Stop Your Vacuum Cleaner from Stinking

Stop Your Vacuum Cleaner from Stinking

80% of dirt on your floors is removed by your vacuum cleaner. But what happens when your vacuum begins to stink, making it difficult to use without unpleasant odours wafting throughout your home?

Surprisingly, this isn’t an uncommon problem in the UK, but it is one which is easy to rectify – if you provide your vacuum cleaner with the TLC it deserves, and to help we explain in this post the 3 most common reasons a vacuum smells and how to combat it.

Vacuum Bag / Canister Full:

When you consider the amount and type of dirt your vacuum cleaner comes into contact with, and that this dirt is stored in the vacuum bag / canister until the vacuum is emptied, it’s no wonder that this part of your vacuum is the most common cause for unpleasant odours.

Key to preventing your vacuum bag / canister from producing unpleasant odours is to empty it before it becomes two-thirds full. We also recommend, for those using a vacuum bag, that the vacuum bag is changed on a regular basis as dirt can clog up the pores and result in odours.

For those using a bagless vacuum cleaner, the canister should be cleaned on a regular basis too, either with an anti-bacterial wipe, or by washing in warm water. By cleaning the canister, you’ll also be able to inspect it for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.

Dirty Vacuum Filter:

Whilst the vacuum bag / canister is often the main reason your vacuum begins emitting unpleasant odours, the filters also play their parts in unpleasant smells – particularly if they haven’t been cleaned and are clogged in dirt.

Cleaning your vacuum cleaner filters to prevent unpleasant smells from building isn’t difficult and should be done on a regular basis.

The first step of cleaning your filters is to bang any excess dirt and debris off, into the bin. Once the majority of the dirt has been removed, if your filter is suitable for washing (we recommend you check your manufacturer’s manual), wash the filter in warm water and scrub lightly with a dish brush.

Once you’re satisfied the filter is clean, leave it to naturally air dry before placing it back inside the vacuum. And because you shouldn’t use your vacuum without a filter, we always recommend you have a spare vacuum filter available.

Blocked Hoses:

Considering the amount of dirt and debris your vacuum comes into contact with, and the type of dirt it comes into contact with, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that on occasions the hose and vacuum attachments can be the cause of unpleasant odours.

A common reason for the hose to be the cause of unpleasant odours is due to blockages, but these are relatively simple to clear. Firstly, detach the hose from your vacuum cleaner before using the handle end of a broom or a wire coat-hanger to dislodge the blockage.

If your vacuum hose is all plastic, we would also recommend soaking the part in hot water as this will kill off any germs and bacteria which may be lingering.

Prevention is Better than Cure:

Cleaning your vacuum, as per the advice above, will help you to remove any unpleasant odours which may be lingering – but at BuySpares, we believe prevention is better than cure. As such, we suggest when using your vacuum you:

  • Avoid damp dirt as this can not only obstruct your vacuum cleaner, but it can also stick to surfaces within the vacuum, allowing bacteria and mould to form.
  • If you’ve got a pet, use a dustpan and brush to remove the majority of pet hair on your hard floors. This will prevent the pet hair from clogging up your vacuum cleaner and odours building.

Tackling a smelly vacuum cleaner isn’t difficult, and by taking the steps to prevent your vacuum cleaner from smelling, you’ll also be able to keep your vacuum cleaner working to its full potential – ensuring dirt is easily removed from your floors.

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