It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it: vacuuming. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t clean out your vacuum canister as often as you should. So, how much dirt does a vacuum canister hold? It depends on the model, type and size, and that varies quite a bit. Bagless canisters typically hold 2-12 cups, with the smaller number more common on handheld models. It’s important to empty your vacuum canister regularly because vacuums work by creating a pressure differential between outside and inside the vacuum. Emptying the canister or swapping out the bag makes it easier for the vacuum to move air (and dirt) from your floor to the vacuum. Emptying the canister improves suction, it puts less strain on the motor, and it improves air quality. How long you can go without emptying the canister depends on how often you vacuum. For a bagless upright, you should empty the canister when it gets two-thirds full — typically a week or two if you have pets. If you have a big. house and lots of deep-pile carpeting, you should empty the canister after every use, or swap out the bag once a month. Nevertheless, the best practice is to empty the canister every time you run the vacuum. For vacuum cleaners with bags, shoot for every 1-3 months. Don’t wait until the bag is completely full.
