Vacuum Cleaner Expert

Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners are highly appreciated by customers around the world. However, they can be quite tricky to take apart if you want to give them a good cleaning. In today’s guide, we’ll walk you through how to take apart a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner without stressing out. Do note that the steps we’ll be presenting are suitable for upright units made by Dirt Devil. That being said, let’s dive into all the Dirt Devil Featherlite disassembly details.

Step-by-step – How to Take Apart a Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner

Before you learn how to take apart a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, you need to make sure you have a certain tool ready. The only item you’ll need is a #2 Phillips screwdriver, so grab it prior to starting. Without further ado, see how to clean Dirt Devil bagless vacuum cleaners in the 6 steps provided below.

Step 1. Remove External Battery

Depending on what specific upright Dirt Devil you have, you first must remove its power supply. Most models have an external battery, also known as a power brick. You should be able to locate it on one of the vacuum’s sides. Pull the battery out and set it to the side for the time being.

Step 2. Disconnect Handle

When going through how to take apart a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, you should know that the main step could get messy. Before removing the handle, either cover the floor area you’re working on or continue the process outside. Lay the vacuum on its side so the handle attachment faces upwards. Turn the collar counterclockwise and pull out the handle.

Step 3. Unscrew Sections

Turn the handle to the side where you can see a screw. Using your #2 Phillips screwdriver, take out the screw and put it somewhere it won’t get lost. We recommend using a small container for temporarily storing the rest of the screws you’ll be removing from the Dirt Devil. Disconnect the two sections by gently pulling them apart.

Step 4. Release Canister

Every Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner has a special button for releasing the dirt cup. Hold the canister with one hand and, with the other, push the button. The cup will easily come off the vacuum after that. Pull out the filter and take the canister to a garbage can and empty the contents. Once you have cleared the cup, rinse it with cold water until it’s clean.

Step 5. Remove Metal Plate

Set the Dirt Devil back on the floor with the brush head facing up. Grab your screwdriver and unscrew the necessary sections on both sides of the roll. After removing the screws, place them in the container or the other object you used for storing the handle screw. Now that the head is unscrewed, tug the metal plate from the bristles.

Step 6. Pull off Brush Head

To completely take off the brush head, remove the screws that are on the frame. Likewise, store the screws safely for when you want to reassemble the unit. You can now pull the section off and proceed with cleaning all of the parts. Please remember to let all of the components air dry entirely before putting the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner back together again.

Conclusion

Overall, learning how to take apart a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner isn’t nearly as difficult as you’d expect. Indeed, it may be a bit more complicated than with other brands, but anyone can get the job done. Before concluding, we wanted to help you access additional resources like how to unclog a Dirt Devil vacuum or potential Dirt Devil vacuum not suctioning causes. You can also find Dirt Devil manuals online on the company’s website.

If you have any other tips on how to take apart a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, don’t hesitate to share them with other readers below!

As an industry leader, Dyson develops truly cutting-edge cordless vacuum cleaners. Their high-tech models are a must for the vigilant homeowner, even if they are notably expensive. If you do invest in one, you should learn the basics of how to clean a Dyson vacuum. Once every 3-4 months, we strongly recommend you follow the maintenance routine described in our guide.

How Do I Clean a Dyson Vacuum?

We’ll teach you how to clean a Dyson vacuum in 7 simple steps. As long as you follow them in order, your Dyson should keep your home sparkling for years and years to come.

Step 1. Disconnect, Empty, and Rinse Canister

First of all, you need to clean your Dyson’s canister. Push the small button located between the red pieces on the back to remove the outer shell from the cyclone. After ejecting the canister, throw the debris in the trash. Take the canister to your sink and wash it with cold water and a microfiber cloth. Although you shouldn’t use commercial cleaners, you can apply a mild dish soap if your canister is particularly dirty.

Step 2. Clear Cyclone

The best way to clean your Dyson’s cyclone is to use an air compressor or a blow dryer. To prepare, grab your tool and the cyclone and go to an outside area or above a larger trash can. Use the tool you have to push away all the dirt particles from each hole in the cyclone. Using a damp cloth, clean the cyclone case.

Step 3. Rinse Filters

Many Dyson vacuums have two main filters, so you’ll need to take care of both when cleaning your vacuum. If yours does as well, remove both filters from the side and bottom housings by popping them out. When cleaning the filters, make sure you only use cold water, without any other cleaners. Run each filter under a stream of cool water in your sink multiple times, depending on how dirty they are.

