Can You Wash A Roomba Filter? (Find Out Now!)

I don’t know about you, but I despise vacuuming. Thankfully, in the effort to live like the Jetsons, someone invented the Roomba. Now we can have a hands-off approach to cleaning our house!

Just like normal vacuums, Roombas have filters and canisters that need to be cleaned periodically. This raises the question: Can you wash a Roomba filter? There is some conflicting information on this topic.

According to iRobot, Roomba filters should not be washed. Any liquid that comes in contact with it could damage the Roomba. They suggest tapping the filter or using an air compressor to remove debris.

Some sources state it’s okay to wash a Roomba filter—but only with water. And you must wait until the filter is completely dry before reinserting it.

If you think about it, washing a Roomba filter doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Water and electronics don’t mix. iRobot, the makers of Roomba, state on their website that Roomba “filters are not designed to be washed or come in contact with liquid.”

They’re assuming people would reinstall the filters before they’re totally dry. And if any liquid gets into the internal system, the Roomba could be damaged. It’s that water and electronics thing.

To play it safe, iRobot recommends an alternate cleaning method, one that’s water-free.

There are those on Team “Clean It with Water,” which is directly against what iRobot suggests. If you insist that tapping isn’t enough, you can clean the filter with water of your own free will.

But even those who say it’s okay to wash the filter give a warning: Clean the filter with water only. And let it dry completely before reinstalling it. (Remember the water and electronics thing we talked about?)

If you want to keep using your Roomba, for the love of Pete, let the filter dry!

iRobot suggests cleaning the filter (with the tapping method) once a week. If you have pets, they suggest cleaning the filter twice a week. Not only will pet hair clog the filter faster, but Roomba filters trap 99% of pet dander.

In addition to pets, you may want to clean the filter more frequently if you have children or live with multiple people. Dirt and dust are bound to collect at a faster rate in these situations.

As for filter replacement, iRobot suggests users change their filters every 2 months. It’s possible you may have to replace it sooner. This is especially true if you find it hard to empty the bin and clean the filters at the suggested frequency.

However, you may be able to get away with using the filter for longer than 2 months if you’re meticulous with your cleaning methods.

Do you still have questions regarding the care and use of your Roomba? You’ve come to the right place! Below are some additional questions Roomba users asked.

It’s okay to wash a Roomba bin, but only by hand and only after removing the filter. They are not dishwasher safe. Rather, rinse the bins using only warm water. Better yet, you might try a damp cloth to pick up any residual debris.

As with a regular vacuum, Roombas stop picking up dirt if their brushes or filters remain improperly maintained. Brushes and filters clogged with dirt and hair can’t function correctly. Change the filter every 2 months and the brushes every 6-12 months.

Similar to the filters, the brushes require cleaning once or twice a week, depending on the dirt level produced in your home.

Running your Roomba every day is perfectly fine. How often you run it depends on the dirt and dust level produced in your home. If you have pets and kids, you’ll likely run it multiple times a week.

Once, long ago, Roombas were only meant for hardwood floors. They have since upped their suction game. Now, they have the ability to be used both on hardwood floors and carpets.

However, their suggested use is for short pile or deep pile carpets only. The Roomba has a tendency to snag long fibers. In addition, using a Roomba on surfaces with rugs is unadvised.

At the suggestion of Roomba’s makers, you should not wash the filter. Approved cleaning methods include tapping the filter against your trash can or blowing it with an air compressor from a safe distance.

Of course, there are contradictory instructions that say it’s safe to wash a Roomba filter with water only. If you follow this method, which isn’t recommended by iRobot, wait for the filter to dry completely. Reinserting a wet or damp filter could likely damage your Roomba.

You know where iRobot stands, and we’re more inclined to agree with the manufacturer. However, the choice is yours. Proceed with caution.