Cleaning a tool you use to clean your house seems ironic, but for those of you out there who vacuum your vacuum, you’ve got the right idea. To properly maintain your floors, you have to properly maintain your vacuum, which isn’t hard to do.
Cleaning Preparation
First and foremost, unplug your vacuum before you get started on any deep cleaning. Electrocuting yourself requires more cleanup than the vacuum does. After you’ve safely eliminated the current, either pop open the compartment that holds the bag (there will be a lever or button near the top), or if you have a bagless cleaner, pop open the container holding the debris.
Cleaning Instructions and Bag Replacement
If you have a bag, just throw it away and replace it, as per the instructions on your vacuum. Many companies print the instructions on the back of the vacuum itself, but most of the time, it’s as easy as popping the filter off the bag that’s full, putting it on an empty one, and replacing it in the machine. Make sure you have the right size bag for your vacuum; the size is printed on the machine itself, and most bags will have a specific brand and model printed on them if you happen to forget.
Cleaning Out Debris
If you have a bagless vac, dump all of the loose debris from the container into the trash first, then remove the filter(s). Make sure you get all of the dust and debris off of the filters (scraping with a paper towel is your best bet), or else the suction power will continue to be blocked when you use it. Reassemble the vacuum, and turn it on to make sure everything is in working condition.
Bristle Cleaning
Regardless of the style of vacuum you have, cleaning the bristles is a must to avoid clogs and damage. Flip the vacuum upside down, and pull off any hair, dust, or debris that’s wrapped around or caught in the bristles. This can not only clog the vacuum and hinder the sucking action, but it can overheat the machine. Again, turn on the vacuum to make sure everything is still operational.
If your vacuum is emitting an unpleasant smell, isn’t sucking up dirt, or is making an unusual noise, it needs to be emptied and cleaned. As for the neat freaks out there, you can even clean the outside of the machine with a feather duster or a damp cloth. Looks aren’t everything, but a clean vacuum adds a nice touch.