Step 4. Clean Roller

Like we explained in our tips on how to clean a vacuum cleaner, your model’s roller can end up with a lot of tangled hair. Turn your vacuum with its bottom side up and disconnect the soleplate with a screwdriver. After that, use a pair of scissors or a seam ripper to snip away any strands of hair caught in the roller. While you’re here, also check to see if your Dyson’s belt is worn out and needs replacement.

Step 5. Wash Hose

To begin cleaning the hose, you need to detach it from the wand. Push the small red side button to release it and set the wand to the side for subsequent cleaning. In addition, slide off the plastic U-bend by using a screwdriver so the hose is disconnected from the machine. Make sure that the hose is as straight as you can get it so all of the debris inside can come out. Wash it in your sink or bathtub.

Step 6. Wipe Down Vacuum and Attachments

Gather all the removable parts of your Dyson, as well as the attachments it came with. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any dust or dirt from the pieces or rinse them in cold water. You should also wipe down the whole vacuum cleaner before proceeding with the final step of cleaning your Dyson vacuum.

Step 7. Air Dry and Reassemble

Set aside between 24 and 48 hours for all the parts, attachments, and filters to dry entirely. If they’re not fully dry when you put them back together, your Dyson could develop mildew or other unpleasant odors. When they’re clean and dry, reassemble the vacuum and enjoy using it again for another few months without any issues.

Conclusion

Overall, our tips on how to clean a Dyson vacuum will help you make the most of your trusted product. Although the process is necessary only once every couple of months, you should never overlook it when the times comes to give your Dyson a good cleaning. We also recommend that you look into our other guide on how to maintain vacuum cleaner units in general. What’s your #1 tip for a long-lasting Dyson? Do share your thoughts with our community in the comments!

There comes a time when every vacuum cleaner’s product life will sadly come to an end. For others, the case may just be to set an old unit to the side to make room for a new one. Either way, when you reach that point, you’re sure to be curious about how to dispose of vacuum cleaner units correctly. Learn how to throw out a vacuum without endangering the environment through the options we described below.

How Do I Dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner?

We have identified 6 smart ways for how to dispose of vacuum cleaner machines you no longer want. Go through the waste management vacuum cleaner guide below and see which option suits your needs best.

Check for Repairable Problems

Before you even think about getting rid of a vacuum cleaner, see if it’s still usable. In some situations, all you have to do is thoroughly clean your vacuum to solve common issues (such as vacuum cleaner suction loss). It would be wasteful to throw out an appliance that can still be perfectly used by another person or family. If you fix it and still want to replace it with a new model, you can proceed with the next idea on our list.

Donate to a Charity, Friend or Family

In the fortunate event that your old unit still works, find out how to dispose of vacuum cleaner models through donations. For starters, you can ask your family and friends if anyone could use an older but functioning vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, we strongly recommend contacting your local charity or thrift store to see if you can donate your vacuum. Just a few examples of national organizations you can reach out to are:

• Goodwill
• The Salvation Army Family Stores
• SVDP (St. Vincent de Paul) Retail Thrift Stores
• Savers/ Value Village*
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores*

* Check with your local store to see if they accept vacuum cleaners.

Hand it over to a Repair and Sale Store

If your vacuum no longer works at all, you can consider getting in touch with a local repair and sale shop. An employee can assess the state of your unit and see if they can fix and resell it through their shop. In other cases, the store may decide to dismantle the unit and use its parts. In either situation, you know you’ll be handing it over to specialists.

Trade it for a Discount

Thankfully, some large retailers accept broken household appliances in exchange for a discount. If you’re planning on purchasing a new vacuum cleaner, you can reach out and ask if they have a trade/ discount service. Not all stores will provide such an option, but you may be in luck and save a few dollars when buying a new unit.

Contact Your Local Recycling Center

Arguably the wisest idea for how to dispose of vacuum cleaners units that don’t work anymore is to recycle them. Simply throwing out a vacuum with your trash is not only immoral and environmentally unconscious, but it can also be illegal in some areas. The good news is that most vacuums cleaners are made entirely of plastic and metal. As a result, the majority of old units can be fully recycled.

In terms of shipping and/ or handling, recycling centers will most likely offer either one, some or all of the options below:

• Free curbside collection
• Personal drop-off
• Free or paid haul-away

In addition, some large retailers such as Best Buy have extensive recycling programs that you can look into. If you’re not sure where to start in your community specifically, we recommend performing a quick online search using terms such as “recycle vacuum cleaner near me” or “vacuum recycling near me”.

Upcycle with a DIY Project

Last but definitely not least, you can actually learn how to dispose of vacuum cleaner units creatively. You can search for DIY project ideas for old vacuum cleaners such as industrial-style furniture or even cool Halloween costumes. The sky is the limit when it comes to the possibilities you have of repurposing your vacuum into something beautiful.

