Festool CLEANTEC is the standard for professional dust extractors in Swedish workshop use. The reason is not just suction power — it is the system integration. A CT dust extractor connected to a Festool plunge saw starts and stops automatically with the machine; you never need to press a button. With Bluetooth batteries (18V) the same applies for cordless tools. This guide walks through the entire CLEANTEC range — from the small CT 15 to the CTM 36 EI AC — and helps you choose the right one based on workshop size, dust type and budget.
The CLEANTEC name — how to interpret the models
Festool's model names look like an algorithm — let's break it down.
| Letter/number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CT | CLEANTEC range |
| L | Dust class L (general dust > 1 mg/m³) |
| M | Dust class M (wood dust, mineral dust 0.1-1 mg/m³) |
| H | Dust class H (hazardous dust < 0.1 mg/m³, asbestos, mould) |
| 15 / 26 / 36 / 48 | Container volume in litres |
| MINI / MIDI | Compact models (10/15 litres) |
| EI | Energy-efficient inverter |
| AC | AUTOCLEAN — automatic filter cleaning |
| PLANEX | Special variant for the PLANEX wall sander |
| RENOFIX | Special variant for renovation work |
Example: CTM 36 EI AC = CLEANTEC, M-class, 36-litre container, energy-efficient, AUTOCLEAN.
Dust class — most important to understand
Dust class according to EN 60335-2-69 [1] specifies which dust types the extractor is permitted to handle. This is not a marketing figure — it is a legal requirement in many professional environments.
L-class (Light dust)
- Dust with a workplace exposure limit > 1 mg/m³
- Typical extraction: sawdust, MDF dust, general workshop dust
- Sufficient for hobby workshops and general joinery
- Permitted filter leakage: ≤ 1.0 %
M-class (Medium dust) ← required in many professional workshops
- Dust with a workplace exposure limit 0.1-1 mg/m³
- Wood dust from oak, beech and birch is M-class according to the Swedish Work Environment Authority
- Mineral dust (cement, plaster, quartz-containing dust)
- Required at workplaces where wood dust is generated daily
- Permitted filter leakage: ≤ 0.1 %
H-class (Hazardous dust)
- Dust with an exposure limit < 0.1 mg/m³
- Asbestos, mould, dust containing chromium, lead or quartz
- Specialised demolition and remediation work
- Permitted filter leakage: ≤ 0.005 %
Practical rule: If you work daily with wood dust from oak, beech or birch — choose M-class. For hobbyists L is sufficient. For renovation work in older houses (possible asbestos) — H.
The complete CLEANTEC range — model by model
CT 15 — compact entry-level model
15-litre container, dust class L, compact design. Perfect for:
- Mobile installers (kitchen fitters, floor layers)
- Smaller hobby workshops with limited space
- As a complement to a larger fixed dust extractor
Also delivered as CT 15 Set with hose and accessories — ready to connect directly to Festool tools.
CT 25 — the mid-range
25-litre container. Longer working sessions without emptying. Same suction power as the CT 15, but 67% greater volume. For professionals working 2-3 hours between emptyings.
CTL MINI I — the smallest CTL
10-litre container, lighter and smaller. For service personnel and mobile installation where every kilo counts.
CTL MIDI I — the best-selling Festool dust extractor
15-litre container with extended standard functionality. The most popular Festool dust extractor for Swedish professional workshops and serious hobbyists. The reasons:
- Just-right size (not too heavy to move)
- Full Festool system integration via Plug-it
- Good noise level (~70 dB(A))
- Easily combined with the Systainer³ stacking system
CTL MIDI I AC — with AUTOCLEAN
The same as the CTL MIDI but with AUTOCLEAN — automatic filter cleaning that keeps suction power consistently high even during fine sanding or dust-intensive work. The AC version is worth the premium if you:
- Sand daily (Net Giant + random orbital sander = a lot of fine dust)
- Work with MDF or chipboard
- Want minimal dust extractor maintenance
CTL 26 EI — the workshop workhorse
26-litre container, dust class L. The most purchased CT dust extractor for fixed workshops. Handles longer working sessions without emptying, copes with all standard workshop dust.
Energy-efficient inverter (EI) delivers lower energy consumption and adjustable suction power.
