Cleaning your vacuum cleaner is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. Over time, dust, hair, and debris can accumulate within the machine, reducing suction power. Therefore, not cleaning your vacuum cleaner can clog the engine, decreasing lifespan.
Regularly cleaning your vacuum cleaner can help avoid these issues and keep it running smoothly. It also helps you to check if your devices have any problems. However, many people are unsure how to clean their vacuum cleaners effectively.
In this guide, we will provide tips and techniques for how to clean vacuum cleaner, including cleaning the filters, dustbin, brush roll, and attachments. Follow these tips to keep your vacuum cleaner in top condition and extend its longevity. Let’s dive in!
How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner Effectively?
Learn how to clean each type of vacuum cleaner with simple steps effectively. In addition, following these useful cleaning techniques enhances the performance and lifespan of your devices.
How to Clean a Bagged and Bagless Vacuum Cleaner?
Cleaning a vacuum cleaner is not as complex as you thought. The two most popular vacuum cleaners are bagged and bagless.
The six steps below will help you learn how to clean each type of vacuum cleaner and help maintain your durable devices. Moreover, regular cleaning will ensure your vacuum cleaner runs at full capacity, providing optimal cleaning power.
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Vacuum Cleaner
Before starting any cleaning process on your vacuum cleaner, ensure the device is turned off to avoid electric shock. It should be unplugged from the outlet, and press the button to collect the cord on the machine. A cordless vacuum cleaner should be turned off completely.
Additionally, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to prevent dust-related health hazards. You should wear gloves and a mask to limit the danger when the device has a charge that can cause electric shock and avoid dust affecting your breathing.
Step 2: Remove and Dispose of the Bag or Dustbin
Once you have ensured the vacuum cleaner is turned off, locate the bag. Depending on the make and model of your vacuum cleaner, the bag may be located on the side or back of the device. Carefully remove the bag and do the same with the dustbin; it may be easier to take off.
Step 3: Clean the Bag Chamber
After removing the dustbin:
- Wipe down the chamber with a clean cloth or dry brush.
- Get rid of any dust or debris that may be clogging the filter.
- Remember not to leave the dustbin too full; it will easily tear, reducing the vacuum cleaner’s suction power.
As for the dust bag, let the bag slope upside down close to the trash and gently shake the dust bag to remove the dust in the bag.
- For cloth bags to reuse, you can wash them for further use. You can reuse that 4-5 times and replace a new bag.
- As for the paper bag, after keeping it dry, use a brush to brush off the dust to reuse or replace the bag with a new one.
Once the chamber is cleaned, you can securely attach a new filter bag.
Step 4: Clean the Filters
You should check the filter bag or filter is in good working condition. If it still works well, remove the HEPA filter and pre-filter, depending on the model of your vacuum cleaner. Then wash it with water and a mild detergent and let it completely dry before replacing it.
If not working properly, replace the filter bag or filter with a new one. You should clean this part once a month to keep the machine operating in the best condition. The filter should be replaced after 6-12 months of use to prevent mold, unpleasant odors in the machine.
Step 5: Clean the Brush Roll and Attachments
The brush roll is the part that needs the most attention to clean. Hair and debris can quickly accumulate on the brush roll attachment and become stuck.
Clean the brush roll by removing any tangled hairs and debris, or use a circuit to remove dirt from the brush more easily.
Similarly, cleaning attachments like crevice tools, upholstery attachments, and hoses ensures optimal performance and hygiene. At the same time, check if the attachments are damaged so that they can be repaired in time.
Step 6: Reassemble and Test Your Vacuum Cleaner
Once thoroughly cleaned, let the dustbin, filters, brush roll, and attachments completely dry. After that, dry the machine with a soft cloth to finish cleaning the vacuum cleaner.
Then reassemble the vacuum cleaner and test. Run the device without any attachments to ensure that it is working correctly.
Keeping your vacuum cleaner clean is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. However, it is also important to consult your vacuum cleaner’s documentation for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning process.
How to Clean a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner?
Cleaning a robotic vacuum cleaner may be a little bit more complicated. Over time, the robotic vacuum accumulates dust, hair, and debris that can damage the machine’s functionality and reduce its suction power.
Here is a detailed guide on how to clean your robotic vacuum cleaner:
Step 1: Empty the Dustbin and Clean the Filter
The dustbin is the part of the robot vacuum cleaner that should be cleaned frequently. Locate the dustbin on your robotic vacuum cleaner and remove it gently. It is probably in the back of the robot. Remove the filter from the dustbin using your fingers or following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Then eliminate the trash and use a wet cloth to clean and dry the dustbin. It would be best not to wash the dust container with water to avoid damage to the internal electrical circuit. Next, give the filter a good shake to remove any loose dust.
You can then wipe off the filter using a dry cloth to remove the remaining dirt and dust. Avoid using a soft bristle brush to sweep the HEPA surface because it will cause fine dust to screw deep into the air outlet and may damage the surface.
