Black & Decker Replacement Pleated Filter

Why a simple filter matters more than you think

Swapping the filter in a cordless stick vac is one of those small maintenance tasks that pays off instantly. After dropping this pleated, washable filter into my Black & Decker 2‑in‑1 stick vac, airflow snapped back to attention and the faint dusty smell in the exhaust disappeared. It’s not a glamorous upgrade, but in day-to-day use, it’s the kind of consumable that keeps a lightweight cordless working like it should.

Build and design

The filter uses a pleated media arranged around a central core. That pleating isn’t just for looks—it increases the surface area, which helps the vacuum maintain airflow while capturing fine debris. The assembly is compact (roughly 4 inches tall and just under 3 inches across) and very light, so it doesn’t add any heft to the dust cup.

My sample arrived cleanly molded with no flashing on the plastic frame and no loose fibers from the media. There’s no gimmickry here, just a straightforward, washable cartridge that feels sufficiently rigid to withstand repeated rinses without collapsing. It’s a direct replacement—no adapters, no extra frames.

Compatibility and fit

I used the filter in a compatible Black & Decker 2‑in‑1 stick vac and also test-fit it in two other models in the same family. If you’re running an HSV320J32, HSV420J42, or HSV520J01, it’s a match. Installation is tool-free: pop the dust cup, slide out the old filter, seat this one, and close it back up. The fit is snug and centers properly; I didn’t have to fiddle to get a seal or alignment.

A quick note on specs: I’ve seen product pages list oddities like “Number of batteries required: 1” for this filter and even mention an unrelated trimmer spool in the box. In reality, my package contained one filter—no batteries, no line spools. Consider those stray entries template errors rather than product inclusions.

Filtration and exhaust quality

This isn’t a HEPA cartridge, but the pleated media does a noticeably better job than basic foam inserts at stopping fine dust from blowing out the exhaust. After replacing a tired, over-washed filter, the “dusty” smell on startup vanished, and I saw less micro-dust settling on nearby surfaces after quick touch-ups. For everyday debris—crumbs, hair, and the fine grit that accumulates on hard floors—the filter keeps things tidy without strangling the vacuum’s airflow.

If you have severe allergies or need medically certified filtration, a cordless stick in this category isn’t the right platform. But for general household cleaning, the balance of airflow and capture is solid.

Suction and day-to-day performance

Cordless sticks are especially sensitive to resistance in the airflow path. A clogged or waterlogged filter makes them feel weak and noisy. With this filter freshly installed (or properly dried after a rinse), suction returns to what the motor can actually deliver. On my test runs—kitchen crumbs, entryway grit, and the usual fiber fluff tracked onto low-pile rugs—the vacuum picked up in a single pass more consistently, especially along baseboards where airflow matters.

As the filter loads up, performance tapers predictably. Rinsing restores most of what you lose, but like any washable media, there’s a limit to how many cycles you can perform before the fibers pack and airflow drops for good.

Cleaning and maintenance

Ease of cleaning is the standout. I’ve settled into a simple routine:

• Knock loose debris off the outside by gently tapping it against the inside of a trash can.
• Rinse from the clean side out under cool tap water until the runoff clears. No soap, no hot water.
• Let it air-dry completely—overnight is safest. Never reinstall damp; you’ll choke the vacuum and risk odors.
• Between rinses, a soft brush around the pleats helps lift hair and lint without shredding the media.

If you clean frequently or do messier jobs, keeping a second filter on hand is practical. While one dries, the other can go straight in, and you’re not tempted to run the vacuum with a damp cartridge.

Durability and lifespan

Washable doesn’t mean infinite. In my use, the filter tolerated several rinse cycles before I noticed a persistent drop in airflow and some visible flattening in the pleats. The exact number depends on your cleaning habits and environment, but a realistic expectation is multiple washes before replacement. Telltales that it’s time to retire one include:

• The pleats stay gray or splotchy even after a thorough rinse.
• The media feels “matted” and less springy.
• You’re rinsing more often but not getting the same suction back.

At that point, replacing the filter is easier (and safer for the motor) than pushing another wash cycle.

Value and availability

Because it’s washable and light, the ongoing cost per month works out low for typical household use. I treat it as a maintenance item: buy in pairs, rotate them, and replace when rinse-and-dry no longer restores performance. The brand backs it with a limited warranty against defects—reasonable for a consumable, though wear-and-tear isn’t covered.

Availability is straightforward; it’s widely stocked through the usual big-box and online channels. Just double-check the compatible model numbers printed on the packaging before you buy.

Quirks and caveats

• Drying time is the bottleneck. If you clean after dinner and want to vacuum again the next morning, you’ll appreciate having a spare.
• Not HEPA. It improves exhaust quality but isn’t rated for allergen-level capture.
• Mixed-material construction means end-of-life recycling depends on local rules. Washing to extend life is the most reliable way to reduce waste.
• As with any pleated media, avoid compressed air or aggressive brushing; you’ll tear fibers and shorten its life.

Who it’s for

• Owners of Black & Decker 2‑in‑1 cordless stick vacs who want to keep suction consistent without buying a new vacuum.
• Small homes, apartments, and quick clean-up routines where the vacuum runs a few times a week.
• Anyone willing to rinse and rotate filters instead of tossing them after each clog.

Who should look elsewhere? If your cleaning needs demand HEPA-grade filtration or you run your cordless for long sessions on heavy debris (renovation dust, fireplace ash), you’ll either foul this filter quickly or want a different platform altogether.

Practical tips from use

• Schedule rinses, not replacements: a quick tap-out after light jobs and a full rinse after visibly dusty sessions keeps airflow high.
• Always dry vertically in a warm, ventilated spot; flipping midway helps. If the media feels cool to the touch, it’s probably still damp.
• Inspect the dust cup seals while you’re in there. A good filter won’t fix a leaking gasket.
• Label your two filters and alternate them. It’s easier to track wear and anticipate when to reorder.

Verdict

I recommend this filter for anyone using a compatible Black & Decker 2‑in‑1 stick vacuum. It’s simple, effective, and genuinely improves day-to-day performance when kept clean. The pleated design captures fine dust without choking airflow, the wash-and-reuse routine is easy to live with, and the fit in the intended models is trouble-free. The main compromises—drying time and the absence of HEPA certification—are expected at this price and product class. Keep two on hand, rinse properly, and your cordless will feel fresher and stronger for longer.