Maintenance and Care: How to clean your Vacuum Cleaner
There are numerous ways to clean your vacuum cleaner, depending on the brand (manufacturer) and design. However, it is best to always follow the user’s manual as they are very specific to the type and brand that you are using. What is presented here are just the general guidelines that you can use for cleaning your unit.
When you give even just 15 minutes of your time, two to three times a week you will notice a better performance of your vacuum cleaner. So grab the following tools and materials and start cleaning.
A big plastic bag, trash or garbage bag for the collected dirt.
A pair of scissors strong enough to cut through cloth, preferably a seam ripper.
Clean cotton pads.
40% or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Flowing water source, preferably in your lawn, garage, or dirty kitchen.
Clean, absorbent cloth and rags.
Follow these simple steps:
Depending on the type of vacuum that you have, whether it is a bagged or bagless vacuum, you need to properly dispose the contents straight to your garbage bag. This means that for a bagged vacuum cleaner, remove the bag. And for the bagless vacuum cleaner empty the canister.
Remove all the parts that are part of any assemblies. For example a detachable HEPA filter, attachments and nozzles.
Using your scissors, cut any entanglement in your beater bar and/or nozzle head. Common are hairs, furs, strings, or any threads.
Let’s start cleaning from the inside out. This will ensure the decrease in the transfer of dirt and microorganisms. A word of advice, the bottom of the vacuum cleaner is the dirtiest part of it.
For a bagless type, wash or wipe it thoroughly. Dry it very well before putting it back in your vacuum. Of course for a bagged type you need to replace it with a new compatible bag.
Prepare a mixture of your mild detergent (depending on what the store recommends) and clean water. Using your clean cloth dampen it with your soap solution. Use the damped cloth to clean the insides and outsides of your vacuum (except for the bottom part).
With another clean cloth, wipe your vacuum dry.
Now, it’s time to clean the bottom part of the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners have their air outlet at the bottom, making it the dirtiest part. You can start by cleaning it with your damp cloth with soap solution. After which, wipe it dry. Next, using your rubbing alcohol and clean cotton pads, wipe that area again, making sure you cover the whole area with alcohol. This only takes a minute or two to dry.
Now connect all the parts, and your vacuum is ready to go.
Of course, before getting started with any electric appliances, you always have to make sure that your unit is not plugged, that you are away from any socket (due to the use of water), and no kids will bother your work area. Remember, safety considerations are important to prevent any unwanted accidents.