How to clean vacuum cleaner filter unlimited guide 2023

Many vacuums have at least one washable filter. Check where your vacuum’s filters are located, then remove and tap against a hard surface to remove any clumps of dust. Make sure you do this outside or you’ll end up surrounded by a dust cloud!

If it is washable, run the filter under lukewarm water and allow it to air dry for at least 24 hours before returning it to your machine. Additional filters in your machine may not be washable, so ensure you check the instruction manual. If they’re not washable, just tap against a surface to remove any clumps, then return them to your machine.

Does your vacuum cleaner smell bad?

A bad odor while vacuuming is usually the result of not emptying your machine regularly enough or possibly sucking up something. Look in the bag first, then give the outside a wipe over with warm, soapy water and a cloth to keep it looking and smelling fresh.

For bagless vacuums, wash the canister in soapy water after emptying it and leave it to completely air dry before putting the machine together again.

If your machine still isn’t efficient after all this, it’s time to buy a new one! Here’s our vacuum cleaner buying guide to help you decide what’s right for you.

How to clean vacuum cleaner filter

Many vacuums have at least one washable filter. Check where your vacuum’s filters are located, then remove and tap against a hard surface to remove any clumps of dust. Make sure you do this outside or you’ll end up surrounded by a dust cloud!

If it is washable, run the filter under lukewarm water and allow to air dry for at least 24 hours before returning it to your machine. Additional filters in your machine may not be washable, so ensure you check the instruction manual. If they’re not washable, just tap against a surface to remove any clumps, then return it to your machine.

How to fix a vacuum cleaner with no suction

If your vacuum isn’t doing it’s job, don’t fear — it might not be a goner just yet. The most common cause of loss of suction is blockages. This makes the machine slow to pick up and quick to overheat.

To keep this to a minimum, never reuse the bag as this is often part of the filter system. If this gets clogged with dust it will reduce the efficiency of the machine. Replace the bag when the indicator light has come on. If the machine doesn’t have a light you can always open up the body and visually inspect the bag.

Your vacuum cleaner goes through a lot, with most people running the Hoover around at least once a week (even more if you have pets!). But when was the last time you gave the vacuum itself a good clean?

Even the very best equipment requires maintenance to keep working at its best. An inefficient vacuum will just push the dirt around the house, creating more work for you, so if you’ve noticed yours has less sucking power than usual, now’s the time to tick this chore off your list.

Whether you have a canister, upright, or hand vacuum, learn how to deep clean a vacuum regularly for optimum performance. If you don’t clean your vacuum, it will capture all the dust and soil on your floor because the filters, hoses, and beater bars are clogged. In that case, you’re just spreading the dust around with a soiled cleaning tool.

We’ll cover how to clean every type of vacuum and address how to care for the different types of filters. Many vacuums have a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that traps 99.97 percent of particulates larger than .3 microns. Made of finely-woven synthetic fibers, HEPA filters usually cannot be washed at home and must be replaced. Refer to your manual for the suggested frequency of replacement.https://d0ad0278ac82ff95c009419be8451e04.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

However, almost every vacuum does have one or more sponge-like filters that can and should be washed regularly.

Instructions for Cleaning a Vacuum

1. Unplug the VacuumWhen it’s time to do a thorough cleaning, unplug the vacuum or remove it from its charging station.You may wish to clean your vacuum outside to prevent spreading dust in your home.
2. Empty the Bag or Dust CupYou can’t clean a vacuum bag. If your vacuum has a disposable bag, remove it and throw it away. For vacuums that use a dust cup or bin, empty out the container. Disassemble as many parts of the dust cup as you can for easier cleaning. Refer to your instruction manual for help. If you can’t find your manual, you can usually find instructions online.
3. Mix a Cleaning SolutionYou can clean certain removable components of your vacuum with a cleaning solution, but never wash the inside of your vacuum cleaner or it could damage the motor.Fill a sink or large basin with hot water and add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. If possible, choose a product that also contains a degreaser to cut through any residue in the dust cup.
4. Wash the Dust Bin or CupCompletely submerge the removed dust bin in the hot, soapy water. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to clean the inside and outside of the bin. Rinse well with hot water and allow to air-dry.WARNINGDo not submerge any electrical components or non-washable filters in water.
5. Clean or Replace FiltersCleaning vacuum filters should be done regularly. Many vacuums have lights that indicate when a filter should be cleaned or changed. Learn where the filters are located (many vacuums have more than one) and whether they can be washed or need to be replaced.Most sponge-like filters are washable. Remove the filter from the vacuum and shake it out over a garbage bin. To clean, rinse under a cool, running faucet to flush out as much dust and dirt as possible. The filter may still look soiled. Gently press out excess water with paper towels. Lay the filter flat on a rack to dry. Allow up to 24 hours for drying. Replace the filter into the vacuum.
6. Wipe Down the Vacuum HousingUse a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the vacuum housing. If you see dust in crevices you cannot reach, use compressed air to blow it away.
7. Detangle the Beater Bar and Inspect Motor BeltCleaning the vacuum head (at the base of the vacuum) involves the removal of any tangled hairs or threads from the beater bar by using a seam ripper or very small, sharp scissors. If the brushes look crushed or worn, consider replacing them.Wipe down the motor belt with a damp cloth to remove dust. If it seems loose or cracked, it is time to replace the belt.
8. Clean the Hose and AttachmentsIf your vacuum has a suction hose, it will trap dust inside. Clean a vacuum hose by detaching it if you can. Then submerge it in hot, soapy water for 10 or 15 minutes. Rinse well with hot water and hang to “drip dry”.TipIf your hose is clogged, use a yardstick, broomstick, or garden hose to dislodge the clump of debris. Work slowly and carefully so you will not puncture the hose.Inspect and clean attachments like the upholstery or dusting brush, crevice tool, turbo brush, and extension wand for clogs, tangled hairs, and dust.This is a good time to check the vacuum cord for cracks that may cause problems.
9. Reassemble VacuumOnce everything is clean and dry, reassemble the vacuum.

Tip

If you have a vacuum that smells, here’s how to clean it. Get it fresh again by putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the vacuum’s filter and it will smell good again while you’re vacuuming.

How Often to Clean a Vacuum

Bagless vacuums that use a dust cup or bin should be emptied when the debris level reaches the top of the cup or after every use. Vacuum bags should be removed and discarded when captured debris reaches the indicated full line.

At least quarterly, or monthly if your home is very dusty, take a few minutes to check the brush rollers and hose for problems, wash out the dust cup, change or wash filters, and wipe down the outer housing to remove dust.