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How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

Just bought one of the best vacuum cleaners on the market? Knowing how to clean a vacuum cleaner will allow you to maintain your favorite cleaning machine for longer. Everybody should learn how to clean their vacuum thoroughly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • It shouldn’t take you any longer than an hour to clean your vacuum cleaner, but it’ll also depend on how often you go through the cleaning process.
  • Always refer to your instruction manual since different brands and types of vacuum cleaners will have different care requirements.
  • Make sure you are actively looking for cracks, wear, and tear while you are taking apart your vacuum and cleaning it so you can fix things before they get worse.

How To Clean A Vacuum Cleaner

At some point, how to clean a vacuum cleaner, and cleaning a vacuum hose, becomes essential knowledge. With so many people spending a pretty penny on modern vacuums, vacuum experts caution that the only way to keep things going smoothly is regular maintenance. You just can’t slack on that. Regular maintenance of your appliances will improve the condition of your home. For example, knowing how to clean a central vacuum system will keep your home free from odors and allergens.

Insider Tip

Always keep your vacuum’s instruction manual handy so that you can know what the proper cleaning methods are.

1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

You’ll want to make sure you have a few supplies before beginning:

  • White Vinegar
  • Dish Soap
  • Soapy Water
  • Water
  • Microfiber Cloth
  • Cleaning Brush
  • New Vacuum Filters

2. Follow The Manual For Instructions

Always keep your vacuum’s instruction manual handy so that you can know what the proper cleaning methods are. Otherwise, you might seriously damage the vacuum. 

It’s important to follow any cleaning instructions, especially if you’re learning how to vacuum a pool. You don’t want to damage your pool vacuum. 

3. Disassemble Your Vacuum Cleaner

Take the vacuum cleaner apart following the guidelines of your manufacturer. Any plastic pieces can go into one pile to be soaked in the soapy water and then rinsed with the clean, hot water. There may be caked-on grime that will require a deep cleaning, so be sure to wipe any down with a damp cloth that was dipped in hot or warm water. To prevent scuffs and scratching, use a damp microfiber cloth. Make sure to unplug the power cord before you start wiping any corded vacuum models with a damp cloth. If you own a cordless vacuum, make sure the power is turned off and if possible, remove the battery from the vacuum. There may be bigger types of debris aside from dirt that you can easily empty out of the dust canister and/or rolling brush, like tangled hair. If you have any clogs in your vacuum hose, make sure to clean out the clog.

4. Thoroughly Clean And Dry Parts

Dust the inner parts of the vacuum cleaner and keep an eye out for cuts, cracks, wear and tear. Learn how to clean the vacuum filter to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain strong suction. Use your cleaning brush and other supplies to get the separated plastic parts ready to air dry. Make sure you allow all vacuum cleaner parts to dry completely before reassembly. If you don’t have time to air dry everything, you can use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up the excess water. Some vacuum models have grooves and small crevices so make sure you thoroughly clean them.

5. Assemble And Store Your Vacuum

Lastly, reassemble your vacuum cleaner once it’s entirely dried. You can then store it away and know that it’ll run like new next time you go to vacuum.

Warning

With so many people spending a pretty penny on modern vacuums, vacuum experts caution that the only way to keep things going smoothly is regular maintenance.

F.A.Q.

Why You Should Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner?

There are tons of reasons why you need to keep your vacuum clean. Regular maintenance will help extend its lifetime, and some warranties require regular cleaning for upkeep. On top of that, it’ll make sure your vacuum is operating smoothly and able to function correctly.


How To Clean Your Bagless Vacuum So It Sucks Like New Again?

A bagless vacuum will need to be taken apart entirely for a thorough clean. If you feel like you’ve lost a lot of suction power, it’s time to gather your cleaning supplies and get to work.


What to Do With a Smelly Vacuum?

If you have a smelly vacuum, chances are you’d do anything to turn things around. Generally speaking, you’re going to have just to get down and dirty. Of course, the cleaning process for different vacuums will be different, so make sure to look into your specific model and type of vacuum.


How Often to Clean a Vacuum?

How often you need to get your vacuum clean depends entirely on how often you use it. Your lifestyle is the most significant factor in figuring out how often is usually enough. For the average person, four times a year or so works well. That comes out once every three months.


STAT: On average this robotic cleaner picked up a greater amount of sand (36%) across low-pile carpet and rugs than the Roomba did. (source)

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