Conclusion

All in all, there are tons of ideas for how to dispose of vacuum cleaner units safely. Whether it involves using your imagination or contacting local charities or recycling centers, there’s an option for everyone. We strongly encourage you to choose one of the opportunities above instead of throwing out your unit with the trash. Until next time, feel free to learn more about how to maintain vacuum cleaner models the right way.

Let’s be (brutally) honest. We’ve all reached a certain point with an older vacuum cleaner where odor becomes an issue. For some, their vacuum cleaner stinks like dog hair. With others, their vacuum smells like feet. There are a few cases where the situation is even worse. Today, we’re here to teach you how to deodorize a vacuum cleaner, with tips for making the best vacuum cleaner deodorizer solutions. Find out how to freshen a bagless vacuum cleaner or a bagged model below.

Instructions: How to Deodorize a Vacuum Cleaner

We’ve wrapped up the best tips on how to deodorize a vacuum cleaner on your own. Follow the 5 steps below for a fresh and clean vacuum below.

Step 1. Clean the Vacuum’s Filter

You can’t even imagine what your vacuum cleaner’s filter goes through. Regardless of what vacuum type we have, we tend to forget to clean or replace the filter. As a result, the filter gets clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair, and other potentially smelly particles.

If you believe it’s too early to replace your filter altogether, you can wash it. Prepare a gentle solution with warm, soapy water and carefully wash and rinse the filter. Allow it to air dry completely for 1-2 days before installing it back in place.

Step 2. Wash the Dirt Cup

The next step in the how to clean a vacuum cleaner process is similar to the first one. Many times, simply emptying the canister isn’t enough. A good wash-down should be just what your unit needs to have a better scent. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water and thoroughly wash the cup.

Alternatively, if you have a bagged vacuum cleaner, you need to replace the bag. Even if you feel that the bag isn’t full enough to be worth the replacement, do it. Bags that are even half-full can lead to nasty odors, as well as vacuum cleaner suction loss.

Step 3. Scrub the Whole Vacuum

As you have noticed by now, washing is the key part of removing vacuum cleaner odors. In addition to the filter and cup, you should also clean the entire machine and accessories. Your vacuum’s hose, cleaning head, attachments, and overall shell can get pretty yucky.

You can choose to use a DIY cleaning solution with warm water and either a soft detergent or baking soda. Dampen a cloth and wipe down all the parts individually and rinse with cool water at the end. Let all the pieces of the vacuum dry before reassembling them.

Step 4. Vacuum with Baking Soda and Essential Oil

Once all the washing is done, it’s time to ensure that the vacuuming process itself is no longer smelly. You can do so by vacuuming up certain ingredients to clean the entire airflow components.

Mix some baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. A few examples of lovely oils or extracts you can use are:

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Orange

Alternatively, grind up some potpourri or cinnamon if you prefer other aromas.

Sprinkle the solution on a clean surface, whether a carpet or a wooden floor. Push your vacuum up and down the area to get the mixture inside. Repeat the process 2-3 times to be sure.

Step 5. Freshen the Machine Up

Finally, you have to maintain the pleasant scent you’re after. If you have a bagged vacuum cleaner, grab 2-3 clean cotton balls and dab your favorite essential oil on them. Throw the cotton balls into the bag before using it.

For canister vacuums, cut up a few small pieces of orange peel. Store them in the filter compartment so the citrus scent can be released when vacuuming. As an alternative, use your favorite brand of dryer sheets instead of orange peels.

Conclusion

In summary, learning how to deodorize a vacuum cleaner is easy-peasy. All you have to do is get the right ingredients for the cleaning solution and be patient when wiping it down. If your vacuum cleaner smells when running, you won’t have any more problems after that. However, if the odor persists, it may be time to call a technician or purchase a new vacuum cleaner. We’re curious to hear your stories, as well. Do you have any other tips for how to deodorize a vacuum cleaner?

One of the leading causes of vacuum cleaner suction loss is clogging. In some cases, you may have vacuumed up a larger object accidentally. Other times, a nasty little lump of hair and other debris may have formed somewhere in your machine. Either way, it’s not a pleasant situation to be in. We’ll lend a helping hand by teaching you how to unclog a vacuum cleaner without getting a migraine. Find out how to clean the inside of a vacuum cleaner hose safely below!

Steps and Tips: How to Unclog a Vacuum Cleaner

To learn how to unclog a vacuum cleaner, all you have to do is go through the 4 simple instructions we have explained.

Step 1. Inspect the Source

Before we get into how to unclog a vacuum cleaner in detail, you have to figure out where the blockage is specifically. A quick inspection can help you determine whether the hose or the cleaning head is hiding the culprit.

