Can You Use a Shop Vac Without a Filter?
A shop vac needs a filter for dry pickup and a foam sleeve filter for wet pickup, so here is which filter goes in, when to wash it, and when to replace it.
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CERO 90304 Replacement Filter for Shop Vac 903049.6/10View on Amazon - 2
90304 Replacement Filters Fit for shopvac Filter9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Shop-Vac 90304/90344 Cartridge Filter for 5-16 Gal9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
2 Pack VF6000 Filter for Ridgid 5-20 Gallon Wet9.6/10View on Amazon
Can you use a shop vac without a filter? For dry pickup, no: the cartridge filter is what catches the dust, so the vacuum needs it fitted before it picks up dry dirt. For wet pickup, the dry cartridge comes out and a foam sleeve filter goes in instead. This guide spells out which filter goes in for each job, when to wash it, and when to replace it.
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Below: what the filter catches, which filter goes in, and a checklist to run before switching the vacuum on.
CERO 90304 Replacement Filter for Shop Vac 90304
A 90304 cartridge and 90585 foam sleeve filter kit for 5 gallon and above wet/dry vacuums, with 2 cartridge filters, 2 lids and 4 foam sleeves.
Pros
- 99.97% filtration for airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Cartridge filter for dry use, foam sleeve for wet use
- Washable and reusable cartridge filter
- FSC certificated filter, per the listing
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Replace the 90304 filter every 3-6 months and the 90585 filter every 2-3 months
- Fits Shop Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333 types; check the model number first
- The middle aluminum foil layer can cut, per the listing
90304 Replacement Filters Fit for shopvac Filter
A 13-piece 90304 filter kit with 2 cartridge filters, 2 dry filters, 4 foam sleeves, 2 lids, 2 bands and 1 brush, for 5 gallon and above wet/dry vacuums.
Pros
- 13-piece kit with cartridge filters, dry filters, foam sleeves, lids, bands and a brush
- Washable and reusable filters, with cleaning recommended once a month
- Fits most 5 gallon and above wet dry vacuums
- The kit can meet your needs for up to one year, per the listing
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- The filters need cleaning once a month to keep working
- Fits shopvac 90304, 90350 and 90333 cartridge types; check the model number first
- Built for 5 gallon and above vacuums; smaller vacuums need a different filter
Shop-Vac 90304/90344 Cartridge Filter for 5-16 Gal
A Shop-Vac 90304 cartridge filter for most 5-16 gallon wet/dry vacuums, with washable and reusable 3-layer nanofiber filtration paper.
Pros
- 3-layer nanofiber filtration material captures finer dust particles
- Up to 5 times more efficient than the standard cartridge filter, per the maker
- Washable and reusable: clean with mild water and dry in the sun
- Fits most 5-16 gallon Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuums
Cons
- 1 pack holds a single filter, with no foam sleeve, lid or brush
- Fits Shop-Vac brand vacuums only; check the model number first
- Replace the filter every 4-5 months, per the listing
- Needs washing with mild water and drying in the sun before reuse
2 Pack VF6000 Filter for Ridgid 5-20 Gallon Wet
A 2-pack of VF6000 5-layer HEPA-rated filters for Ridgid 5-20 gallon wet dry vacuums, made to snap into place without tools.
Pros
- 5-layer HEPA-rated material, per the listing
- Fits Ridgid 5-20 gallon wet dry vacuums
- Snaps into place for replacement without tools
- 2-pack gives a spare filter for the next change
Cons
- Fits Ridgid 5-20 gallon wet dry vacuums; check the model number first
- Replace every 2-3 months, per the listing
- No foam sleeve is included, so wet pickup needs a separate part
- Only 2 filters in the pack, with no lids or bands
Can you use a shop vac without a filter? Where the risk comes from
The filter is the part that catches what the vacuum picks up. The cartridge filters here are made to filter everyday dirt such as pet dander and dryer lint, and one maker lists 99.97% filtration for airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Dry pickup needs the cartridge filter on the cartridge. Wet pickup needs the cartridge filter out and the foam sleeve filter fitted in its place. The kits below carry both parts.
Dry pickup vs wet pickup: which filter goes in
| Pickup | Which filter goes in | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Dry pickup | 90304 cartridge filter | Catches dust, lint and pet dander |
| Wet pickup | 90585 foam sleeve filter, fitted in place of the cartridge filter | Sleeve handles wet pickup; the cartridge filter comes out |
| No filter at all | Nothing fitted | No filter in the path to catch dust |
The filter type follows the job. Check the model number before ordering, since the 90304 cartridge fits Shop Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333 types.
How to run a shop vac with the right filter: the checklist
- Match the filter to the vacuum. The 90304 cartridge fits Shop Vac 90304, 90350 and 90333 types, and the VF6000 fits Ridgid 5-20 gallon vacuums.
- Fit the cartridge filter for dry pickup. Install the 90304 filter on the cartridge for dry use.
- Swap to the foam sleeve for wet pickup. Take the 90304 cartridge filter out, then fit the 90585 foam sleeve filter in its place and put on the lid.
- Clean the filter once a month, as ATXKXE recommends. Washable filters can be cleaned and dried, then reinstalled for use.
- Replace on the maker schedule. The makers state every 2-3 months, every 3-6 months or every 4-5 months, according to the filter.
- Keep a spare in the box. The 2-pack and 13-piece kits hold spares.
Shop vac filters are sized to the vacuum and the cartridge type, so match the part number before ordering.
Read the manual before first use, wear eye protection, keep the work area clear and ventilated, and stay within every stated rating. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Shop vac filters that fit the job
Cartridge filters for dry pickup, foam sleeves for wet pickup, and kits that carry both.
Cartridge filter vs foam sleeve filter
- Dry pickup: the cartridge filter catches dust, lint and pet dander.
- Wet pickup: the cartridge filter comes out and the foam sleeve filter goes in its place.
- Replacement: cartridge filters every 3-6 months or every 4-5 months, foam sleeve filters every 2-3 months.
Work out which filter your vacuum takes in our guide to the best filter for shop vac, then compare vacuums in our picks for the best shop vacuum.
FAQ: garage tools
Can I use a shop vac without a filter for wet pickup?
Wet pickup still uses a filter: the cartridge filter comes out and the 90585 foam sleeve filter goes in its place.
How often should I replace a shop vac filter?
The Shop-Vac filter every 4-5 months, the CERO 90304 every 3-6 months and the 90585 every 2-3 months, and the Rjnlsc VF6000 every 2-3 months.
Can I wash a shop vac filter and reuse it?
Yes, if the maker lists it as washable. The ATXKXE and CERO cartridge filters are washable and reusable.
What size filter fits a 5-gallon shop vac?
The 90304 cartridge filter fits most 5 gallon and above wet/dry vacuums, and the Shop-Vac 90304 fits most 5-16 gallon Shop-Vac vacuums.
What comes in a shop vac filter kit?
The ATXKXE kit holds 2 cartridge filters, 2 lids, 4 foam sleeves, 2 dry filters, 2 bands and 1 brush, while the CERO kit holds 2 cartridge filters, 2 lids and 4 foam sleeve filters.
Related: cartridge vs bag shop vacuum, wet vs dry shop vac, best wet dry vac for garage and car vacuum vs shop vac.
