How to Clean a Vacuum Hose

Clean a vacuum hose to keep it operating at peak proficiency. A hose enables a vacuum cleaner to do house cleaning chores the base can't reach. It's inevitable for hoses and wands to get dirty in the process. The flexible design of the hose makes it susceptible to clogging when large clumps get vacuumed up from under a couch or bed. Stopped up hoses impair performance since vacuum cleaners rely on air movement. Clean a vacuum hose inside and out for maximum cleaning capacity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Broomstick Cleaning cloth Dish soap Bleach Bottle washer may be necessary

How to Clean a Vacuum Hose

1. 
    

   Clear out the clog. Detach the hose from the vacuum and lay it straight on a tile or linoleum floor. Insert a broom handle into one end of the hose; push it through the entire length. Force out all furniture stuffing, socks or paper wads lodged in the hose.

2. 
    

   Wash the hose. Trap four inches of hot water in a sink. Add two tablespoons of bleach and a squirt or dish soap. Submerge the vacuum cleaner hose in the solution. Swirl it around to move water through the inner portion. Rub the outside with a cleaning cloth.

3. 
    

   Rinse out the inner hose. Pour water into the hose directly from the tap. Lift the hose from the end water entered to allow it to flush through the length of the hose and come out through the other end.

4. Inspect the inner hose. Straighten the hose with the accordion segments pushed together and look through it. Use a bottle washer to scrub out anything remaining in the hose.

5. 
    

   Dry the hose thoroughly before using. Hang the hose over a shower curtain rod and allow several hours for the inner folds to dry. Visually inspect the inside once it dries to be sure it's clear.

Tips & Warnings

• Wands and attachments can be cleaned and sanitized in the same solution.