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Shop Vac Filter Size Chart: Match the Right Filter to Your Vac

A shop vac filter size chart that matches cartridge filters to tank size and model number, with 4 washable filters compared by fit and filtration.

Shop Vac Filter Size Chart: Match the Right Filter to Your Vac
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Sawdust coats the garage floor after a long cut, and the wet dry vac by the bench clears it. A filter that fits badly lets fine dust pass back into the room, so the shop vac filter size chart below matches the filter to the tank size and model number before you order.

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90304 Replacement Filter Kit for Shop Vac

90304 Replacement Filter Kit for Shop Vac

isinlive9.6/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A kit with 2 cartridge filters, 2 lids, 4 foam sleeve filters and 1 brush, with HEPA filtration for Shop Vac 5 gallon and above vacs.

Pros

  • HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
  • 2 cartridge filters, 2 lids, 4 foam sleeve filters and 1 brush
  • Fits most 5 gallon and above wet dry vacuums
  • One year warranty is stated

Cons

  • Spec table gives 3.5 by 5.0 by 2.8 in, with no note on the piece
  • Only fits the Shop Vac models named in the listing
  • Foam sleeve filters need cleaning and drying
  • No weight is stated for the kit
GEBDSM VF6000 5-Layer Replacement Filters

GEBDSM VF6000 5-Layer Replacement Filters

GEBDSM9.6/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 2 pack of 5-layer HEPA filters for Ridgid 5-20 gallon and Husky 6-9 gallon vacs.

Pros

  • 5-layer HEPA filtration, 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
  • Fits Ridgid 5-20 gallon and Husky 6-9 gallon vacs
  • Washable and reusable, no tools needed to fit it
  • 2 pack covers a spare for the next change

Cons

  • Spec table lists 2.0 in per side, against 8.8 by 6.5 in in the bullets
  • No warranty term is stated
  • Only fits the Ridgid, Husky and Craftsman models named
  • No foam sleeve filter is listed
2 Pack VF5000 Filter Replacement for Ridgid Shop

2 Pack VF5000 Filter Replacement for Ridgid Shop

Mochenli9.5/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 2 pack of three-layer pleated filters for Ridgid 5-20 gallon vacs, capturing 99% of fine dust.

Pros

  • Three-layer pleated paper captures 99% of fine dust
  • Fits Ridgid 5-20 gallon vacs including WD1450, WD0970, WD1270
  • Washable: rinse and dry completely, then reuse
  • No tools are needed to fit it

Cons

  • No warranty term is stated
  • Replace every 3-6 months per the listing
  • Only fits the Ridgid models named
  • No foam sleeve filter is listed in the kit
RIDGID VF4000 Standard Filter for Wet/Dry Vac

RIDGID VF4000 Standard Filter for Wet/Dry Vac

RIDGID9.4/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A standard pleated paper filter for 5 gallon and up wet dry vacs, washable and reusable for wet and dry pickups.

Pros

  • Pleated paper with a large surface area
  • Washable and reusable, clogs less quickly per the listing
  • Use for both wet and dry pickups
  • More than twice the surface area of the leading competitor, per the listing

Cons

  • No warranty is stated
  • One filter only, with no spare in the pack
  • Standard filtration, no HEPA claim in the listing
  • No foam sleeve filter is listed

Shop Vac Filter Size Chart: Tank Size to Filter Match

Match the tank size on the vac label with the filter models in the chart, then check the model number on the vac body. A filter listed for a larger tank still needs the right cartridge model to seat and seal.

Tank size Filter Fit
5 gallon and above isinlive 90304 kit Shop Vac 90304, 90350, 90333; 90585 foam sleeve
5 gallon and up RIDGID VF4000 RIDGID vacs, 5 gallon and up
5-20 gallon GEBDSM VF6000 Ridgid WD5500, WD0671, WD6425; Husky 6-9 gallon
5-20 gallon Mochenli VF5000 Ridgid WD1450, WD0970, WD1270

The chart covers the 4 filters in this guide. If the vac model is not named here, check the listing for the full model list.

Cartridge, Foam Sleeve and Pleated Paper: What Each Type Handles

Cartridge filters catch dry debris: the isinlive kit states HEPA filtration for cotton, fiber, lint, dirt, smoke and hair, and the GEBDSM and Mochenli filters state pleated layers for dust and lint. A cartridge filter is not always dry only: the RIDGID VF4000 states use for both wet and dry pickups. For wet pickup on a Shop Vac, the foam sleeve filter takes the place of the cartridge: the isinlive kit pairs 2 cartridge filters with 4 foam sleeve filters, and the listing says to remove the 90304 filter or the 90585 foam sleeve filter and put the new one back in place. All 4 filters here are washable or cleanable: clean and dry the filter before reuse. The isinlive and Mochenli listings say to replace every 3-6 months.

Filters That Fit Your Vac

With the tank size and model number set, these 4 filters cover the common shop vac sizes.

FAQ: garage tools

What size filter does a 5 gallon shop vac use?

Use a filter listed for 5 gallon and above or 5 gallon and up vacs, then match the cartridge model: the isinlive 90304 kit fits Shop Vac cartridge filters 90304, 90350 and 90333, and includes the 90585 foam sleeve filter, and the RIDGID VF4000 fits 5 gallon and up wet dry vacs.

What is the difference between the VF4000, VF5000 and VF6000 filters?

The VF4000 is a standard pleated paper filter for 5 gallon and up vacs, sold as one filter. The VF5000 is a three-layer pleated filter in a 2 pack for Ridgid 5-20 gallon vacs, capturing 99% of fine dust particles. The VF6000 is a 5-layer HEPA filter in a 2 pack for Ridgid 5-20 gallon and Husky 6-9 gallon vacs, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Can I wash a shop vac filter and reuse it?

Yes, for the filters in this guide. The RIDGID VF4000 is washable and reusable, the GEBDSM VF6000 rinses with water, the Mochenli VF5000 rinses and dries completely, and the isinlive filter can be cleaned, dried and reinstalled.

How often should I replace a shop vac filter?

Every 3-6 months, per the isinlive and Mochenli listings, depending on use. Replace it sooner if cleaning ability deteriorates in a short period of time.

Do I need a foam sleeve filter for wet pickup?

The isinlive kit includes 4 foam sleeve filters with its 2 cartridge filters, and the RIDGID VF4000 states use for both wet and dry pickups. A cartridge-only pack lists no foam sleeve filter.

Related: best filter for shop vac, wet dry vacs for the garage, wet vs dry shop vac and vacuum attachments for shop vac.

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