How to Deep Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner
If your vacuum cleaner isn't working as well as it used to, this deep cleaning method will get it back up to speed.
When it comes to keeping your home clean, your vacuum cleaner is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. In addition to removing dust, dirt, and hair from your carpets, many vacuums can also help with other tasks like cleaning hard floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning out crevices!
And while modern vacuum cleaners have come a long way since the bulky bag vacuums of my youth, they are not yet capable of maintaining themselves! To keep your vacuum cleaner in tip-top shape, give it a good cleaning and maintenance every few months.
If you feel like you need a few tips to keep your vacuum cleaner clean, you're in luck! Because today I'm going to explain exactly how to thoroughly clean your vacuum cleaner in just 4 easy steps.
Step 1 - Clean the container
Even if you empty your vacuum cleaner's dust bin regularly, dirt can build up in it over time. A quick and easy way to remove all this dirt is to run it through the dishwasher!
First, empty the bin and then place it in the bottom compartment of the dishwasher with the doors open. Use some dishwasher safe utensils to open the doors if necessary to keep them from closing. Add the normal amount of a strong dishwashing detergent to the bottom of your dishwasher (not the detergent cup), then start a gentle or fast rinse cycle. Once you hear the dishwasher start the rinse cycle, set a timer for 3 minutes. When the timer goes off, open the dishwasher and check the canister. If it is not completely clean at this time, turn the canister over and continue the wash cycle for another minute. Allow the canister to air dry completely before closing the doors and placing it back into the vacuum. It is now sparkling clean and ready to pick up more dirt!
Step 2 - Wash or replace the filters.
If your vacuum has washable foam filters, you can wash them in the dishwasher along with the canister. Before you put it in the dishwasher, rinse it thoroughly to remove any loose dust and dirt.
Once the filter and container are out of the dishwasher, rinse the filter again to remove detergent and loosened dirt. Allow the foam filter to dry completely before putting it back in your vacuum cleaner. Many vacuum cleaners also have filters that cannot be washed, such as HEPA filters. These will need to be replaced at some point. So check your vacuum cleaner's instruction manual for when and how to do this.
Step 3 - Declutter the hose.
The vacuum cleaner hose has many nooks and crannies where dirt and debris can get trapped. So a thorough cleaning every few months is an easy way to keep the hose clean. Remove the hose from the vacuum cleaner and run it into the bathtub or sink. Run hot water through the hose to flush out any loose dirt. Then sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into one end of the hose and shake it to coat the inside of the hose. Then slowly pour about 2 cups of white vinegar into the hose and let it sit until it stops bubbling. Rinse the hose well with hot water and then hang it somewhere to dry completely. Once dry, put the hose back on your vacuum cleaner.
Step 4 - Check the brush
Anyone who has long hair is familiar with the problem of hair getting wrapped around the suction brush. This can cause the brush to stop working effectively, so it's important to regularly remove all hair.
Simply lean your vacuum back to inspect the brush. If there are any hairs or threads wrapped around the brush, cut them with a seam ripper to remove them.
And remember to let all parts of your vacuum dry completely before putting them back in place. Putting wet parts back in your vacuum cleaner can lead to mold or electrical problems, and you definitely don't want either!