100% interchangeable in shape, size and function. Yes they can be washed which is good. I wash mine down until they look new to the eye. BUT I have found that you should switch to a new one about every 4 months. When you replace these new ones to replace the clean ones, the suction picks up again and is so strong that it starts by sucking up the dirt that got into your vacuum when you first started it. This is the way. I've bought it many times over the past few years and I'm always very satisfied.