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Since you use the vacuum cleaner to clean your home, it might seem pretty strange to think that you have to clean it, too, but it’s important to clean and maintain all your cleaning tools. For example, if you’re using a dirty mop, vacuum, or cleaning cloth, you’re not going to get your home truly clean.
Cleaning and maintaining your vacuum is important to keep your machine running more efficiently and lasting longer. These Simple Ways to Clean Your Vacuum will help keep your machine running smoothly and make cleaning your home so much easier.
For more helpful cleaning tips, check out the following:
17 Brilliant All Natural Home Scent Hacks
20 Cleaning Mistakes That Can Make Your House Dirtier
60 Amazing Ways to Clean with Baking Soda
Why You Need to Clean Your Vacuum Regularly
Cleaning your vacuum can have a huge impact on your quality of life and the health of your home and its inhabitants. Maintaining your vacuum cleaner regularly…
- Reduces allergens. When you clean your vacuum’s filter regularly, it can more easily trap dust and allergens that can make you sick.
- Helps your machine last longer. A clean machine works more efficiently. When your vacuum is full of dust and debris, it has to work harder to do its job. This often means you’ll need to replace it sooner, and with vacuum prices increasing all the time, that can have a huge impact on your finances.
- Helps keep your vacuum odor-free. A dirty vacuum is a smelly vacuum, and that odor can funk up your whole house! Check out these Brilliant Natural Scent Hacks to keep your home smelling fresh!
- Nixes bug infestations. If you have fleas or bed bugs in your home, make sure to empty your vacuum’s canister or bag immediately after vacuuming, put the bag or dirt in the trash, and take the trash bag outside right away. If you leave the bugs in your vacuum – or the trash inside – they’ll find a way to escape into your home again.
How to Clean + Maintain Your Vacuum
EMPTY DIRT + DEBRIS
Empty the vacuum canister after every use or when it’s about half full. Replace bags when they’re 1/2 to 2/3 full to avoid burning out your machine.
REMOVE BLOCKAGES
Most cases of reduced suction are from blockages. To remove a clog, turn off and unplug the vacuum. Check the brushes and the hose for dirt and debris, and remove what you can reach. If you can’t remove a clog from the hose, detach it, and soak it in soapy water to help loosen the clog.
Also, pay attention to the brush heads. The brush heads on upright vacuums rotate to clean dirt from carpets and can get threads and other materials stuck in them easily. Regularly check brush heads to ensure they’re free of blockages, and remove any obstructions immediately to prevent any lasting damage to your machine.
CLEAN THE ATTACHMENTS
Take off removable attachments. Wash them in soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reattaching. Never get attachments or other components wet if they contain any wires or are permanently attached to the machine.
WIPE DOWN THE OUTSIDE
Your vacuum can’t clean your home very well if it’s covered in dirt and pet hair! Wipe it down regularly with a damp microfiber cloth, paying special attention to cracks and crevices to remove hidden dirt and debris. When wiping the cord, be sure to check it for any nicks and cuts, and fix problems immediately to prevent any electrical issues.
DEGREASE WITH HOMEMADE CLEANING SPRAY
If your vacuum is very soiled or greasy, spray it with vodka or a natural all purpose spray, then wipe clean.
DEEP CLEAN THE CANISTER
Remove the canister from your bagless vacuum, and wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse well, and air dry completely before reattaching to the vacuum.
REMOVE THE BOTTOM PLATE FOR TOUGH CLOGS
If the brush heads are very clogged and dirty, remove the bottom plate and brush roll to clean under the vacuum. The bottom plate attaches to the vacuum with latches or screws, and the brush roll should slide right out. Brush away dirt and debris with a dry scrub brush or cloth, then put the vacuum back together.
CLEAN THE FILTERS
Vacuums have filters that remove dust and allergens from the air. Check your user manual to see whether the filters in your vacuum are washable. If they are, remove the filters, and tap them against the trash can to remove loose dirt. Wash them in soapy water, and rinse well. Dry overnight to ensure they are completely dry before putting them back in the machine.
If the filters are not washable, remove from the vacuum and tap them against the trash can. Gently rub away the rest of the dirt with a cloth or paper towels, and return to the machine. HEPA filters usually cannot be washed and should be replaced about 2 times per year.
REMOVE SCUFF MARKS WITH VODKA
Scuff marks can form on your vacuum when you hit it against walls, furniture, and other obstacles when cleaning. Spray some vodka on these marks, and buff clean with a dry cloth.
Keep your vacuum cleaner in top shape by cleaning it regularly with these Vacuum Cleaning Hacks.
Do you already clean your vacuum as part of your housekeeping routine? If so, have you noticed an improvement in your vacuum’s performance? Please share your experience below!
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