Technology

How to clean your vacuum cleaner

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2024

There’s a great irony in the fact that the appliances – like our dishwashers and washing machines – that we use to clean other things also need cleaning themselves to do their best job. The same goes for your vacuum cleaner.

If your vacuum cleaner loses its efficiency or starts to smell musty, this is a sign that it needs some care. These are the most common maintenance tasks for vacuum cleaners: consult your manual for more information on how to access each part.

1. Clean the brush

A brush that is clogged with hair or fur is a brush that is not doing its job properly, requiring you to do more work as you have to make multiple passes to pick up dust and dirt. Additionally, a clogged brush bar puts more strain on the vacuum belt and motor, shortening its lifespan. So it is essential to keep it clean.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

Unplug the power cord (or remove the battery) and turn your vacuum cleaner over. Using scissors, carefully cut away the strands and matted hair: it is better to do this than to pull them out. Be careful not to cut any bristles. There may be indentations that run along the length of the brush, allowing you to push the shears without damaging the bristles. If there are dirt or fibers in the bristles, you can clean the wand with warm water. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before reattaching it to the vacuum cleaner.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

If the brush does not turn at all or turns very slowly, even after a thorough unclogging, you may need a new belt. Even if the bristles are damaged or severely bent, replacing the brush is usually more cost-effective than replacing the entire machine.

2. Wash and/or replace filters

Keeping the filter clean can be quite a job, but it is essential that the vacuum cleaner sucks up the dust properly. Check where the filter of your vacuum cleaner is located and whether it is washable.

If possible, take it outside before removing it. Tap it firmly to remove excess dust. Back inside, if it is washable, run it under warm water to remove the rest of the dust and let it dry thoroughly before putting it back.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

For filters that are not washable, tap off the dust outside before replacing them, and replace the filters when they show obvious signs of wear. Your manual should include advice on how often you should replace filters.

3. Check for blockages

If your vacuum cleaner is losing suction, one of the most likely causes is a blockage. This not only affects the cleaning power, but can also strain the engine. Disconnect or remove the battery before tackling it, then check where the blockage might be.

The culprits are usually in the hose, but be sure to check the brush bar, attachments, and the entrance to the main body of the vacuum. Even something as small as a Kirby grab can cause a blockage, so come armed with a flashlight to find it.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

4. Empty it often

A completely bursting vacuum is an unhappy machine. It’s a good idea to replace the bag on pocketed models regularly, avoid the temptation to reuse bags, and make sure they are secure every time.

Don’t wait until the bagless bins are full either. When the vacuum is two-thirds full, this is a good time to empty it – before you start to see a drop in suction – but your vacuum will continue to purr after every cleaning.

5. Wash the container

If you don’t empty the vacuum often enough, it can cause a musty smell when you use it. If an odor lingers after you empty it, remove it by washing the container. For bagged models, once unplugged, wipe opening with warm, soapy water and allow to dry thoroughly.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

For bagless bags, loosen the bin and remove any filters before washing the bin and allowing it to dry completely. If the odors persist, wipe the parts of your vacuum cleaner with a solution of white vinegar and water to disinfect them. You can also try vacuuming some baking soda off the floor.

Tackling these small cleaning jobs should not only keep your vacuum cleaner running longer, but will also make your floors easier to keep clean.

If cleaning your vacuum cleaner from top to bottom doesn’t produce the results you want and you’re looking for a new vacuum cleaner, browse our review of the best vacuum cleaners we’ve tested.