Step 2: Remove Any Tangled Hair or Debris from the Brushes
Your robot vacuum cleaner’s brushes are a prime place for hair and dirt to collect. It includes the main brush, edge brushes, and brush roll.
Wipe the brush roll with a clean, dry towel to get rid of any tangled hair or other debris that may be there.
If any hair is tightly coiled around the brushes, you might need to cut it off using scissors. When cleaning, be careful not to harm the brushes.
Step 3: Clean the Sensors
The robotic vacuum cleaners’ sensors help them navigate the house and avoid obstacles. A dirty or blocked sensor will cause the machine to be unable to navigate the house effectively. Cleaning these sensors is essential to ensure that they work correctly.
Use a soft and dry cloth to wipe these sensors, ensuring they are clean of dust or any debris that may obstruct their functionality.
Step 4: Wipe the Exterior and Base of the Cleaner
The robotic vacuum cleaner’s exterior should be polished and clean, so use a moist towel to wipe it off.
Additionally, you should check the wheel regularly to prevent things from getting caught in the body and creating jams, abrasions, or even burning the motor or broken gears.
To clean the base, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the robot’s wheels, ensuring no debris obstructs their rotation.
Tips for Keeping Your Vacuum Cleaner Like New
After understanding these steps on how to clean a vacuum cleaner, to keep its performance, continue to read these guides. Some tips and tricks below will help your devices stay in good condition and maintain their lifespan.
Best Practices
- Empty the dustbin or replace the dust bag regularly to maintain suction power.
- Check and replace the vacuum filter according to the manual recommended schedule. It had better be replaced in 6 to 12 months.
- Clean the brush roll and remove any hair or debris tangled around it after several uses.
- Check the hoses and attachments for blockages and clean them as needed.
- Store your vacuum in a dry and cool location and hang up hoses and cords to prevent kinks. It would help if you did not hold the hoses when using devices.
- Clean the exterior of your vacuum gently with a damp cloth, and avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
- Use the correct vacuum with the right attachments for your cleaning surface. For example, use a hard-floor cleaner on delicate surfaces like wood or tiles.
Advice for Troubleshooting Common Issues
- If your vacuum cleaner is not gathering up dirt, check the suction power and clean the filter or dustbin as necessary.
- If the brush roll is not rotating, check if it has hair or debris tangled around it. Clean as necessary.
- If the vacuum cleaner makes unusual noises, check for blockages or clogs in the hoses, attachments, or dustbin.
- If the vacuum cleaner smells strange, check for blockages and clean the filter or dustbin. If the smell persists, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
- If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on, check that it is properly plugged into the outlet and that the power switch is turned on. Check that the fuse is not blown or the circuit breaker has not been tripped.
If you can not resolve these issues, contact the manufacturer or bring them for maintenance.
Q&A
Cleaning your vacuum cleaner after each user is advised to maintain peak performance and avoid clogs and other problems. However, you should also deep clean your vacuum cleaner at least once a month to remove any buildup and ensure all components work properly.
It’s not recommended to clean your vacuum cleaner with soap or other cleaning supplies since they could harm its components. Instead, clean the canister, filter, and attachments with a light cleaning agent or vinegar and water.
If your vacuum cleaner does not work properly after cleaning, first, check that it must be full of charge or check the power supply. Then, check to see whether all parts are correctly installed and linked.
If everything appears in order, try resetting the machine or checking for clogs or blockages. Contact the professional, manufacturer, or retail store repair service if the issue persists.
It might be time to consider getting a new vacuum cleaner if your current one repeatedly malfunctions despite deep cleaning or is older than 5-7 years old. A newer, more effective type may be purchased if you see any symptoms of wear and tear, such as cracks in the canister or damaged attachments.
You can refer to our post on Vacuum Cleaner Reviews to research a suitable piece of equipment for your home.
Conclusion
Cleaning a vacuum cleaner can maintain efficiency and prevent potential engine issues. Following the recommended cleaning practices, you can keep your vacuum cleaner running like new.
The significance of cleaning the vacuum cleaner impacts its effectiveness in cleaning your home. So it can be a long-term companion and helper for various households. Neglecting to clean the vacuum cleaner can lead to decreased suction power, reduced performance, and even potential damage to the machine.
By diligently cleaning and maintaining your vacuum cleaner, you can ensure that it continues efficiently cleaning your home, leaving your floors and surfaces spotless. If you find this guide helpful, share it for more people to know how to clean a vacuum cleaner immediately!
Beryl, a Pharmacy graduate, combines her academic expertise with a passion for cozy homes at Hometoppicks. With 3+ years of experience in researching and testing household and home care products, Beryl manages related content at Hometoppicks. Trust in her meticulous nature and profound knowledge to provide reliable advice and product suggestions, ensuring your home remains comfortable and convenient. You can find more about her here.
