When a Windsor Sensor or SEBO X upright starts losing suction, the check-bag light comes on with a fresh bag installed, or the machine shuts itself down partway through a floor, the pre-motor micro filter tube is the part to change. It is the long tubular filter that sits in the bag compartment beside the bag, and it is the last barrier between collected dust and the motor. Housekeeping and building-service crews who run these uprights daily replace it on a schedule rather than waiting for a complaint, because a loaded tube filter costs airflow long before anyone notices.
Built for
- Scheduled preventive maintenance on a commercial fleet. SEBO's own guidance is to change the micro filter every 10 to 20 filter bags. Crews running hotels, schools, offices and healthcare accounts typically pair the filter change with each case of bags so no machine falls behind.
- Bringing a neglected or used machine back into service. On a machine that has only ever had its bag changed, the tube filter is usually caked. Replacing it along with the exhaust filter is the standard first step before the unit goes back on a route.
- Chasing a loss-of-suction call. After the bag, the micro filter is the next item on every troubleshooting list for these uprights - ahead of the hose, wand and brush-roll trap door.
- Fixing an odor complaint. A dust-loaded pre-motor filter is a common source of the smell tenants and guests notice, and a new bag alone does not clear it.
- Protecting the motor on a high-hour machine. Dust that gets past a worn bag and a loaded filter ends up on the motor. A filter is inexpensive insurance against a motor replacement.
How it fits into the machine
These uprights use a three-stage path: the filter bag catches bulk debris, the micro filter tube handles the fine dust that passes the bag, and a separate exhaust filter treats the air leaving the motor. This part covers the middle stage and ships with the matching curved foam exhaust filter, so a single order completes both of the filters you can service without opening the motor bay. The machines are designed to shut down rather than run choked, which is why a restricted micro filter shows up as a false full-bag indication rather than as weak suction alone.
Specifications
- Type: tubular pre-motor micro filter, sits alongside the bag in the bag compartment
- Kit contents: one tubular micro filter plus one curved foam exhaust filter
- Approximate dimensions: 14-1/2 in. tall, bottom diameter about 1-3/4 in., center hole about 1-1/4 in.; foam exhaust filter approximately 3-7/8 in. by 2-5/8 in.
- Service: replace only - the manufacturer states these filters are not washable
- Recommended interval: every 10 to 20 filter bags in normal use, sooner with fine dust, plaster or heavy pet hair
- Replaces Windsor 5301ER, 5301, 8.600-522.0 and 86143300; Kenmore 50015, 50016 and 20-50016; EnviroCare part 243
- Fits Windsor Sensor S12, S15, S18, XP12, XP15 and XP18; SEBO Automatic X series including X1, X4 and X5; SEBO Essential G series; Kenmore models that take Type X filters
- Also fits Windsor Versamatic Plus, Karcher CVU 30/1, CVU 36/1 and CVU 46/1, and Hillyard Trident V12S and V12XP
Frequently asked questions
Is this the pre-motor filter or the exhaust filter?
This is the pre-motor filter - the long tube that sits in the bag compartment next to the vacuum bag, so air travels bag, then micro filter, then motor. It is a different part from the flat exhaust filter that mounts near the motor outlet. This kit includes both the tube filter and a matching foam exhaust filter.
Can I wash it and reuse it?
No. The manufacturer states these filters are not washable and the correct service action is replacement. Washing collapses the fine media, so a cleaned filter can look serviceable while no longer filtering or flowing the way it should.
How often should it be replaced?
The manufacturer's guidance is every 10 to 20 filter bags in normal use. Heavy commercial routes, drywall or plaster dust, fine powders and pet-hair-heavy accounts shorten that considerably. Many crews simply change the filter with every case of bags.
My check-bag light stays on with a brand new bag. Is it the filter?
Often yes. A lit indicator on a fresh bag points to restricted airflow, and these machines are built to shut down rather than run choked. Check the micro filter tube and the exhaust filter along with the hose, wand and brush-roll trap door.
Will an aftermarket filter fit the same as the original?
This filter is dimensionally matched to Windsor 5301ER and installs in the same tube position with no modification, and it ships with the matching exhaust filter. Buyers who specifically want the manufacturer's HEPA-rated media should look at the genuine SEBO and Windsor HEPA service box instead, which is a separate part.
Discount Cleaning Products is an authorized dealer for the professional cleaning and surface-prep brands we carry, with US-based product support from people who use this equipment. If you are unsure which part or grade fits your machine or your slab, contact us before you order and we will confirm the fit.
