A clean house is a bliss for anyone, and vacuum cleaners are one of the most effective tools to achieve top-notch freshness. But, cleaning out a vacuum hose might seem like a daunting task. Learning the most effective ways to clean the item can reduce stress and leave your home feeling fresh every day.
A good-quality vacuum cleaner requires maintenance and servicing to keep its maximum cleaning capacity. If you clean regularly, dirt and blockage may accumulate into the hose.
This step-by-step guide can help you clean a vacuum hose to ensure that your vacuum can perform with maximum power.
Different Kinds of Vacuums
There is a range of vacuum cleaners on the market to help you choose one that best suits your home’s cleaning requirements. Here are some of the top choices for many households.
Canister Vacuum
A canister vacuum is best for hard surfaces or small spaces. They typically come with a wheeled body and a hose and are easy to navigate due to their lightweight.
Carpet Cleaner Vacuum
A carpet cleaner vacuum uses warm water to help remove any spots or stains on the carpet. These vacuums work by spraying water on the carpet and then using unique suction technology to eliminate the water and any stains on the carpet. These types of vacuums aren’t recommended for hard surfaces.
Handheld Vacuum
A handheld vacuum is excellent for tight or small spaces. It’s also ideal for those who don’t prefer carrying around bulky machines, as it has a cordless design. Despite their size, the devices are powerful, allowing you to use them for quick cleanups.
Robotic Vacuum
A robotic vacuum uses sensors to pick up any dirt or debris nearby. These vacuums are cordless, small, lightweight, and convenient. These are ideal for cleaning up quickly, such as for a party, but you don’t have much time. Wi-Fi connectivity and hands-free operation allow you to relax while the vacuum cleans up in your room.
Sweeper Vacuum
A sweeper vacuum is similar to a canister vacuum. However, it collects dirt in the vacuum rather than in a bag connected by a hose. Sweeper vacuums are more effective than conventional cleaning methods, such as a broom or mop. These vacuums are lightweight, battery-operated, and convenient.
Pet Vacuum
A pet vacuum looks similar to an upright vacuum but is designed with unique bristles or filters to target pet hair collection and minimize pet odors in your home. Thanks to their robust air filters, vacuums designed for pets can handle hair, dander, and small particles. It is also beneficial for people with allergies as it reduces pet hair and dander to reduce the risk of reactions.
Why Clean Your Vacuum’s Longest Hose?
Understanding why it’s necessary to clean your vacuum hose will allow you to focus more on the cleaning process. Here are some reasons why you should add a “clean vacuum hose” to your cleaning checklist.
- Increases suction
- Foul odors in the hose can change indoor air quality
- Regurgitated debris can escape through the nozzle
- Reduces noise (due to clogging, your fan will have to work harder, and this switch in air pressure creates noise)
- Avoids contaminants forming in the air
How to Clean Out Vacuum Hose
The following are straightforward and practical cleaning strategies that you can use when cleaning out your vacuum hose.
- For any vacuum cleaner, whether bagged or bagless, the first step is to unplug the electrical wire from any power outlet
- Check the manual for how to detach the hose from both ends properly
- Gather a large piece of paper on the ground to place the unclean vacuum hose
- Lay your vacuum hose down where you laid the paper.
- Use a flexible material, such as a thin straight rod that will go the entire length of the hose
- Use the rod to remove any big clumps of dirt inside the hose
- Fix a tub or container with water and mix in mild detergent
- Dip the hose into the water and begin deep cleaning the inside of the hose with the brush
- Ensure that the brush head scrubs the crevices of the hose to remove stubborn clogs
- Use regular tap water to rinse off your hose
- Use hot water to rinse the hose, but this time let the hot water invade the crevices of the hose
- If your hose has a foul odor, then feel free to use acetic acid (the active ingredient in vinegar)
Finally, let the hose air dry for a couple of hours. After which, you can put it back together again and enjoy vacuuming!
Things to Take Note of As You Clean Your Hose
- Detach the hose entirely since it is the only thing about to be cleaned
- Avoid the use of harsh detergents or dish soap
- Do not bend the hose at unnatural angles
- Do not try to open the machine housing if you don’t know-how
- Be careful when using hot water
- Disconnect from power sources before cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Vacuum Hose
Why Does It Smell After I Vacuum?
Although vacuum cleaners can effectively clean your home, they are also the primary culprit when your home starts to smell. Common reasons for a smelly vacuum are pet hair, mold, a burned belt, and accumulated dirt. Many vacuum owners complain that their vacuum smells like a dog after cleaning.
The best way to remove unpleasant odors from your vacuum is by emptying the dust bag or bin, cleaning or replacing the filters, checking the brushes, and washing the hose. You can solve your smell problems by ensuring that every component of your vacuum is clean at all times.
How Do You Clean A Smelly Vacuum Hose?
A foul-smelling vacuum hose can ruin the ambience in your home and make the environment unappealing. Cleaning a smelly vacuum hose is the best way to ensure that odors disappear.
You can wash a hose with bleach and soap, rub the hose in hot water, and wait for it to dry. Make sure to reach every corner of the hose to reduce any chances of dirt being stuck to the piece.
How Do You Clean A Metal Vacuum Hose?
You need to detach the hose from the vacuum cleaner and use a metal wire or broom handle to get rid of the clumps of dust. After removing all the dust, wash the vacuum hose with baking soda and dish soap. You can also use white vinegar to remove stubborn stains and smells.
After you thoroughly run the hose with hot water, let it dry and attach it back to the vacuum when it dries.
How Do You Clean A Long Vacuum Hose?
You can use the steps mentioned above to clean a long vacuum hose. The main difference between cleaning a short and regular hose is that you may need a longer wire or broom handle to reach the ends of a long vacuum hose.
How Do I Freshen My Vacuum?
After you’ve taken all the necessary measures to clean your vacuum, you can deodorize the machine to freshen it. You can insert a dryer sheet or pieces of orange peel into the new vacuum bag through the hole that attaches the bag to the vacuum. Alternatively, you could also sprinkle orange or vanilla extract onto a paper towel and place it in the hole.
Conclusion
Cleaning a vacuum can be a strenuous task if you neglect all the steps. Knowing how to clean a vacuum cleaner properly will only increase its lifespan.
To prevent further clogs, ensure that the area to be vacuumed has been pre-sorted. This means that you’ve picked up any dirt and big pieces of trash by hand before vacuuming. Of course, getting a vacuum built for pet hair can be helpful too! If you have pets that shed, especially furry animals like dogs and cats, bathing them frequently will help reduce the amount of pet hair.
The best way to ensure that your vacuum does its job is by getting a vacuum that suits your needs. Hoses get clogged even if you’ve taken all the necessary precautions. Take time to clean your vacuum’s hose to prolong its life and enjoy a fresh home.
