Are you running your vacuum over and over that piece of lint on the carpet, but it's still there? When you notice your trusty Hoover just isn't sucking up the dirt like it used to, it's probably time for a good cleaning. It'll take a few hours to get the job done, but it's well worth it for your vacuum's overall longevity and performance. You'll need to have the manual available to help you disassemble the vacuum for a thorough cleaning, but cleaning it can keep your vacuum running smoothly and performing at its best. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it!
What You Need to Clean Your Vacuum
Before you get started, gather what you'll need:
- Your vacuum manual so you can disassemble it
- New vacuum bag (if it uses bags)
- Compressed air
- Hot, soapy water
- Microfiber cloths
- New vacuum filter (if replacing)
- Paper towels
- Scissors
- Bucket of warm, soapy water
- Broom handle
- Toothbrush
How to Clean Your Vacuum
Before you touch anything, make sure the vacuum is disconnected from the power source or removed from its charger.
1. Empty and Clean the Dirt Container
- If it's a bagged vacuum, remove the bag and throw it away. If it's bagless, remove the canister and empty it.
- Use canned air to blow out any dirt around the intakes to the bag or canister.
- Wash the canister in hot, soapy water.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub any crusted-on areas in the canister or in the vacuum itself.
- Dry everything with a microfiber cloth.
It's helpful to take your vacuum outside or into a back room to clean it to avoid getting dust everywhere.
2. Remove Vacuum Attachments
Now that you've gotten rid of all the loose dirt, it's time to break down the vacuum. Avoid any electrical components when cleaning with water.
- Disconnect any attachments and take off the hose.
- Pull off the beater bar, if possible.
- Pull out the filters.
3. Wash or Replace the Vacuum Filter
Vacuums come with a washable or replaceable filter. Look in your manual to see what type your machine has. Typically, vacuums with replaceable filters have a light letting you know it's time for a change. Replacing it is as simple as swapping out the old one and throwing it away. If you have a washable one, wash it in warm, soapy water, pat it dry with a paper towel, and allow it to air-dry for a full 24 hours.
4. Clean and Unclog the Hose and Brush
- Use the scissors to cut away any notable hair or strings on the vacuum's beater bar and carefully pull them away. You can also use a seam ripper for this task.
- Check the belt (if your vacuum has one) and replace it as needed.
- Wash the beater bar with soapy water and towel it dry.
- Put a microfiber cloth over a broom handle and feed the vacuum's hose carefully over the broom handle until it comes out the other side.
- Wipe the hose down with a damp, soapy cloth and pat dry.
- Clean dust off any other attachments.
- Allow everything to dry completely before reassembling.
5. Wipe Down the Exterior and Wheels
Everything should be clean but the housing itself. Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth, using a toothbrush to loosen any stuck-on dirt. Then, use a cloth to clean the wheels.
6. Reassemble
Allow everything to dry for a few hours. The filter will take about a day. Reassemble everything and put the filter in last.
How to Disinfect a Vacuum
While you only need to deep-clean your vacuum every six months or so, you may wish to disinfect it more frequently. To do so, spray a white cloth with hydrogen peroxide and use it to wipe down all vacuum cleaner parts, including the inside of the canister and the hose. Allow it to dry completely before using the vacuum.
What to Do About a Stinky Vacuum
Deep cleaning is your first line of defense for vacuum odors. If it still stinks after you've replaced or washed the filter and thoroughly cleaned it out, then you can add a bit of essential oil to the vacuum filter. For a bagged vacuum, you can add it right to the vacuum bag. That way, when you turn it on, it will give off a nice fresh scent. If the smell is more of a burning odor, it could be a mechanical problem that requires professional assessment.
Clean Your Vacuum for a Cleaner Home
Your vacuum does a lot of heavy lifting in your home, so it's going to need a little TLC to make sure it keeps up with your dirt. While you shouldn't have to deep-clean your vacuum more than every 6 months or so, let its performance be your guide.
