Keep your vacuum odor free

Lately, we have received many requests for information about what to do about odors that occur when one uses their vacuum. Understand that just due to the nature of what a vacuum is used for – namely picking up and storing dirt & dust – it is not realistic to expect a vacuum to be completely odor free (especially as it gets older).

However, there are some simple, effective procedures you can follow that will go a long way to keeping this problem under control:

1) Make sure that all the filters in the vacuum are clean or, if necessary, replaced if needed. Dirty, moist filters are an excellent medium for the growth of mold, mildew and other odor sources.

2) Look at the dust bag or dirt cup. Often they have never been washed or cleaned even after years of use. Certainly smells will emit from any area where dirt & dust are collected. Even the use of new paper filter bags can’t prevent some residue from collecting in the compartment they reside in. Take some time to wash out – with mild detergent and water – the unit’s dust bag or dirt cup. **Make absolutely sure any component of your vacuum it completely dry before using. **

3) If you have an upright vacuum or a power-head the roller brush and fan chamber may need to be wiped out and all debris removed. Do what you are comfortable with; ie.,clean the parts you know you can easily put back together. (Many vacuums are designed for easy access to the beater bar and fan chamber). At very least you can wipe down the underside of the vacuum.

4) Check out any hoses and attachments. Do they need cleaning? Removable pieces can be washed in a sink of soap & water. DO NOT soak hoses that have a power line within them. These and permanently affixed hoses can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth attached to a pole.

5) Finally, there are available several products that can be added to your vacuuming process that lesson odors and add a scent to freshen the air. Our favorite is an environmentally friendly blend which you sprinkle a tablespoon on your carpet and vacuum into a freshly changed filter bag or emptied dirt cup. There are several pleasant scents that last till the next bag change.

We hope that these steps help with any vacuum source odors you may have. Remember to always unplug your vacuum before ever working on it. Also, since most odors in your home originate from your carpet, your vacuum reflects how clean your carpets are.

4 Replies to “Keep your vacuum odor free”

  1. You’ve got great tips regarding housekeeping. You really hit home with this one regarding vaccuum cleaners. It’s amazing when you’re using a machine to clean your house, then you realize it’s got more dirt on it than your floors do. I’ll be sure to pass these tips on to my clients that use my flashcards to make a cleaning list when they’ve got a housekeeper coming to help.
    –Frances Moore-Jones, author of Card Memos

  2. I was looking for a way to keep my upright vacuum cleaner odor free — good information. The article talks “favorite” but does not mention what it is. Is there a reason? See the following:
    “Finally, there are available several products that can be added to your vacuuming process that lesson odors and add a scent to freshen the air. Our favorite is an environmentally friendly blend which you sprinkle a tablespoon on your carpet and vacuum into a freshly changed filter bag or emptied dirt cup. There are several pleasant scents that last till the next bag change.”

    Is there a homemade one you can use?

    Thanks

  3. I don’t think people are so much concerned with vacuums that smell after they are old, as much as they are concerned about the putrid, chemical-burning smells that occur with the new (mostly plastic) vaccums. Even brand new they give off a terrible odor that makes ones home smell like a toxic waste dump after vacuuming. I have a brand new Eureka Pet Vaccum and the air in the house smells bitter and everyone gets a bitter taste in their mouth for hours after vacuuming is finished. What can be done about this? ANd do you know of any vacuums that don’t have this ordor?

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