If you’re a vacuum user, like most people, you’ve probably noticed that your once energetic vacuum cleaner is becoming less effective and less functional. This usually does not translate to mechanical damage, but instead, could be a sign of a clogged vacuum cleaner.
To maintain your best carpet cleaner, you’ll need to continually clean it out, to reduce the chances of overheating, blowing out dust, or losing suction, which can be annoying.
When you vacuum loses suction, chances are that your vacuum is clogged. A clogged vacuum is nothing new, particularly after cleaning out a filthy floor.
What’s necessary is learning how to clean the vacuum hose after use. And here’s how to unclog vacuum hose and maintain it effectively. Learn about the broom vs vacuum so you don’t clog your carpet cleaner too often with larger debris.
How to Unclog A Vacuum Cleaner Hose
Most people wonder how to get a sock out of a vacuum hose or other gunk and dirt that could be stuck in the vacuum causing it to be clogged. Since vacuuming is on your house cleaning checklist, here are 6 ways to clean out a clogged vacuum hose and to clean out the vacuum cleaner.
Unplug and Inspect
The first step is to unplug your vacuum, particularly if you notice the suction is ineffective or it’s blowing out dust. But before assuming it is clogged, first inspect the where the clog is by doing a little experiment.
- Remove the hose from the attachment and the vacuum
- Stand the hose upright and push something small down the hose
- You can drop a coin down the hose, and if it comes out the other side, the hose is clear.
- If the coin doesn’t make it out, then the hose is evidently clogged
- Check if it’s in the actual vacuum. First, put on a glove, put your finger in the area where the vacuum meets the hose because this is where it is usually gets clogged.
Unclip the Vacuum Tube and Inspect
If you are sure that the vacuum hose is clogged, remove the tube from the vacuum cleaner. Most people have a cylindrical cleaner, and most of the time the vacuum tube can be blocked. After removing the tube from the vacuum machine, examine the tube. After you inspect inside the tube, if there’s no clear path, then it’s clogged.
Pull Out the Clog and Clean the Vacuum
You can use a wire hanger, your gloved fingers or the dull end of a thin tool like a screwdriver, to poke through and push it out. This forces out the hair, socks, furniture stuffing or socks stuck in the hose, however, do this gently in order not to poke through the pipe. Use a broom to clean the inside of the hose, wrap dry sheets around the broom with the use of tape. Now, use a broom handle to clean out the inside of the hose gently.
Clean the Filter
The filter is the principal defense against nasty dust and allergy particles; most vacuums have a washable filter. However, vacuums that don’t have a washable filter can be replaced. Remove the vacuum and wash the filter, rinse it for a few minutes under cold water. Dry the filter face down and leave it out of the vacuum for 24 hours.
Cleaning the Canister
Most vacuums use a bag rather than a canister, so if your vacuum uses a bag you can skip this part, but it is essential to change the bag as soon as it gets full (see ‘Canister vs. Upright Vacuum‘). First, you want to remove and empty the canister into a garbage bag. Use the vacuum instruction manual to separate the canister part from the more substantial vacuuming component.
You can soak the canister in warm soapy water and scrub brush to clean the inside. Rinse the canister properly and lay it down for 24 hours to prevent moisture inside your vacuum. Now that the vacuum is disintegrated, use a toothbrush to clean out the debris from the vacuuming portion of your canister and dry it with a microfiber cloth. You can use your can of compressed air to get out anything stuck in the vacuum.
Beater Bar (Powerhead)
Pet hair, dirt, and gunk can get stick in the beater bar of the vacuum, which makes it difficult for the bristles to pull things out, especially if the carpet is thick. You can take a pair of scissors to gently trim away hair and debris so that you won’t mistakenly cut the bristles. Now pull out the strands of hair with your gloved hands and brush away any remaining dirt with a toothbrush.
How to Clean A Smelly Vacuum Hose
Especially with bagged units, vacuum cleaners can get smelly when they’re not maintained properly. Apart from unclogging your hose, you’ll also need to make sure that the bagged units are odor-free and clean.
Replace the Bag/Empty the Dirt
Start by replacing the bags; if you own a bagged unit, bags are crucial in preventing bad odor. You must also invest in only original bags, produced or recommended by the manufacturer of the vacuum cleaner. Some bags have an extra layer of filtration that limits the smell released by the dirt gathered inside, not to mention complex auto-seal systems.
These are the type of bags to buy rather than simple paper bags. Also, remember to replace the bags every 3 to 6 months, depending on the size and on how frequently you vacuum. If the bag is washable, wash them often and leave them to dry completely. If you’re using a bagless unit, empty in the bin, wash and allow to dry completely.
Clean the Vacuum Cleaner and Filters
Clean out the vacuum as discussed before. You can use a soapy damp cloth to wipe the surface of the vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and other types of stains. You can make a solution of baking soda by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in water. Use this solution to wash the vacuum cleaner hose, filters and the bag. Rinse with clean, fresh water and dry any plastic or metallic material using a clean and dry piece of cloth. You must also change the filters every 3 to 12 months.
Use Perfume Pads or Cinnamon
You can incorporate perfume pads into your vacuum cleaner to get rid of bad smells. Try lavender or fresh blue ocean fragrances- these are classic fresh scents. You can also use cinnamon to absorb the smell by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon into the vacuum bag or the canister- Cinnamon is a proven foul odor buster.
You’ll agree that this was a pretty simple guide on how to clean a vacuum hose. If you are finding it difficult to remove the parts of your vacuum cleaner, consult the manual. Also, make sure to clean your vacuum as regularly as possible.
