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How to Clean All Parts of Vacuum Cleaners

Updated on July 24, 2020 by Joseph D. Nielson

Table of Contents

Cleaning a vacuum cleaner is a challenge for most owners.

There is often confusion over what kind of cleaning supplies to use, the best tools to use, the most effective methods for cleaning different brands of vacuums and the perfect time to clean it.

Cleaning a vacuum cleaner is not such a complicated task and you certainly don’t need to hire a professional to do it.

This article guides you step by step on how to clean all parts of vacuum cleaners.

With these tips, you should be able to turn the cleaning of your vacuum cleaner into a DIY project. The procedures are so quick and easy that you will be able to keep your vacuum clean inside-out without undue effort. By doing this, your vacuum will remain as hygienic and fresh as possible and its performance will remain at its best.

Read on to find out how straightforward the process is…

Vacuum cleaners do all the dirty work at home which means that they tend to accumulate lots of dirt. Apart from the fact that a dirty vacuum doesn’t look good, the dirt also affects the quality of its performance. When dirt clogs your vacuum’s air pathways, filters and fills up your dirt bag or dirt cup, the machine’s suction is greatly reduced.

Unplug The Vacuum Before Starting To Clean

Unplugging the vacuum ensures that you avoid the risk of electrocution or other injuries caused by electricity. It also protects the vacuum from getting destroyed from shorting of the circuits during assembly and disassembly. After unplugging, you can perform all maintenance and cleaning without worry.

Empty The Dirt Containers

The best way to start cleaning your vacuum is emptying the dirt container. For bagged models, you need to remove the dirt bag first. This is because these are the areas that hold most of the dirt. If not removed first, they could spread the dirt to other parts of the vacuum making cleaning more cumbersome. You should dispose of the dirt in a safe place then clean the containers with water and mild soap before allowing them to dry.

Check The Filters

Filters usually perform the function of sieving even the tiniest particles of dirt from the air. They get dirty in no time.

Most vacuums come with multiple filters. You should check if the filter is washable or non-washable. If the filters are washable, you can wash it gently with water and mild soap and air dry them before replacing it back into its slot.

For non-washable versions like HEPA filters, you need to replace them with new ones. If they are just lightly soiled, use a gentle brush to remove the dirt. You need to read the user manual of your particular vacuum cleaner model.

Clean And Unclog The Attachments

Nozzles and the different attachments come into direct contact with the dirt on the surfaces being cleaned. This makes them prone to dirt accumulation and clogs.

Refer to the instruction manual to determine which parts can be cleaned with water. These parts can be washed with soap and water to get rid of dirt and any clogs.

Attachments such as the crevice tools, gentle brush tools and upholstery attachments can be washed in soapy water, rinsed then dried completely. Attachments that have wiring should never be exposed to water as this can lead to electrical shock.

Clean And Detangle The Brush Roll

Just like the nozzles and other attachments, vacuum cleaner brush rolls come into direct contact with dirt. Vacuum cleaners with brush rolls are ideal for getting rid of dirt from deep down in the fibers of carpets and also for sucking up pet hairs. Due to this, they tend to get tangled up with the hairs, fur and other kinds of debris. Most brush rolls and beater bars can be easily snapped out for cleaning.

Cut through the hairs and fur using a pair of scissors to detangle the bristles of the brush roll.

For other parts of the vacuum, you can use a soft damp cloth to wipe off any dirt. Make sure that any water does not get into the wiring of the vacuum cleaner to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

Dust The Inner Parts

The inner compartments of a vacuum cleaner are usually exposed to air that carries dirt and dust with it. Dusting these is essential in ensuring that the vacuum keeps working effectively. This is especially important for bagless vacuum cleaners. Most of these areas cannot be accessed by a dusting cloth so finding a can of compressed air and blowing the air into these areas will work great.

You should be careful if you have allergies or are asthmatic as this method produces a lot of flying dust that could prove irritating. After going through all these steps, you are ready to reassemble your vacuum cleaner and start your cleaning chores.

The cleaner the vacuum, the faster and more effective its performance will be.

Be sure to check out our other How To tips for vacuum cleaner, which include:

How To Maintain A Vacuum Cleaner With Simplest Steps

How to Choose the Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!