Shop-Vac Foam Pre-Filter

This 8-inch foam sleeve does double duty that most contractors don’t realize. Used alone, it’s designed for wet mess pickup — the spring snowmelt cleanup essential for Montana basements and garages. But it’s also required as a base layer when using Type S paper disc filters for dry vacuuming.

The foam protects your shop vac’s motor from water and debris. That’s the real value here. Your shop vac lives or dies by its motor, and this foam sleeve is its first line of defense.

Compatibility and Coverage

This Type R foam filter fits Shop-Vac 5 gallon and larger models. At 8 inches diameter by 6.5 inches high, it slides right onto the filter cage.

But here’s what catches people: it specifically excludes the Portable H87S, HangUp, Wall-Mount, P12S 6 gallon, and Floor Master H875 models. Check your model number before buying — returns eat into everyone’s time.

Specification	Value
Dimensions	8 inches diameter x 6.5 inches high
Weight	Approx. 0.56 lbs
Material	Polyurethane Foam
Type	Type R
Compatibility	Shop-Vac 5 gallon and larger models

Smaller 1-4 gallon Shop-Vacs use Type CC or Type MM foam sleeves, not this Type R.

Installation and Maintenance

For wet pickup, remove all other filters and slide this foam sleeve directly onto the cage. That’s it. No paper filters, no cartridge filters — just foam on cage for liquids.

For dry vacuuming, install the foam sleeve first, then add a paper or cloth disc filter over it. The foam acts as a pre-filter, catching larger debris before it hits your fine filter. This layered approach extends the life of your more expensive dry filters.

The foam is washable and reusable — rinse with cool water and air dry completely. Don’t wring it out like a sponge. Let gravity do the work or you’ll tear the foam.

The Bottom Line

Shop-Vac backs this with their Limited Lifetime Home Use Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser.

You’re buying motor protection and versatility. While cartridge filters offer finer dry filtration, they’re not ideal for wet use. This foam sleeve handles the wet messes that would ruin a cartridge filter, then serves as essential protection when you switch back to dry pickup.

Available individually or in filter kits with paper discs (Filter #90107), but the standalone sleeve gives you flexibility to choose your own dry filters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use just the foam filter for everything?

The foam is designed for wet mess pickup when used alone. For dry vacuuming, you need additional filtration over the foam to catch fine dust. Running foam-only on drywall dust or concrete powder will clog your motor with fine particles.

Q: How often should I replace this foam filter?

The foam is washable and reusable. Replace it when it tears, loses its shape, or won’t come clean after washing. With proper care, these last years — but they’re cheap enough to replace annually if you’re hard on equipment.

Q: What’s the difference between this and a cartridge filter?

Cartridge filters offer finer dry filtration but aren’t ideal for wet use. This foam handles liquids that would destroy a paper cartridge. For versatility, use foam for wet pickup and add appropriate dry filters when needed.