How to Clean a Henry Hoover Filter in 5 Simple Steps

📖 15 min read

How to clean a Henry Hoover filter is one of those tasks people avoid until their trusty vacuum loses suction completely. I’ve been using Henry hoovers in my professional cleaning business for 18 years, across hundreds of properties, and I’ve seen what happens when filters get neglected. The motor works harder, suction drops, and eventually you’re pushing a hoover that picks up nothing.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to clean your Henry filter properly, using just water (no fancy products needed). This method works for all Henry models, takes about 5 minutes of actual work, and will restore your Henry’s suction to like-new levels.

Here’s what you’ll learn: the correct way to wash a Henry filter without damaging it, how often you actually need to clean it based on your usage, why Henry loses suction (it’s not always the filter), and the signs that mean you need a new filter rather than just a clean.

What You’ll Need

For cleaning your Henry Hoover filter:

• Access to a tap with lukewarm water
• Clean towel (for gently squeezing excess water)
• Warm, well-ventilated area for drying
• 24 hours of patience whilst it dries

Optional extras:

• Replacement Henry bag (change whilst you’ve got it open)
• Spare filter (useful to have on hand)
• Another vacuum to clean the motor housing whilst Henry’s apart

How to Clean Your Henry Hoover Filter – Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Prepare Your Henry

Unplug your Henry completely from the wall socket. Never work on any electrical appliance whilst it’s plugged in, even if it’s switched off.

Make sure the hoover is cool if you’ve just used it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to cool down.

Step 2 – Remove the Top and Bag

Lift off Henry’s top motor unit by releasing the clips on either side. On most models, you squeeze the two metal clips and lift straight up.

Remove the dust bag carefully. Even if it’s not full, this is a good time to change it. A new bag improves suction and stops smells.

Put the old bag straight in your outside bin. Don’t empty and reuse Henry bags – they’re designed to be disposable and cost less than £1 each.

Step 3 – Take Out the Filter

You’ll see the filter sitting in the cage around or below the motor housing. It’s usually a black or blue foam cylinder or disc.

Gently pull the filter out. Give it a light shake over your bin to remove loose dust and debris. Don’t bash it against anything – the foam tears easily.

Step 4 – Wash the Filter Thoroughly

Hold the foam filter under lukewarm running water. Squeeze it gently as water runs through. Keep rinsing and squeezing until the water runs completely clear.

You’ll be amazed how much dust comes out, even from a filter that looks clean. I’ve cleaned filters that released dirty water for 2-3 minutes of rinsing.

Use only water – no washing up liquid, no detergent, no fabric softener, nothing. These products leave residue that clogs the foam and reduces suction.

Step 5 – Dry Completely (This Is Critical)

Gently squeeze excess water from the filter. Don’t wring it or twist it – just press gently with your hands or in a clean towel.

Place the filter in a warm, well-ventilated spot and leave it for 24 hours minimum. I usually put mine on a windowsill or near (not on) a radiator.

The filter must be bone dry before you put it back in Henry. A damp filter will damage the motor, cause mould growth, and create musty smells that are impossible to shift.

Check it’s completely dry by squeezing it. If any moisture comes out at all, leave it longer.

Step 6 – Reassemble Your Henry

Once the filter is completely dry, slot it back into the filter cage exactly as it came out. Make sure it sits properly – it shouldn’t be twisted or bunched up.

Fit a fresh dust bag if you haven’t already. Henry should always run with a bag in place – never use him bagless.

Replace the motor unit and clip it back into position. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure.

Your Henry is now ready to deliver brilliant suction again.

Common Mistakes That Damage Henry Filters

1. Using detergent or cleaning products – Soap residue clogs the foam pores and attracts more dust. Water only, always.

2. Putting the filter back damp – This is the biggest mistake I see. Even slightly damp filters cause motor damage and create horrible musty smells. Always dry for 24 hours minimum.

3. Wringing or twisting the foam – This tears the delicate foam structure. Gentle squeezing only.

4. Drying on a radiator or with a hairdryer – High heat damages the foam. Air drying at room temperature is the only safe method.

5. Running Henry without a bag – Without a bag, all the dust goes straight into the filter and clogs it in minutes. Always use a proper Henry bag.

6. Never cleaning the filter – Some people use Henry for years without ever cleaning the filter. By the time they do, the foam has completely degraded and needs replacing.

How Often Should You Clean Your Henry Hoover Filter?

