How to Clean a Vacuum That Smells?

Did you notice an odd smell coming from your vacuum? And then How to Clean a Vacuum That Smells? We’ve all been there and our main priority is getting obviate it as soon as possible. Although vacuum cleaners remove dirt from your home, they have some maintenance. If not cleaned regularly, the dirt accumulates, often producing an unpleasant vacuum smell as you’re using it.

Luckily, a stinky vacuum can smell fresh again.

Why Do Vacuums Smell?

To better remove and stop a foul smell, understanding where it comes from is critical. Here are the four main causes.

1. Pet Hair

If you own a dog, cat, or the other furry animal, their hair could be the most explanation for the smell. Pet hair and dander are smelly outside of your vacuum and can carry the odor inside your device.

Pet urine also can add an additional stench. Although you’re unlikely to vacuum your pet urine directly, the liquid can stick with pet hair and mud. Then, once vacuumed, the mixture of dried urine and pet hair creates the simplest recipe for a musty smell.

See More: How to Fix a Vacuum Cleaner With No Suction?

2. Mold Accumulation

If you don’t own a pet, you’re unfortunately not exempt from smelly vacuums. Mold particles are often found in vacuum bags and filters (1). Left unattended, they create that strong smell you would possibly be conversant in. Mold needs humidity and moisture to grow (2). Vacuuming a wet carpet could bring these particles inside your device, taking the smell to the subsequent level.

3. Burnt Belt

Your vacuum belt also can be the basis cause. The belt is formed of rubber and its rotation allows the comb to roll, capturing hair and other dirt. Vacuum brushes should be cleaned regularly. Without proper maintenance, hair stuck within the bristles may prevent the comb from rotating correctly, damaging the rubber. The belt also can get caught on the comb also.

Stretched and overused belts produce an easily recognizable, burning plastic smell.

4. Excessive Dust

Dust never comes alone. When you’re vacuuming, other pieces of debris join the ride. So, whether you’re catching dried food or used coffee grinds, all of them can contribute to a strong-smelling vacuum.

Letting an excessive amount of dust accumulate in your vacuum bag or dust bin will eventually impact the health of your vacuum.

How to Remove Bad vacuum Smells

Have you located the origin of the bad smell? Here are the simplest and most effective methods to clear your device.

1. Empty vacuum bag or Bin

If your vacuum comes with a vacuum bag, you would possibly first want to exchange it. Sometimes, this is often enough to urge your device’s smell back on the proper track. If your device comes with a dust bin instead, remove it. Empty its contents into your garbage and wash it thoroughly with predicament and soap. We recommend adding a little amount of white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to kill potential mildew (3). make sure that every corner and angle is washed.

2. Clean or Replace Filters

Over time, filters also get dirty and dusty. If your filter is washable, simply remove the dust around it and rinse it under cold water. Rinse the filter until the water runs clear. Even clean-looking filters can gather a powerful amount of dust. So, don’t be surprised if this process takes a minimum of five minutes. Then air dries the filter for twenty-four hours before placing it back.

If the filter isn’t washable, it’d be time to exchange it. Generally speaking, vacuum filters should get replaced a minimum of once every 12 months. For heavy use, or if you own pets, it should be checked every six months.

3. Check the Brushes

Regardless of the sort of smell, the rotating brushes should be cleared a minimum of once or twice a year. Often wont to clean carpets and rugs, they will amass an outsized amount of residue on their own. So, having a fast look under your floor head attachment could be helpful.

Ensure your vacuum is unplugged.
If the comb is removable, detach it from the ground head attachment.
Using scissors, carefully cut and take away any hair stuck within the bristles. take care to not cut the bristles themselves.
Wash the comb with water and soap. If it isn’t removable and is difficult to succeed in , spray with water and vinegar.
Air dry the comb for twenty-four hours.
Place it back only fully dried.

4. Wash the Hose

It’s easy to underestimate the facility of the hose when it involves smelly devices. The hose is one among the primary place’s dirt passes through before reaching the filter, vacuum bag or bin.

Small particles often grind to a halt within the inner layer of the tube, so hoses also are likely to urge clogged. Over time they will decay and make a robust odor. Thankfully, however, cleaning a hose may be a fairly simple process.

Detach the hose and place it on a flat surface.
To remove any remnants, use the stick of a brush or other tool with an identical shape. erupt until the blockage is released. you would possibly even get a lost sock back.
Pour about 4 inches of predicament into your sink.
Add 2 tablespoons of bleach and 1 tablespoon of normal dish soap. rather than bleach, bicarbonate of soda or vinegar also can be used.
Place the hose within the sink. They’re often flexible and will fit most sinks.
Move the tube around to form sure the water fully runs through and over the whole portion of the tube.
Empty the sink and place the hose under the faucet until the water comes through from the opposite end.
Before placing it back, the hose should be fully dried. We recommend hanging it for twenty-four to 48 hours over a curtain or during a well-aerated area.

How to Prevent Bad Odors

Now that we’ve a clean vacuum, how can we provide it a fresh smell?

1. bicarbonate of soda

Baking soda is an old but well-known remedy, popular for its cleaning properties (4). This powdery substance will absorb any unpleasant smells. Through the opening of the vacuum bag, sprinkle a couple of teaspoons inside. If your device comes with a bin, simply sprinkle it over the walls of the bin.

2. Essential Oils

For extra benefit, we recommend adding essential oils. Lemongrass or thyme are known for being beneficial. They not only make your vacuum smell amazing, but they’re also great at fighting mold (5).

Add about 30 drops of essential oils to a 32-ounce spray bottle. Fill it with water and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda Gently spray inside the bag or bin. We don’t want to dampen the world an excessive amount of so a couple of squirts will do and will dry quickly.

3. Cinnamon

If you’d wish to use a spice from your kitchen, cinnamon could be an honest idea. Place half a tablespoon of powdered cinnamon inside the vacuum bag or bin.

Cinnamon is antibacterial and will reduce the expansion of unwanted germs (6). As a bonus, it’ll add a pleasing aroma to your vacuum.

4. Commercial Deodorants

Although commercial deodorants represent a bigger investment than home remedies, many enjoy their efficiency. They release a pleasant fragrance when the air passes through.

They usually are available various scents so you’ll pick your favorite one.

One tablet, or tablespoon, per bag or bin, should be enough.

5. Regular Cleaning Maintenance

Whether you’re sprinkling bicarbonate of soda or adding a billboard deodorant, cleaning your vacuum shouldn’t be optional.

Regular maintenance could be the foremost effective method to stop unpleasant smells. counting on how often you employ your vacuum, we recommend cleaning it thoroughly every three to 6 months. If you own a pet, you would possibly even want to wash it every other month.

See Also: 5 Best Vacuum For Housekeepers

Washing Off

Used regularly, most vacuums will produce some kind of unpleasant odor. Investigating where this smell comes from is critical to get rid of it efficiently. Once you’ve localized the difficulty, you’ll know where to focus your attention.

When a foul odor is identified, you’ll first get to clean and neutralize the odor. Only then will you be ready to use a home or commercial remedy to induce a fresh and pleasing fragrance.

We hope these tricks will assist you to keep your vacuum healthy and fresh-smelling. Do any of those remedies appeal to you? We’d like to read your questions and comments within the section below!