How to Clean a Bissell Vacuum
Bissell vacuums come in many sizes, shapes and models. Most Bissell vacuums are upright models, with canister holders for the dirt. Many Bissell vacuums contain internal filters for dust particles as well. Cleaning your Bissell vacuum will help the vacuum stay in top condition for many years. Vacuum maintenance should be performed about twice a year for best results. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Sharp knife or seam ripper
- Dish soap
- Garden hose
- Automotive lubricant
- Wire hanger
- Replacement bag (if necessary)
- Replacement filters (if necessary)
- Bissell vacuum manual
- Soft cloth
- Old towel
Instructions
-
-
1
Make sure the vacuum is not plugged into the wall or any electrical socket. Lay the vacuum down on its side, exposing the bottom.
-
2
Unscrew the faceplate holding the beater bar in place. Usually there are two screws, one on each side of the vacuum. Remove the beater bar from the vacuum.
-
-
3
Place the knife or seam ripper along one edge of the beater bar. Draw the knife across the beater bar underneath any hair or string wrapped around the bar. This make take some time if the vacuum has not been cleaned in a while. Rip all hair and string. Remove the hair and string and throw them away.
-
4
Rinse the beater bar in the sink when all hair has been removed. Continue to rinse until the water runs clear. Set on a towel to dry.
-
5
Remove the vacuum bag or dirt canister from the vacuum. Usually there is a release button that can be pressed to release the bag or canister. Set the canister aside. Check the housing where the canister or bag was located. Identify any filters that the vacuum has. Check your Bissell manual for filter location for the model that you own.
-
6
Remove the filters with the flat edge of a screwdriver. If the filters are disposable, replace them with new filters. If they are reusable, bring the filters to the sink. Place a few drops of dish soap over the filters and rinse with water until the water runs clear. This will probably take several minutes. Set the filters on the towel to dry beside the beater bar.
-
7
Dampen a soft cloth and rub over the entire surface of the vacuum to remove any external dust. Pay special attention to the canister housing and to where the vacuum hoses attach to the vacuum.
-
8
Empty the canister into the trash, or dispose of the vacuum bag. Replace the bag with a new one. Take the canister outside and rise off with the hose. Rinse the canister until the water runs clear. Dry the filter with an old towel. Replace the canister in the vacuum housing.
-
9
Locate the areas under the vacuum where the beater bar attaches. Spread some automotive lubricant on the connecting pieces. This will enable the beater bar to spin faster and with less noise.
-
10
Replace the beater bar and screw the faceplate back in place.
-
11
Remove the hoses from the vacuum. Remove any large debris blocking the passage from the hose to the canister or bag. Look through the hose to check for any other blockages. If there is a block, use an untwisted wire hanger to poke the blockage through the tube. Reattach the tube to the vacuum.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit vacuum cleaner image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com