Based on 18 years of professional use, here’s my recommendation:

I clean my professional Henry filters weekly because they work hard. At home, where I hoover twice a week, I clean the filter every 6-8 weeks.

Signs Your Henry Filter Needs Cleaning

Don’t wait for a schedule – clean your filter when you notice these signs:

Loss of suction – The most obvious sign. If Henry isn’t picking up as well as usual, check the filter first before assuming the motor’s failing.

Dusty or musty smell – A clogged filter traps smells and releases them as you hoover. If Henry smells unpleasant, the filter needs washing.

Motor sounds louder – A blocked filter makes the motor work harder and run louder. This reduces motor life significantly.

Dust escaping from the exhaust – If you see dust puffing out whilst hoovering, the filter is so clogged it can’t trap particles anymore.

Filter looks compacted – If you can see the foam looks squashed or hard rather than springy, it’s full of dust and needs washing immediately.

Any of these signs mean stop and clean the filter now, regardless of how recently you last did it.

When to Replace Rather Than Clean

Henry filters don’t last forever. Replace your filter if:

The foam is crumbling – If bits break off when you handle it, it’s done. No amount of washing will help.

It’s torn or has holes – Damaged filters let dust through and don’t protect the motor. Bin it and fit a new one.

The smell won’t wash out – Sometimes smells get so ingrained they survive washing. A new filter costs about £3-5 and solves this instantly.

Suction doesn’t improve after cleaning – If you’ve washed and dried the filter properly but suction is still poor, the filter has degraded and needs replacing.

It’s over 2 years old – Even with perfect care, foam filters degrade over time. Replace every 18-24 months for best performance, regardless of condition.

Replacement filters are cheap. Genuine Henry filters cost about £5, compatible ones are often under £3 from Wilko or Amazon. Don’t scrimp here – a good filter protects a £100+ motor.

Different Henry Models and Their Filters

Most Henry models use the same basic filter type, but there are some variations:

Standard Henry (HVR200) – Black foam pre-motor filter. This is what most people have. Washable as described above.

Henry Micro – Has an additional HEPA filter for allergy sufferers. The foam filter is washable, but the HEPA filter is not – replace it every 6-12 months.

Hetty, Henry Plus, Henry Xtra – Same filter system as standard Henry. All washable with water.

Cordless Henry – Uses a different filter system. Check your manual, but most are still washable.

NuTek Henry (green) – Industrial model with a two-stage filter. Both are washable, but dry each separately.

If you’re not sure which filter type you have, the rule is simple: if it’s foam or cloth, you can wash it with water. If it’s pleated paper (like a HEPA filter), replace it instead.

Keeping Your Henry Filter Cleaner for Longer

Prevention is always easier than deep cleaning. Here’s how I keep filters in better condition:

Always use genuine Henry bags – Cheap compatible bags often split, letting dust straight into the filter. Genuine bags cost 50p more and last much longer.

Empty bags before they’re full – A packed bag restricts airflow and forces dust into the filter. Change bags when they’re 3/4 full.

Never hoover fine dust without a fresh bag – Plaster dust, ash, or very fine dirt clogs filters incredibly quickly. Always fit a new bag before these jobs.

Don’t hoover damp debris – Wet dirt destroys filters. Let spills dry first, or use a different method to clean them up.

Tap the filter between washes – Every few weeks, take out the filter and tap the loose dust into a bin. This extends time between proper washes.

Store Henry in a dry place – Damp storage areas can cause mould in the filter. Keep Henry somewhere with good air circulation.

These simple habits mean I wash my home Henry filter every 2 months instead of monthly, and it lasts 2+ years instead of needing replacement after 12 months.

Troubleshooting Poor Suction After Filter Cleaning

If you’ve cleaned your filter properly and Henry still has poor suction, check these:

Is the filter completely dry? – Even 5% damp will kill suction. Give it another 12 hours.

Is the bag fitted correctly? – The bag collar must sit properly on the inlet. If it’s crooked, suction drops dramatically.

Is there a blockage in the hose? – Detach the hose and check for obstructions. I’ve found socks, toys, and all sorts lodged in there.

Is the hose damaged? – Splits or cracks let air escape and ruin suction. Run your hand along the whole length whilst Henry’s running.

Is the floor head clogged? – Hair and debris wrap around the brush bar. Flip it over and clear any tangles.

Are the motor clips secure? – If the top isn’t clipped on properly, air escapes and suction suffers.