CTM 26 EI — the M-class workhorse
The same format as the CTL 26 but M-class dust. Required in many professional joineries. Working with oak and beech requires M.
Variants are also available:
- CTM 26 EI-FLR — for floor layers (special bracket)
- CTM 26 EI-AC — with AUTOCLEAN
CTL 36 EI AC — the large one with AUTOCLEAN
36-litre container, dust class L, AUTOCLEAN. For larger workshops or intensive sanding work where emptying should be minimised.
Special variants:
- CTL 36 EI AC-PLANEX — designed for the PLANEX wall/ceiling sander
- CTL 36 EI AC-RENOFIX — for large renovation jobs
- CTL 36 EI AC-LHS — for the LHS facade sander
CTM 36 EI AC — the professional flagship
36 litres, M-class, AUTOCLEAN, energy-efficient inverter. The most sophisticated CT model for serious joineries handling:
- Daily heavy work
- Wood dust from oak/beech/birch
- Long sessions without emptying
- Daily use where AUTOCLEAN is required
CTH 26 EI — H-class for asbestos and hazardous dust
H-class, 26 litres. Specialised for demolition, remediation and older buildings. Filter leakage ≤ 0.005% — a standard high enough to handle asbestos. Not common in joinery workshops; required for ROT demolition of older houses.
Decision tree — which one suits you?
Hobby workshop, occasional use
CT 15 or CTL MINI I. Small format, sufficient for your needs.
Hobby workshop, regular use
CTL MIDI I. The most balanced — size, power, price.
Semi-pro joinery (private individuals who sell)
CTL 26 EI or CTL MIDI I AC if you sand a lot.
Professional joinery, daily use
CTM 26 EI AC or CTM 36 EI AC. M-class + AUTOCLEAN is non-negotiable.
Mobile installer (kitchens, flooring, made-to-measure builds)
CT 15 or CTL MIDI I. Easy to move + Festool system integration.
Renovation joinery (older houses)
CTH 26 EI. H-class is required where asbestos may be present.
AUTOCLEAN — when is it worth it?
AUTOCLEAN is a pressure pulse that periodically cleans the main filter (15, 30, 60 or 120 seconds via the Festool app) [2]. Suction power remains consistently high even with intensive fine dust.
Worth it if:
- You sand daily (even as a hobbyist)
- You work with MDF, chipboard or very fine dust
- You want minimal maintenance
- Long working sessions where suction power must not drop
Not worth it if:
- You mostly extract coarse dust (firewood sawdust, coarse chips)
- You empty often anyway
- Budget is the primary factor
The AC models cost about SEK 1,500-2,500 more than the standard ones. For daily professional use, it pays back within 6 months through fewer filter changes + better suction power.
The Festool system — why CT beats everything else
Plug-it — seamless integration
All Festool power tools have a Plug-it connection for the dust extractor's mains lead. You start the plunge saw and the dust extractor starts automatically. You release the trigger and the extractor runs for an extra 5 seconds to clear the hose, then stops.
For anyone with 2+ Festool tools this is a game-changer. You save hours per year of "starting and stopping the dust extractor".
Bluetooth batteries (18V)
For cordless tools, Bluetooth batteries (suffix "ASI") are used to trigger the dust extractor via radio. No mains lead is needed between the tool and the dust extractor. Practical on mobile jobs.
Systainer³ — stackable
All CT dust extractors have a Systainer³ mount on top. Stack your tool box directly on the dust extractor and move the entire kit as one unit. Brilliant on building sites.
Accessories worth the investment
HEPA filter
For fine sanding or allergy sufferers: replace the main filter with a HEPA H13 (sold as an accessory). Stops 99.95% of particles down to 0.3 micrometres.
Anti-static hose
The standard hose is 27/36 mm AS (anti-static). When you sand plywood or MDF, static electricity builds up without AS — it can blow electronics and cause dust to stick to the workpiece. Never buy a non-AS hose for a CT.
Filter bag vs filter sleeve
- Filter bag (single-use) — cheapest, easy to empty, a 5-pack lasts a long time
- Filter sleeve (multi-purpose, reusable) — for wet extraction or large quantities of coarse dust
For 90% of joinery work: the filter bag.
