Black & Decker Cordless Hand Vacuum Replacement Filter

Why I swapped in the EVF100 filter

My BDH7200CHV Dustbuster had been limping along for months—suction fading, fine dust puffing back into the canister, and the motor working harder than it should. Swapping the tired filter for the EVF100 was a simple refresh that made the vacuum feel capable again. It’s a small part with an outsized impact, especially on older cordless hand vacs that rely on clean, unobstructed airflow to deliver any real pickup power.

This filter is designed specifically for the BDH7200CHV and BDH9600CHV models. I tested it in the former, and the fit was exact: the seal seated evenly, the latch closed without force, and there were no gaps for bypass dust. One filter is included in the package, and it’s washable—arguably its most important attribute. Clean it well, let it dry thoroughly, and you can cycle it many times before you need a fresh one.

Fit, design, and compatibility

The EVF100 is a compact, lightweight part (roughly 0.1 lb, 4.4 x 4.4 x 2.1 inches) that drops into place without any fiddling. It’s a molded, sturdy piece that doesn’t feel brittle, and after a dozen removal/reinstall cycles, my sample still locks in positively. The design is straightforward—no secondary gasket or removable mesh prefilter—so you’re relying on the main filter media to handle both coarse and fine debris. That makes proper use and maintenance more important than on systems with multi-stage filtration.

It’s worth repeating: this filter is only compatible with the BDH7200CHV and BDH9600CHV. Black & Decker has used a variety of filter shapes across the Dustbuster line, and they are not interchangeable. Before you order, check the model number on the underside of your vacuum’s handle or inside the dustbin. A quick cross-check saves a lot of annoyance later.

Installation and day-to-day use

Replacing the filter takes under a minute:
- Open the dustbin.
- Pull out the old filter by its tab.
- Tap out loose debris from the bin.
- Seat the new filter and press around the perimeter to ensure an even seal.
- Close the bin and give it a quick shake to confirm it’s latched.

I saw an immediate improvement in airflow. On low-pile rugs, the Dustbuster went from “surface crumbs only” back to lifting sand and pet hair without repeated passes. On countertops and car mats, fine dust collection felt noticeably better. This isn’t magic—it simply restores the vacuum to what it should do when the filter media is open and breathing. The difference is especially obvious if your previous filter was overdue for replacement or had been washed and reinstalled before it fully dried (which restricts airflow and can lead to a musty smell).

Performance and filtration

The EVF100 doesn’t attempt to be HEPA-grade, but it does a solid job of trapping household debris and the kind of fine dust typical in workshops, cars, and kitchens. With a clean filter, I didn’t see visible dust blowback into the canister or out the exhaust, and there was no gritty feel on the counter after a pass. As it loads with very fine particles (sanding dust, fireplace ash, or talc-like dirt), suction begins to taper—predictable and easy to fix with a wash.

What I appreciate most is consistency. A fresh or properly cleaned EVF100 restores predictable suction every time, and I never had to fuss with reseating it or fighting bin latches to get a good seal. If you keep big lint nests and long strands of hair out of the filter face by emptying the bin frequently, it resists matting and maintains performance longer between washes.

Cleaning, drying, and longevity

Washing is simple: warm, soapy water and a gentle swirl—no brushes or harsh scrubbing. I rinse from the inside out to push trapped dust back the way it entered, then repeat with clean water until it runs clear. The critical step is drying. Give it a full 24 hours in a warm, airy spot. Reinstalling even slightly damp will choke airflow and can trap odors. It’s the one downside of washable filters: the vacuum is out of commission during that dry time unless you keep a spare.

I’ve cycled my EVF100 through regular weekend cleaning for months, washing roughly every two to three weeks. The filter media held its shape, the frame didn’t warp, and the seam remained tight. There’s a practical limit to how many washings any filter can take before embedded fines accumulate and performance heads south, but with routine maintenance, this one offers excellent service life for a consumable part.

Tips from my use:
- Tap out loose dust into the trash before washing to extend sink time.
- Avoid hot water or solvents; they can weaken the media.
- Don’t wring or twist—press gently between towels to remove surface water.
- Consider buying two filters and rotating them to avoid downtime.
- Mark the install date on the frame with a fine-tip marker to track age.

Build quality and wear

The EVF100 feels more robust than the spongy inserts found in some ultrabudget handhelds. The frame resists hairline cracks at the corners, even after repeated removals. After many cycles, I noticed the tiniest rounding at the edges of the pleats where they meet the frame—normal cosmetic wear with no effect on sealing. If you routinely vacuum damp messes (which I don’t advise with this style of hand vac), expect the filter to gunk up faster and lose longevity.

Limitations to keep in mind

No filter is perfect, and this one has a few practical constraints:
- Limited compatibility: It works only with BDH7200CHV and BDH9600CHV. Get the part number wrong and it won’t fit.
- Single-pack format: Because it ships as one piece, you’ll experience downtime during drying unless you buy a second.
- Not specialized for ultrafine dust: It captures typical household fine particles well, but repeated cleanup of ash or drywall dust will load it quickly.
- Maintenance-dependent performance: You’ll only get “like-new” suction if you clean and dry it properly.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re the tradeoffs that come with a washable, single-stage filter in a compact handheld.

Who benefits most

If you’ve got a BDH7200CHV or BDH9600CHV that feels tired, and your current filter is stained, matted, or permanently gray, the EVF100 is the simplest way to get performance back. It’s ideal for quick pickups—crumbs in the kitchen, pet hair on stairs, sand in the car—especially if you’re willing to rinse and rotate filters to keep airflow high. If you need medical-grade filtration or frequently deal with ultrafine particulates, your best bet is a different vacuum system altogether rather than pushing a handheld filter beyond its design.

Final thoughts

The EVF100 filter does exactly what a good replacement part should: it fits cleanly, restores suction, and withstands repeated washing without falling apart. It asks for disciplined maintenance—empty the bin often, rinse with care, and let it dry fully—but it rewards that routine with steady, reliable performance in a pair of aging but capable Dustbusters.

Recommendation: I recommend this filter for owners of the BDH7200CHV and BDH9600CHV who want to maintain or restore their hand vac’s performance without replacing the whole unit. It’s compatible, washable, and durable enough to justify keeping two on hand so you can rotate during drying. As long as you verify your model number and commit to basic upkeep, the EVF100 is a straightforward, cost-effective upgrade that keeps these cordless hand vacs working the way they should.