A vacuum cleaner allows you to get rid of all dust and dirt lingering around your home. But just like all other machines, your vacuum cleaner also requires proper maintenance and care. How to clean vacuum cleaner is essential in keeping it working properly. Without a regular maintenance routine, this machine might falter and malfunction.
If you feel your vacuum cleaner isn’t as effective as before, try to give it a good clean before deciding if it needs to go away. The following steps on how to clean vacuum cleaner are straightforward yet effective ways to make your machine working in no time.
Vacuum Maintenance
For bagless vacuums, it is essential to keep the canisters and filters clean. It requires enough room for the air to flow continuously. It’s recommended to empty the canisters when already half full. Doing so will keep it working properly. How to clean vacuum cleaners should always start with the canister and filter. Here’s how to do it:
You’ll Need
- Grout brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Scissors
Cleaning the Canister
- Unplug your vacuum and follow the instruction manual on how to remove the canister.
- Empty the canister.
- Use your microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe down all remaining debris.
- Wash the canister in warm soapy water.
- Rinse completely.
- Let dry before installing back to the vacuum.
Cleaning the Filter
- Refer to your instruction manual to know the type of filter you have. Some filters can be washed, while some need replacing.
- To wash, remove the filter as per the user manual, and remove any excess dust and dirt.
- Rinse the filter with warm water. Do not use dish soap unless stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Let dry overnight.
Cleaning the Base Plate and Beater Bar
- Remove the base plate and locate the beater bar.
- Cut all threads of hair strands left in bar’s bristles.
- You can use a grout brush to get rid of any debris and particles left.
- Take a microfiber cloth and wipe clean the base plate.
Cleaning the Exterior Surface
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe clean the exterior surface of your vacuum.
Vacuum Maintenance and Troubleshooting
After learning how to clean vacuum cleaner, the next step is to be familiar with basic maintenance and troubleshooting steps to ensure a properly working machine. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:
Blockages
Blockages are common in vacuum cleaners. That’s because dirt and duct can easily accumulate in the filter system. When they do, the vacuum losses its suction power and overheats quickly. If you have a bagged vacuum, replace it as required. It will have an indicator light telling you when you need to replace the bag. Or you can always check to see if it’s already full. Reusing a clogged bag can further damage the machine.
For bagless vacuum cleaners, make sure to always empty the canisters after use. Most canisters have a maximum fill line, which tells you how much your canister can carry. Make sure not to go over the line and throw away all contents once reached.
To unblock your cleaner, try to turn it off and unplug. Then, tease out any blockages present in the tube. You can also remove the hose to check and remove any blocking debris.
Unclean Filters
Filters that come with your machine are usually washable with most vacuum cleaners. However, replacement filters are not. Check with your user manual if your filter is washable or not.
Always make sure to free your filters from dust particles. You can tap them in a trash can to remove accumulated dust. Run them with lukewarm water and dry overnight. Dish soap is not required since tapping away dirt can already do the trick.
Nasty Smell
Some vacuum cleaners may emit a nasty smell, especially when not cleaned properly. It can also be caused by something smelly sucked up to the machine. Check your bag to see if it caught something that causes the bad odor. Then, wipe down you’re your vacuum cleaner with warm soapy water to keep it clean. Canisters of bagless vacuums may also need a wash to get rid of the nasty smell. Discover more cleaning hacks here!
Conclusion
A vacuum cleaner can help you keep your home tidy and clean. However, proper maintenance and care are necessary to keep it working well. How to clean vacuum cleaner is essential since dust and other particles can easily clog up your machine, causing it to malfunction and not work efficiently. If you want a reliable machine you can use every day, give your vacuum cleaner a regular cleaning and maintenance check.