It seems almost strange to think about, but your cleaning tools need to be cleaned at times too. They are made to clean some of the dirtiest surfaces in your home, so they should just work, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. So to keep your cleaning tools in tip top shape, you will need to know how to get them clean as well. Today we will be talking about how to clean your vacuum. Your floors are the dirtiest surface in your whole home. They house viruses and bacteria from all over that is tracked in on your shoes, or the cuffs of your pants, or on the pet’s paws. So it is critical to your own health and well-being to take some time to learn how to properly clean your vacuum.
Getting Started
To begin with you will want to make sure you are in a well-ventilated area. There is a lot of dust and debris in your vacuum, and you definitely do not want to breathe that in. Make sure your vacuum is unplugged. Also, be sure to reference your vacuum manual to be sure you are following all the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning steps. If you have no idea what you did with your manual, like most people, not to worry- you can most likely find a copy online.
Supplies
There are a few things you will need to have on hand in order to get your vacuum thoroughly cleaned. Before diving into cleaning, make sure you have:
- Dish soap
- A small bucket of water
- A cleaning toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
- A pair of scissors
- A garbage bag
- A pair of rubber gloves (optional, to protect your hands from all the dust)
- Running water
Step 1
To start, you will want to locate your vacuum’s filter. Some vacuums have more than one, so check your manual to make sure you have found all of them. If your vacuum has washable filters, first shake the filters to remove excess dust, then rinse in for several minutes until the water runs clear. Once you are done, you will need to lay your filters flat to air dry for at least 24 hours. Never try to dry them in your clothes dryer, and never use your vacuum with wet filters. If you vacuum does not have washable filters, you can purchase replacement filters online from the manufacturer.
Step 2
If your vacuum uses a bag, now is the time to replace it. If your vacuum is bagless, then you need to remove the canister and dump it into the garbage bag. Then, using your manual as a reference, separate your canister into its component pieces. The canister and any parts that are not in direct contact with the motor can be soaked in warm, soapy water. Use your cleaning toothbrush to really scrub those inside surfaces.
Step 3
Next is the really hard part. It is time to clean the brush roller. Whether or not your vacuum’s brush detaches, the process will be about the same. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if the brush does come out, because this can make it a little easier to clean. In short, use your scissors to trim and hair and debris loose from the bristles, then slowly and gently detangle them from around the brush. Once this is done, the brush can be put back in place.
Step 4
The last part is simple but often forgotten. When cleaning your vacuum, you should also clean the attachments that come with it. They may not be used as often, but dust still accumulates in them. Simply dunk them in a small bucket of soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes. Use your cleaning toothbrush to remove any hair that may be tangled in the brush heads. After you have finished cleaning, lay them on a flat surface to dry for at least 24 hours.