rubber opening locks in place. The Cabiclean listing states its filters install and replace with no tools required. Check the latch on the vacuum before pulling the old filter free.
Does a shop vac need a filter?
The listings treat the filter as the part that catches dust: the Cabiclean listing claims its filter works for 99.97% of all airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The cartridge filter fits dry floors and the foam filter fits wet floors, so the filter in place should match the job. A vac run without its filter sends dust straight through the motor and back into the shop.
How do I clean a shop vac filter?
The GIBTOOL listing describes cleaning the used filter every 2 to 3 weeks with a little brush, rinsing it under the tap and air drying it. The Shop-Vac listing describes cleaning with mild water and drying in the sun. The Cabiclean and Extolife listings state washable filters, so rinse and dry them the same way.
How do I change a shop vac filter?
The Cabiclean listing states its filters install and replace with no tools required, and the Shop-Vac listing states the old filter comes off without any tools. The GIBTOOL listing describes placing the filter on top and pressing down near the center until the rubber opening locks in place. Match the new filter to the vacuum model first.
Do I need a different filter for wet pickup?
Yes, where the listing says so: the Cabiclean cartridge filter fits dry floors and the 90585 foam filter fits wet floors, and the two are used separately, never at the same time. The JAMHER disc filter is listed for dry debris collection only. The Shop-Vac cartridge is listed for both dry and wet use.
Related: our garage upgrades hub, best shop vacuum for home garage, and wet vs dry shop vac. Also see cartridge vs bag shop vacuum. Also see hepa vs standard shop vacuum. Also see best shop vacuum for wet pickup. Also see best vacuum attachments for shop vac.
