How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner

When did you clean your vacuum cleaner last time? 

You may be putting in hard yards every single day in keeping cleanliness and maintaining hygiene at your home, office, or elsewhere; however, cleaning the vacuum cleaner itself won’t occur to you as equally important. 

Your impeccable cleanliness depends largely on efficient cleaning appliances such as vacuum cleaner. 

Cleaning your vacuum cleaner regularly not only increases its life expectancy but also result in sublime and flawless cleaning experience. 

In this article, we will guide you through easy-to-follow steps for cleaning your vacuums.

Before you begin to clean your vacuums, engage yourself in following preliminary cleaning preparations. 

Ensure to do the cleaning in an open and well-ventilated area  

Unplugged the vacuum to avoid any accidental electrical mishap

Keep your product manual alongside for conveniently locating filters, canisters, and other parts

Arrange the following tools that are necessary for proper cleaning

1. • • Water
     • Microfiber cloths
     • Can of compressed air
     • Dishwashing liquid
     • Pair of scissors
     • Cleaning toothbrush
     • Garbage bag
     • Pair of rubber gloves for protecting your hands

Step 1: Clean the canister

• If your vacuum cleaner comprises a bag then skip this step and ensure that you replace your bag once it gets filled with debris.
• If your vacuum cleaner has a canister, confirm the vacuum is unplugged and lookout for instructions for removing the canister from the vacuum body in the instruction manual.
• Remove the canister and empty it over a trash can by shaking it thoroughly to remove dust and debris. 
• Use a dry microfiber cloth and wipe the insides of the canister. Fill the sink with the warm soapy water and soak the canister in it. Clean it using a scrub brush and rinse away the soap suds.
• Leave it to dry completely for at least 24 hours before inserting it back, for avoiding any dampness or moisture buildup inside your vacuum.
• Use a cleaning toothbrush and remove the debris from the vacuuming portion of the canister. Use a dry microfiber cloth for wiping it clean. Also, you may use compressed air for removing any clogging in the cyclones.

Step 2: Clean the filters

• Check the instruction manual for locating the filters of your vacuum cleaners. Also, find out if these filters are washable or need to be replaced.
• If your vacuum filters are not washable, you need to buy replacement filters.
• Follow the instruction manual for removing the filters from the vacuums.
• Tap gently on the removed filters and shake them empty to knock out the dust and debris over the trash can.
• Wash your filter by rinsing it for few minutes under the running tap water. 
• Gently squeeze the water out until you see the clear water.
• Allow the filters to dry completely for at least 24 hours before replacing it.
• Do not use detergents or any harsh chemicals for cleaning the filters.

Step 3: Cleaning the beater bar

• The beater bar of your vacuum houses lots of debris, hair, carpet fibers, etc; which tangles around it and affects its efficiency for pulling things out of surfaces. 
• Remove the base plate of your vacuum for cleaning the beater bar.
• Take a pair of scissors and cut away any hair or fibers without damaging the bristles.  
• Use your hands and toothbrush to remove the remaining debris from the bristles. 
• Use a dry microfiber cloth for wiping down the base plate of the vacuum.

Step 4: Cleaning the vacuum attachments

• For any attachments, ensure to remove the dust, dirt, and debris by using a dry microfiber cloth.
• Use a toothbrush for cleaning any tangled hair and carpet fibers.
• Prepare a dishwashing liquid in a bucket filled with warm water and rinse the attachments for a few minutes.
• Leave these attachments to dry for at least 24 hours before replacing it.

What to do if your vacuum cleaner stinks?

• Your vacuum cleaner usually stinks if you have not emptied it regularly or it sucks up something foul-smelling substance.
• Check in the bag for the source of the smell. Wipe the exteriors of vacuum with warm soapy water and a dry microfiber cloth. 
• Use some scented vacuum tablets to keep it smelling fresh.
• For vacuums with canister, empty it and wash in soapy water followed by drying it completely before assembling the vacuum again.

Even though you need to clean your vacuum cleaner once every few months, you need to do effectively and thoroughly because dust and debris accumulate rapidly inside vacuums and make them stink.

If you feel that your vacuums are not working efficiently even after their regular cleaning and maintenance, you may read our vacuum cleaner buying guide for buying the new one.