Sealed paper bag units incorporate a two-layer disposable paper bag for superior filtration. These paper bags are also inexpensive and easy to throw away making vacuum maintenance easy. The mass of dirt and debris picked up by your VacuMaid Utility Vac system is deposited in the filter bag inside the dirt canister. To remove this accumulation, follow these simple steps: - Remove the lid by lifting straight up. There are no hinges or clamps. - Remove the bag by sliding the rubber gasket that surrounds the hole in the paper bag off the plastic inlet stem that protrudes through the side of the canister. - Once the bag is off of the inlet stem, seal the bag by removing the backing from the tab and cover the hole with the flap. -Press the flap so that it securely seals over the hole. This will help prevent dirt and dust from escaping. -Now, lift the paper bag from the dirt canister and place in a suitable trash container. -Take a new bag and extend it fully. -Place it in the canister, and slide the rubber gasket onto the inlet stem until the rubber gasket drops into place in the ridge that is around the inlet stem. -Carefully replace the lid onto the dirt canister to ensure that it seals properly or it could cause a vacuum leak and reduce the cleaning efficiency of your system. The filter bag should be changed or cleaned when there is 3-6 inches of dirt or anytime there is a noticeable reduction of air flow at the cleaning tool.