How to Keep Smells Out of Vacuum Cleaners

Old vacuum, old smells

Vacuum cleaners are for cleaning. So when you turn yours on, and it emits an awful odor, it's not exactly what you're expecting. But there are some simple steps that you can perform to keep smells out of you vacuum cleaner and keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Dish detergent
• Clean rags
• New filter
• New vacuum bag (if applicable)
• Baking soda
• Freshener (citrus rind or scented talcum or crushed coffee)

Instructions

1. Take the foul smelling vacuum cleaner outside or to a well-ventilated room. Then remove the vacuum’s bag and filter. Clean the inside of the vacuum with dish detergent and water, using a clean rag. Rinse the washed areas inside the vacuum with fresh water and another dry, clean rag. Awful smells originate from dirt left behind inside the vacuum and not the vacuum itself. Remove all the old dirt that collects inside the vacuum to help keep the smells out.

2. Change the filter in your vacuum cleaner. This should be performed every three months, even if your vacuum cleaner smells great. Filters can become dirty and trap odors. When smelly dirt gets trapped in a filter, it begins to emit an awful odor. Just like paper filters, wash reusable vacuum filters with dish detergent and water for a fresh filter every three months.

3. Replace the old vacuum bag with a clean and empty one. Awful odors originate from something you vacuumed up awhile ago. If you have a vacuum that does not use bags, be sure to wash the refuse container that holds the vacuumed dirt with soap and water, and then let it dry completely.

4. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and your choice of freshening product (half a cup of crushed coffee beans, one small citrus rind cut into small pieces, or 3 tbsp. of scented talcum) on the floor, and vacuum up once you have replaced the vacuum’s filter and bag.

5. Store the vacuum in a dry, cool place in between uses. Run the vacuum at least once a month to freshen up any room.

Tips & Warnings

• Vacuum bags should not be reused. Purchase a new one every three months, and you can get smells out of vacuum cleaners forever. A burning smell may be the result of a burned up drive belt or an electronic part. This means that you should check the mechanics of the vacuum to see what needs to be fixed to eliminate the awful smell.

• Prolonged exposure to vacuum bag dust can irritate the sinuses and eyes of people who are sensitive to this kind of debris. Wear a paper respirator mask and gloves when performing this project so that you can reduce your risk of having an allergic reaction.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Ask Heloise
• Good Housekeeping: Vacuum Cleaner FAQ

Resources

• Planet Green (Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance)
• Thomas Net (New Vacuum Deodorizer Product)