How to Unstop a Vacuum Cleaner Hose

Unstop your vacuum cleaner for cleaning day.

If you have allergies, or are just concerned about keeping your house clean, a vacuum cleaner can be your best friend. Cleaning attachments such as brushes, rollers and specialized cleaning heads fit over the end of the vacuum cleaner hose. Sometimes, the hose gets clogged. Luckily, there are a few approaches you can take when trying to unstop a vacuum cleaner hose.

Things You'll Need

• Wire hangar
• Broom handle
• Garden hose
• Sprayer

Instructions

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner. If you are allergic or sensitive to dust, take the vacuum cleaner outside.

2. Detach the hose from the vacuum cleaner. In the majority of vacuums, this is done by turning the connection on the hose one quarter a turn and then pulling straight up.

3. Run a broom stick through the vacuum hose to dislodge anything that might be inside.

4. Straighten out an old wire hanger. Insert this in the hose to try and dislodge the clog.

5. Attach a sprayer to the end of a garden hose. Turn on the hose. Aim the sprayer down the garden hose and press the trigger until the water spray flushes out whatever is stopping up the vacuum cleaner hose.

6. Insert the connection of the hose back into the vacuum cleaner and turn to secure.

Tips & Warnings

• The above steps are just a guideline. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.

References

• Vacuum Cleaner Repair
• Reader's Digest: Unclogging a Hose

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: Vacuum Cleaner FAQ