Black & Decker Vacuum Pleated Filter

Why a small filter matters

A stick vacuum is only as good as its filter. After several weeks using the VPF20 filter in my SMARTECH 2‑in‑1, I’m convinced this little cylinder is the difference between a vacuum that fades mid-job and one that stays punchy and clean. The washable, pleated design isn’t flashy, but it’s the right choice for this platform and it shows up in everyday use.

Build and fit

The VPF20 filter is a compact cylinder (about 3.2 inches tall and just over 3 inches across) that weighs almost nothing. The pleats are evenly formed, the end caps are solid, and the gasket seats snugly in the filter housing. It drops into the SMARTECH 2‑in‑1 without drama and locks in place with a reassuring click. I’ve had no air bypass or rattling, and the fit remains consistent after multiple washes.

The pleated media is the star here. Compared with flat foam inserts, pleats increase surface area, which slows down clogging and keeps airflow higher for longer. That’s noticeable in practice: suction doesn’t nosedive as quickly when I’m doing a whole-house sweep that includes both hard floors and area rugs.

Installation and orientation

Installing the filter takes under a minute:
- Open the dust cup, release the old filter, and gently twist out.
- Inspect the cavity for debris; a quick pass with a microfiber cloth helps.
- Drop the VPF20 in with the gasketed end seated flat, then lock it.

I recommend spinning the vacuum briefly after installation; if you hear any whistle or feel air escaping from the seal, reseat the filter. That’s rare, but a clean mating surface makes a difference.

Filtration and airflow in practice

I tested the filter with typical household debris—crumbs, pet hair, fine dust from drywall spot sanding, and the usual kitchen grit. Two things stood out:

• Airflow consistency: With the VPF20 freshly cleaned, the vacuum maintains steady suction across low and high power modes. On the SMARTECH unit, I could run longer before feeling the need to shake out the filter mid-clean.
• Exhaust quality: With the dust cup emptied and the filter clean, the exhaust feels noticeably less dusty. I’m not going to pretend this is a HEPA upgrade—it isn’t—but for everyday cleaning it reduces visible haze when vacuuming in sunlight and keeps that faint dust smell to a minimum.

If you regularly pick up ultra-fine powder (ash, sweeping compound, drywall sanding dust), expect the pleats to cake up quickly. That’s true of most stick vacuum filters. Tapping out the filter mid-job helps, but once the pleats load, a rinse is the right move.

Cleaning and maintenance

The VPF20 is designed to be washed, and it tolerates a simple routine well:
- Knock out loose debris by tapping the base gently against the side of a trash can.
- Rinse from the inside out with warm water to push fines out of the pleats.
- Use a drop of mild dish soap if you’ve vacuumed greasy dust (kitchens) or pet dander.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

A few cautions based on my experience:
- Don’t use hot water or harsh cleaners; they can deform the media.
- Avoid compressed air at close range; it can puncture or separate pleats.
- Never reinstall damp. A wet filter will choke airflow and can introduce musty odor.

Drying is the bottleneck. Black & Decker advises about 24 hours, and that’s been accurate for me in a room-temperature environment. Placing the filter near a fan speeds things up; direct heat (like a hair dryer or heater) is risky and unnecessary.

The “two-filter” strategy

If you depend on your vacuum daily, buy a second VPF20 and rotate. I keep one in the machine and one drying on a wire rack. When I wash the dirty one, I swap the dry spare in immediately. That way the vacuum is always ready, and I don’t rush the drying process. It’s a small investment that removes the only real inconvenience of washable filters.

Durability and lifespan

After repeated wash cycles, the pleats on my VPF20 have held their shape, and the end caps haven’t loosened. The gasket still seals cleanly. Signs you’re due for a replacement:
- Persistent odors even after a thorough wash and dry.
- Visible tears, fraying, or soft, “mushy” pleats.
- Noticeably reduced run-time suction despite a clean dust cup and dry filter.

Frequency of replacement depends on your environment. In a small apartment with minimal pet hair, I can stretch to a few months of weekly washing. In a house with pets and frequent use, plan on replacing more often. The filter is inexpensive enough that replacing on condition, not a fixed timetable, makes sense.

Noise and odors

A clean, dry VPF20 runs quietly—no whistle, no rattling. If you notice a sharp whistle or a faint sour smell, it’s almost always a sign the filter is damp or not fully seated. Let it dry longer and check the gasket and mating surfaces for debris. I’ve also found that washing with a tiny amount of mild dish soap prevents lingering odors, provided the final rinse is thorough.

Compatibility and sizing

This filter is specifically for Black & Decker SMARTECH 2‑in‑1 stick vacuums. It’s not a universal part, and near-miss filters that look similar won’t seal properly. The small form factor (roughly 3.1 by 3.1 inches footprint) makes it easy to store a spare in a drawer. If your vacuum’s manual lists the VPF20 part number, you’re set.

Value proposition

The VPF20 hits a sensible balance: low cost, easy maintenance, and tangible performance benefits over non-pleated, non-washable inserts. The washable design cuts down on consumables, and the pleats extend the usable window between rinses. If you’re disciplined about cleaning and drying, you’ll get strong day-to-day performance without buying a steady stream of throwaway filters.

Practical tips for better results

• Empty the dust cup before the filter looks dirty; airflow improves and cleaning gets easier.
• Tap out the filter outside or over a bin between washes to extend time between rinses.
• Mark a small date on the end cap with a removable marker after each wash; it helps track drying time and rotation.
• Store the spare filter in a breathable bag or an open shelf—avoid sealed containers, which can trap moisture.

What could be better

• Drying time is the unavoidable pain point. Twenty-four hours is realistic, and that means planning. A second filter solves it.
• This isn’t HEPA filtration. For severe allergies, you’ll still want to use a primary vacuum with sealed HEPA for deeper cleans, and keep the SMARTECH for quick pickups.

The bottom line

The VPF20 filter doesn’t try to do too much, and that’s its strength. The pleated, washable design keeps suction stable, cuts down on dusty exhaust, and holds up to repeated cleanings when treated reasonably. Installation is painless, fit is secure, and maintenance is straightforward. The only real compromise is the drying window, which is easily addressed by keeping a second filter on hand.

Recommendation

I recommend the VPF20 filter for anyone using a SMARTECH 2‑in‑1 stick vacuum. It’s inexpensive, maintains airflow better than flat media, and the washable construction saves money and waste over time. If you pair it with a simple two-filter rotation to cover the drying period, it becomes a set‑and‑forget upgrade that keeps a lightweight vacuum performing like it should.