Manual angled nozzle
The standard nozzle is often too large. The manual angled nozzle (sold separately) reaches into Systainer drawers and small spaces.
Maintenance
Weekly
- Empty the container when 75% full (the filter bag becomes less effective at 100%)
- Shake the main filter clean (if not AC)
Monthly
- Dust off the main filter
- Check the hose for wear
- Clean the Plug-it connection
Every six months
- Replace the main filter if old or damaged
- Check the carbon brushes (we have a separate guide on replacing the carbon brushes on a Festool CT dust extractor)
Annually
- Service at a Festool service centre (for professional workshops)
- Or do your own inspection: replace the HEPA filter, carbon brushes, check the hose connection
Festool Cashback on CT dust extractors
Festool regularly runs cashback campaigns on the CT range. Keep an eye on the Festool cashback 2026 guide or contact us before purchase — we will help with registration.
Related
- Festool TS 55 vs TSC 55 — plunge saw guide
- Replacing the carbon brushes on a Festool CT dust extractor
- Festool Cashback 2026
- See the full Festool range
Sources
Last updated 2026-04-18.
- EN 60335-2-69 — European standard for dust class classification on dust extractors. Sets the L/M/H requirements via filter leakage testing.
- Festool — CT MIDI I AC AUTOCLEAN (official product info). festool.com/press/product-news/ct-midi-i-ac
- Festool — CTL MIDI I CLEANTEC (official product page). festool.com/products/dust-extractors/compact-dust-extractors/578309---ctl-midi-i
- Festool USA — CT Series Manual (PDF with specs for the entire range). festoolusa.com
- Festool — CTL MIDI I AC product page (AUTOCLEAN specification). festool.com
- Festool blog — CTL Mini and Midi news. festool.com/blog/news/ctl-mini-midi
- Swedish Work Environment Authority — Hygienic limit values (AFS 2018:1) for wood dust classification as the basis for M-class requirements.
Vanliga frågor
What do dust classes L, M and H mean?
Dust class according to EN 60335-2-69 specifies which type of dust the extractor is permitted to handle. L = dust with an exposure limit above 1 mg/m³ (typical sawdust, general workshop dust). M = dust with an exposure limit of 0.1-1 mg/m³ (wood dust from oak/beech, mineral dust, quartz-containing dust — required in most professional workshops). H = hazardous dust below 0.1 mg/m³ (asbestos, mould, chromium). For most hobby workshops L is sufficient; professional joineries need M.
What is AUTOCLEAN (AC)?
AUTOCLEAN is Festool's system for automatic filter cleaning. A pressure pulse cleans the main filter at an adjustable interval (15, 30, 60 or 120 seconds via the Festool app). Suction power remains high even during intensive work with fine dust. The AC models cost more but are worth the premium if you sand or work with fine dust daily.
Which Festool CLEANTEC should I start with?
For a hobby workshop: CTL MIDI I (15 litres, dust class L) — a good balance of size, suction power and price. For semi-pro: CTL 26 EI (26 litres, slightly larger but handles longer working sessions). For professionals: CTM 26/36 EI AC (M-class + AUTOCLEAN for demanding dust).
What do the letters in the name mean?
CT = CLEANTEC (the range). L/M/H = dust class. The number (15, 26, 36) = container volume in litres. EI = energy-efficient inverter technology. AC = AUTOCLEAN. Example: CTM 36 EI AC = CLEANTEC, M-class dust, 36 L container, energy-efficient, autoclean.
Are Festool CT dust extractors worth the premium compared to Karcher or Nilfisk?
For Festool tool users: yes. CT has a built-in Plug-it socket that starts the dust extractor automatically when you start the power tool (or via Bluetooth with 18V batteries). Seamless integration saves time and tangled mains leads. Suction power, noise level and AC are also top-tier. For cleaning only, Karcher/Nilfisk are cheaper.
How often should filters and bags be replaced?
The filter bag should be replaced when 75% full (not 100%). The HEPA filter is cleaned monthly and replaced every 6-12 months with daily use, longer with hobby use. AC models need less maintenance because AUTOCLEAN cleans the filter automatically.
