First be sure to unplug the vacuum, and if you happen to have a wireless one, take the battery out before doing anything. Always inspect it for worn wires around the plug and motor.
Step 1 – Taking the vacuum apart.
- Make sure you have the manufacturer’s instructions, so you will be familiar with the interior components.
- If your vacuum is under warranty, don’t take it apart, that could void the warranty.
- Remove any small parts, like screws, and put them in a baggie so they don’t get misplaced. Be sure not to strip the heads of the screws.
- The most complicated parts are the motor and brush. Be careful not to break them when separating the pieces.
- Empty the debris containers or dust bags.
Step 2 – Cleaning or replacing the filter.
Once everything is disassembled, you can begin cleaning the filter, because at some point all vacuums get clogged with dust and debris.
- Know how many filters your vacuum takes!
- Filters have specific recommendations about when they should be replaced. Replacing filters should be done when you begin to notice signs that your vacuum is losing suction power.
- Some companies advise when you should change them according to how many times the debris container or bag has been emptied or swapped.
- Filters can be sensitive and come with specific cleaning instructions.
- HEPA filters can last for several years, but you can tell if they need to be changed from the way they smell. When you can smell an odor, it’s time to change the filter.
- For filters that can not be washed, just use a cleaning cloth or soft brush to remove the debris.
Step 3 – Cleaning the canister.*
*Not every vacuum has a canister, like those that use dust bags, this step doesn’t apply.
- Make sure the canister is empty.
- Use warm, soapy water and a cleaning brush, or toothbrush. Wipe any dirt clinging to the surface and around edges and corners. You can also add vinegar to the cleaning solution, but don’t use vinegar if your vacuum has rubber parts. Vinegar may corrode rubber.
- If you notice a film on the canister, once it’s dried, you’ll need to re-clean. The film means there is still dirt or dust residue. Re-wipe out the unit and let it dry, until there is no visible film.
Step 4 – Cleaning the interior.
- Once you’ve cleaned the canister, take the brush you used for cleaning the canister and use it on the inside of the unit. Make sure your brush isn’t too hard, and don’t use too much force when cleaning, as you don’t want to scratch the vacuums surface.
- Once the unit is dry, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the filters or canister. This will allow for fragrance to fill the rooms when you are vacuuming.
Step 5 – Cleaning the beater bar or brush roll.*
*You should wear gloves while cleaning the bar, most bacteria is most likely on this part of the vacuum.
- Handle the brush gently to prevent it from getting damaged. Start by trimming the brush first, you can use a fine-toothed comb. But don’t expect everything to come out using the comb only. However, it should raise the debris (like hair) and loosen it up for easier removal using your fingers.
- Don’t be afraid to use scissors to help you remove any existing hair on the roller. But be careful not to cut the bristles of the roller brush.
- If your vacuums brush can be removed from the beater bar, you should be able to do a more thorough cleaning.
- Use a disinfectant cleaner to scrub the brush. Or rubbing alcohol can be a suitable alternative. It will rid the brush of any harmful bacteria and dry the brush faster.
Step 6 – Clean the attachment accessories.
Vacuums come with multiple accessories; you should clean them as well.
- Use warm soapy water and a soft rag and wipe these parts, making sure you include the attachments with brushes.
- Soak the tubing in a bathtub or a large bucket with soapy water and disinfectant solution.
- Lay all accessories and tubing out to dry, before reattaching them to the unit, or using them.
Step 7 – Wipe down the exterior of the unit.
Use a damp cloth or microfiber towel to wipe down the exterior. Be sure not to get any water on any electronic components. Alcohol or vinegar is good for cleaning the exterior. Use a small brush (like a toothbrush) to get into any of the small crevices.
Step 8 – Reassembly
Reassemble once you are sure that every part is completely dry.
In conclusion…
Cleaning a vacuum isn’t hard. But it is a best practice to extend the lifetime and performance of your machine.
Cosmopolitan Maid Service can’t assist you in cleaning your vacuum; but we do offer our weekly or monthly service, where we do the vacuuming for you! We’re ready to help you, give us a call.
