Cleaning & Using Wet/Dry Vacuum Filters – Wet Filters

Using a filter is essential to maintain the life of your RIDGID Wet/Dry vacuum. RIDGID’s Wet Application Filter should be used when you’re picking up high-volume liquid debris. This could be things like water and other liquid messes. Did you know RIDGID’s Wet Application Filter can be washed and reused? But there’s a trick, the filter needs to be washed and dried properly before it can be reused into your shop vac again. We’ll give you a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to keep your filter clean below.

Wet Filter Usage: Pump Out a Flooded Basement

It’s no secret that RIDGID wet/dry vacs are ideal to use when cleaning up large amounts of water, and if your pipes break or your basement floods, it’s likely that you’re reaching for your shop vac. Many of the larger RIDGID wet/dry vacuums have a drain in the collection drum that allows you to drain the water for easier emptying.


Note: When picking up high-volume water-borne debris with a RIDGID wet/dry vacuum, make sure you are using the correct filter. We mentioned above RIDGID’s Wet Application Filter, which can be found at The Home Depot. This filter is specifically for RIDGID wet/dry vacuums that are 5 gallons or larger. If you’re using a smaller RIDGID wet/dry vac, you’ll want the RIDGID Half Height Wet Application Filter, which can be used on RIDGID shop vacs that are 3 to 4.5 gallons.

How To Clean RIDGID Wet Application Filters

  1. Unplug your RIDGID Wet/Dry Vacuum’s Power Cord. Always unplug the power cord before cleaning or removing the filter. This prevents accidents.

  1. Access and Remove the Wet Application Filter. For most vacuums, the powerhead is removed to access the drum and shop vac filters. Once you take off the powerhead, press one thumb on the filter nut and simultaneously pull up on the filter from the side tabs.

  1. Spray the Filter. Run water through the Wet Application Filter from a hose, spigot, or faucet. Make sure the water pressure isn’t too high to avoid causing damage to the filter material. In addition to the water, you can also tap the filter to make sure any debris falls off the filter.

  1. Dry the Filter. Allow the filter to completely dry before storing or using the filter again.
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