How to Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner in 10 Minutes or Less

Your vacuum gets put through its paces and deserves a little TLC now and then. To help keep your vacuum looking and performing its best, here we share how to clean your vacuum cleaner in 10 minutes or less.

Replace the Bag or Empty the Canister

Following the user’s manual instructions, replace the bag or empty the canister. A vacuum with a full debris container works harder, wastes more energy, experiences more wear and tear, and doesn’t operate as efficiently.

Clean the Canister

If you have a canister, once you empty it, give it a good washing in your utility sink using dishwashing detergent and water. Make sure you allow it to dry before returning it to the vacuum.

Clean/Replace Filters

Vacuum filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Your vacuum might have a light that indicates when a new filter is required. If your filter is reusable and meant to be washed, be sure to follow the user’s manual instructions to avoid damage. Always shake the filter out before trying to clean it; otherwise, once the debris gets wet, it becomes harder to remove. Once you remove the excess dust, flush out the dirt under cold running water. Be sure to allow the filter to dry completely before placing it back in the vacuum.

Wipe it Down

Vacuums get dusty and can use a good wiping down every now and then. Use an anti-bacterial wipe to get into all the nooks and crannies and remove dirt, germs, and debris. The anti-bacterial wet wipe should also be able to remove anything sticky you come across.

Clean the “Beater Bar”

Check the brushes on the main part of your vacuum head for hair and buildup. You’ll probably need small scissors to cut away tangled hair. Be careful not to cut the actual bristles of the brush. Gently turn the rotor as you work to ensure you remove everything. Wipe away all the dust and debris with a clean, damp cloth. If the bristles look flat, bare, or in disrepair, bring your vacuum to your local vacuum service shop to replace them.

Clean the Attachments

If your vacuum has attachments, inspect them for clogs and debris. If they seem extra dirty, you can rinse and clean plastic attachments (without a brush) in dishwashing liquid and water. The duster brush can be shaken out and hopefully shouldn’t have tangled hair on the ends. If there is trapped hair, try to dislodge it. In the worst-case scenario, gently snip it away with scissors and avoid cutting the bristles.

Clean Short Hoses

It can be challenging to clean the very long hoses that come with a central vacuum system. In this case, a professional central vacuum expert should clean your central vacuum once a year. However, you can detach shorter hoses on canister vacuums and rinse and wash them in the sink with a small amount of dishwashing liquid in warm water. Be sure you thoroughly rinse away soap residue, as residue becomes sticky and will trap dust and debris, creating clogs.

You should clean your vacuum cleaner using this quick 10-minute process every four to six months to help keep it operating at peak performance.

For more information about Vacuum Specialist’s vacuum services and maintenance, click here. We offer free estimates in our Calgary stores, with 48-hour fast turn-around inspections.