By Basant El-Faramawy
Cleaning a vacuum regularly ensures it operates effectively and lasts longer, according to Ryan Knoll, owner of home cleaning service Tidy Casa. Knoll shared detailed steps for maintaining different vacuum types, emphasizing that maintenance goes beyond emptying the dust bin.
Why Clean Your Vacuum
A vacuum with a clogged hose or dirty filter loses suction power. Knoll said his team uses vacuums three to four times daily and they last at least two years, while typical household vacuums used every two to four weeks should last three to five years. Some traditional upright models can reach 10 years.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
First, unplug upright vacuums or remove batteries from cordless and robot models. Identify removable parts: brush roll, filter, suction head, hose, dust bin, and attachments. Remove the dust bin, manually clear debris, rinse with warm water, spray with mild dish soap such as Dawn Platinum Powerwash, rinse again, and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Next, address the filter. If disposable, replace it every six to 12 months. For reusable filters, add a drop of mild dish soap, rinse, and dry completely to prevent mildew. Knoll recommends cleaning washable filters every two to three vacuuming cycles and checking foam filters monthly.
For the brush roll, cut away tangled hair with scissors and pull it out. A metal tool or old hairbrush can help. To clear the hose, push a long-handled brush like the Desin Flexible Drain Brush Set through it, then rinse with warm water and mild soap, drying thoroughly before reattaching.
When to Replace Your Vacuum
If cleaning filters, removing clogs, and checking the brush roll do not restore suction, or if the vacuum overheats and repeatedly shuts off, the motor may be failing. Knoll noted the motor is one of the few components that are difficult to replace.
Filter Replacement Schedule
Disposable filters should be changed every six to 12 months. Reusable filters need cleaning every two to three uses. Foam filters should be checked monthly and replaced when they break down or no longer clean properly.
