I've always washed the inner cloth bag on my Compact/Tristar vacuums.  I hand wash with mild laundry detergent and rinse thoroughly and include a little fabric softener in the final rinse.  However, I read a few days ago that the bags should not be washed.  Does anyone have any thoughts on that?  Does washing significantly change the bag's filtration?  Thanks for any thoughts! 

Never noticed that it hurt the filtration.  I thought it would help to be clean.

Although, I thought I read somewhere not to use fabric softener as it is an oily substance and can clog the pores of the cloth.

Greg F.

I think (and can be wrong!) that fabric softener opens the pours of the fabric, allowing it to breath better. 

I believe you are right and I am wrong (won't be the first or the last time!).

I researched "fabric softener" in previous threads and it does seem that it is recommended to make the cloth filter better.  It "opens up the fibers" has been said.

I stand corrected and head off to the store to find some fabric softener!

Thanks for the info, Bill.

Greg F.

That must be where I read it -- here on the forum!

I've seen that at the store.  I'll have to give it a try.