Could the motor be failing? – If nothing else works and the filter is perfect, the motor might be worn. At this point, professional repair or replacement might be needed.

In 18 years, I’ve found 95% of “Henry not working” complaints are either a clogged filter, full bag, or blocked hose. It’s rarely anything serious, and keeping your home clean doesn’t require fancy equipment – just like keeping your washing machine fresh or maintaining your other appliances, regular simple maintenance makes all the difference.

Pro Tips From 18 Years of Using Henry Hoovers

Why Henry Filters Matter More Than You Realize

The filter isn’t just about suction. A clean filter protects your Henry’s motor, which is the most expensive component to replace. A new motor costs £60-80. A new filter costs £3-5.

The filter also affects air quality in your home. A clogged filter can’t trap fine dust and allergens, so they get blown back into the room. If anyone in your house has allergies or asthma, a clean filter genuinely matters for their health.

Finally, a clean filter extends bag life. When the filter is clogged, the bag fills more slowly because air can’t flow through the system properly. Clean the filter and you’ll notice bags lasting longer.

All this from 5 minutes of work and 24 hours of drying time. It’s one of the easiest and most effective cleaning tasks you can do.

Cleaning your Henry Hoover filter properly takes just a few minutes but makes a massive difference to performance. Rinse it with lukewarm water only, squeeze it gently, and give it 24 hours to dry completely. Do this every 1-2 months for home use, and your Henry will maintain brilliant suction for years.

I’ve relied on Henry hoovers throughout my 18 years as a professional cleaner. They’re tough, reliable, and incredibly simple to maintain. A clean filter is the single most important thing you can do to keep yours working perfectly, and now you know exactly how to do it properly.

Related guides:

• How to Clean a Washing Machine – Keep your appliances in top condition
• How to Clean a Dishwasher – Simple maintenance for better performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash a Henry Hoover filter?

Yes, you can and should wash Henry Hoover filters regularly. Rinse the foam filter under lukewarm water only, squeeze gently to remove dirt, and air-dry for 24 hours before refitting. Never use detergent or hot water as these damage the foam structure.

How often should you clean a Henry Hoover filter?

Clean your Henry filter every 1-2 months for light home use, every 3-4 weeks for daily use, and every 2-3 weeks if you have pets. Professional cleaners should clean weekly. Clean immediately if you notice loss of suction, smells, or louder motor noise.

Why is my Henry Hoover losing suction?

Loss of suction is usually caused by a clogged filter, full bag, blocked hose, or damp filter. Clean or replace the filter, fit a fresh bag, check for blockages in the hose and floor head, and ensure the filter is completely dry before use.

Can you use a Henry Hoover without a filter?

Never use Henry without a filter fitted. The filter protects the motor from dust and debris. Running without a filter will cause rapid motor failure and potentially dangerous dust being blown back into the room. Always use both filter and bag together.

How long does a Henry Hoover filter last?

With proper care and regular cleaning, a Henry filter should last 18-24 months. Replace sooner if the foam crumbles, tears, develops permanent smells, or if suction doesn’t improve after cleaning. Filters cost £3-5 and are worth replacing when worn.

Can you put a Henry Hoover filter in the washing machine?

No, never put Henry filters in a washing machine. The agitation and detergent will destroy the foam structure. Always hand-wash under running water only, squeeze gently, and air-dry. Machine washing ruins filters completely and they won’t work properly.

Why does my Henry Hoover smell musty?

Musty smells come from a damp or dirty filter, or from using a damp filter before it dried completely. Wash the filter thoroughly with water, dry for 24+ hours, and fit a fresh bag. If the smell persists after washing, replace the filter.

How do you dry a Henry Hoover filter?

Air-dry Henry filters in a warm, well-ventilated area for 24 hours minimum. Place near (not on) a radiator or on a sunny windowsill. Never use hairdryers or direct heat. Squeeze gently to remove excess water first, then leave until bone dry.

Can you use Henry Hoover without a bag?

Never use Henry without a bag. The bag is essential for collecting dirt and protecting the filter. Without a bag, all dust goes straight into the filter and clogs it within minutes, potentially damaging the motor. Always use genuine Henry bags.

How do I know when to replace my Henry Hoover filter?

Replace your Henry filter if the foam crumbles or tears, if it still smells after washing, if suction doesn’t improve after cleaning and drying, or if it’s over 2 years old. A degraded filter can’t protect the motor properly and should be replaced immediately.