We have had our vacuum for about a year and a half. Nothing crazy, $79 bagless Hoover from Home Depot. Well DH said the filter was looking really nasty and the directions say do not wet the filter, replace when needed. So, I go to Target and see that a new filter is $40!!! That is insane!! That's half the cost of my vacuum. Please tell me there is a way to clean the filter or replace cheaper.