How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner – Tips and Tricks

Regardless of how often you vacuum, eventually, your vacuum’s performance will suffer. Perhaps it’s not sucking up as much dirt as it used to, or maybe it’s leaving behind a trail of dust. Even the most expensive and well-made vacuums will eventually start to lose suction power and leave streaks of dirt behind.

It’s no secret that vacuum cleaners are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your floors clean. But what many people don’t know is that it needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained to run at its best.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways how to clean a vacuum cleaner and maintain it so that it stays running like new for years to come! With this guide, you’ll be able to deep clean every nook and cranny of your vacuum and get it back to its former glory in no time.

Determine What Kind of Vacuum You Own

Now that you have decided to do a thorough cleaning of your vacuum cleaner, first, you need to determine what kind of vacuum you own. It’s crucial to clean a vacuum cleaner, the parts vary with the type of vacuum you own.

To keep things simple, vacuum cleaners can be classified into two broad categories: the upright vacuum and the canister vacuum.

The parts of an upright vacuum are easily accessible, making them simple to clean. On the other hand, a canister vacuum is composed of several small parts, which can be difficult to clean if you don’t know what you’re doing. So, we encourage you to follow our guide precisely.

Things You’ll Need

The dirt and hair build-up has become too much, and it’s time to take action. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are the cleaning tools you’ll need to clean your vacuum cleaner:

• Seam ripper to cut through the tangled web of hair and dirt.
• Scissors can also be used to cut through the hair and dirt, but they can be difficult to control.
• A paper towel or a microfiber cloth to wipe down the outside of the vacuum.
• A paper roller to pick up the debris.

Now, let’s put on your gloves and get ready for some dirty work!

Cleaning a Vacuum Cleaner – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Cleaning the Filter

Not all vacuum filters are the same, so it’s important to read the manual to determine what kind of filter you have and how to properly care for it.

The most common types of filters are HEPA filters and washable filters, also known as pre-motor filters and post-motor filters.

HEPA filters or post-motor filters cannot be washed. So, you have to replace filters when they get dirty.

Washable filters or pre-motor filters can be cleaned with cool water and should be allowed to dry completely before being put back in the vacuum.

Washing the Filter

• Start by beating out large and clogged dirt and dust. Use a small brush (toothbrush) for better results.
• Use compressed air to blow any dust or debris that’s stuck inside of the filters.
• Run it under cool water with soapy foam to clean it.
• Then let it air dry for 24 hours before re-assembling it.

Tip: If you want to disinfect, you may use disinfecting solutions with water.

Step 2: Clean the Canister or Change the Bag

Cleaning the Cannister

Start by unplugging your vacuum cleaner from the outlet. Once it’s unplugged, open up the vacuum so that you can access the inside.

• Empty the canister, and wash it using hot water with soap or mild detergent.
• Let it air dry for a day

For the middle inner part with the handle,

• Knock out all the dirt and debris, and use a toothbrush over the holes to get all the dust-out.
• Then Use compressed air spray to clean the remaining dust inside.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it clean.

Change the Bag

You either have a canister (bagless vacuum) or a bag. If you have a detachable bag with your vacuum that is cleanable, it’s best to clean it when it’s half full. Filling the bag will result in loss of suction power and risking cognition failure of vacuum. And if you don’t have the cleaning opportunity, it’s best to replace the bag with a new one.

Step 3: Cleaning the Hoses

Before you start using your hose for the season, it’s important to clean it out, maintain suction power and prevent dirt and debris from entering the vacuum itself.

• Start by detaching the hose from the main body.
• Use a broom handle down the hose to get out any object that may be stuck there for ages.
• If the hose is very dirty, fill the sink with soapy water and let the hose soak for a few minutes, or simply holding the hose under running water can be effective.
• Once the hose is wet, use your hand or a brush with stiff bristles to give it a good scrub to remove any dirt or grime.
• Pay special attention to the area where the hose attaches to the cleaning head, as this is often a magnet for debris.
• When you’re finished scrubbing, rinse off the hose with clean water and dry it off with paper towels or a damp cloth.
• Allow it to be completely dry before re-attaching it back.

Step 4: Cleaning the Beater Bar

The beater bar is one of the most important parts of your vacuum. Over time, the beater bar gets wrapped with hair and lint, causing it to prevent from spinning freely. As a result, your vacuum stops working as effectively. Follow these instructions to clean the beater bar properly,

• Start by cutting away any hair wrapped around the bar with a seam ripper or a scissor.
• Then, use your fingers or a small brush to dislodge and pull away any hair or lint that’s left around the beater bar.
• Once the beater bar is clear, remove the dust bin and brush heads and rinse them under warm water.
• Dry it with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual and accessibility guidelines when reassembling your vacuum. And be extra careful around the electrical components of the vacuum; losing a part can ruin the whole operation.

Step 5: Make It Smell Good

Well, you cleaned it. Why not make it smell good as well? You can make your vacuum spread fragrance alongside cleaning with just a few drops of essential oil. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than two-thirds of the amount of water and a few drops of oil in a spray bottle, then spritz the mixture onto your vacuum’s filters and upholstery. The scent will be released as you vacuum, making the whole experience more pleasant.

How to Clean a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner – Step by Step Guide

Most robot vacuums come with a bunch of fancy features that you’ll never use. My robot vacuum comes with an indicator light that tells me when it’s time to clean it. If I am being honest, I like the services, and it hasn’t failed me yet. Let’s get down to the business and teach you how you should clean your robot vacuum.

Step 1: Clean the Brush Roller

Cleaning the brush rollers on your robot vacuum is necessary to do every so often. Start by removing the attachment from the body, then remove any hair or hair-like stuck object from the brush roller, use a knife or scissor to cut off hair, and wipe it completely.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

You can use another vacuuming machine to do this, or you can use a brush or spray air to clean it. But if it’s not enough, it’s in your best interest to change the filter.

Step 3: Cleaning the Sensors

A robotic vacuum is a machine built with sensors, which makes it automatic in the first place, so keeping it clean is the ultimate goal.

Check your manual to understand and find out the location of the different sensors and clean it with just a microfiber cloth, no soapy water, no water, or anything liquid. Be very careful not to damage any sensor.

Step 4: Clean the Wheels

A robotic vacuum doesn’t have tiny legs, it got wheels. Well, it’s obvious that dirt, hair, and small pieces of debris get stuck in the wheels of the robotic vacuum, so cleaning those wheels is crucial. Use a tweezer or a knife to pry out anything that has been stuck there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

If you’re still reading this, congratulations! You now know more about how to clean a vacuum cleaner than 99% of the population. Clearly, this information is crucial for everyone, and I suggest you go share it with your friends and family – especially if they have any vacuums in their homes.

But seriously, if you are one of the few people who actually clean their vacuum on a regular basis, kudos to you! And if not, maybe these tips will inspire you to give it a try. Happy cleaning!