For starters, disconnect the hose from the rest of the machine. To test if it’s clogged, drop a coin (or another similar object) down the hose while holding it upright. You’ll know if the hose is the problem depending on whether the coin falls straight through to the ground or not.

If your hose seems to be fine, it’s time to probe the cleaning head. Turn your vacuum upside down or in the most comfortable position for you to inspect the beater bar. If you find a large amount of hair or other dirt particles stuck in there, you know what you have to clean.

Step 2. Prepare Your Tool

Depending on the source, you’ll need a tool to unclog vacuum hose or cleaning heads. The good part is that you don’t have to go out and purchase a specific tool. Instead, you can take advantage of various items you already have at home.

For cleaning inside of vacuum hose, you can use any one of the makeshift tools below:

• Broom handle
• Mop handle
• Coat hanger/ stiff electrical wire

If you need to unclog a vacuum cleaning head, feel free to use any of the following:

• Industrial pipe cleaner
• Screwdriver
• Scissors

You may also want to keep a pair of gloves nearby in case you need to reach in and pull debris out.

Step 3. Remove Obstruction

When the time comes to clear the blockage, make sure that your tools are at hand. For hose clogs, the handle of a broom or mop should be more than enough for removing obstructions. Simply hold the hose up and gently push the item to the other end. Try to keep the hose as straight as possible when the handle goes through it so you won’t cause any damage.

Alternatively, if the item gets hard to pull out through the end hole, you can use a coat hanger. Unwind it at the top and bend it in the right position to pry the item out. Likewise, work with care so you won’t puncture the hose.

If the cleaning head is clogged with a larger item, use an industrial pipe cleaner to work it out of the area. A screwdriver also works for carefully scraping out certain items. However, if the clog is due to a tangled cleaning brush, you should grab a pair of scissors. Gently snip through the hair until all of it can be removed.

Step 4. Test Vacuum

By now, you have completed all the main steps of how to unclog a vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, you have to check and see if your method worked.

Plug in the vacuum cleaner and use it on a wooden surface or carpet. Even better, try both surfaces so you can prevent any other issues later on.

If you still feel that something fishy is going on, you may want to give the whole vacuum a good cleaning. We generally recommend that you clean your unit periodically to keep it running well.

Conclusion

To conclude our tips on how to unclog a vacuum cleaner, you can almost always solve the problem on your own. If one method or tool doesn’t work out for you, don’t hesitate to try another one until you get the process right. Unfortunately, if your vacuum is still clogged after following the steps above, you may have to reach out to a specialist. Do you have any other tips and tricks on how to unclog a vacuum cleaner? Share them with others in a comment below!

Is your dog afraid of vacuum cleaners? Don’t panic; it’ normal. Think about it – how would you feel if you saw a giant, noisy, unknown machine coming towards you? A dog afraid of vacuum cleaners is perfectly natural, but it results in an upsetting situation for everyone involved. See how you can help a dog afraid of vacuum cleaners overcome their phobia in our guide below.

Dog Scared of Vacuum Cleaner

We have identified 3 main ways to help a dog scared of vacuum cleaners. We recommend following the instructions below if your pooch dashes away when you turn your vacuum on.

Keep Vacuum in Plain Sight

You can greatly support a dog scared of vacuum cleaners through familiarization. In other words, let your dog see, smell, and generally get used to the vacuum when it’s not in use. Instead of storing your vacuum away in a closet, keep it in plain sight for a while. By leaving it out for your dog to observe and interact with, you’ll increase their chances of becoming accommodated with it.

Expose to Vacuuming Gradually

Now, here comes the harder part. Just like with any other fears, a dog afraid of vacuum cleaners needs to confront their phobia head-on. However, don’t do so by forcing them to stay in the same room with you while vacuuming regularly. Instead, gradually expose them to the vacuuming process.

If your vacuum has suction settings, adjust it to the lowest level at first. Then turn on the vacuum for 30 seconds or a minute at a time, as much as your dog can handle. Repeat the process every time you vacuum, adding another minute or two.

If you want to make this stage even easier, start by running a smaller vacuum in their presence. For example, you can use a handheld vacuum or a robot vacuum cleaner to begin with. Once they’re used to that, you can move on to full-sized vacuums.

Comfort Dog Afraid of Vacuum with Treats

Associating certain items, events or experiences with treats can greatly help animals with phobias. You can place a treat on the vacuum cleaner when it’s off, before you start using it. In addition, you can give them a treat normally before you get started with vacuuming. Consequently, they’ll learn to associate the machine with treats, therefore reducing their fear.

Dog Attacking the Vacuum Cleaner

On the other hand, a dog afraid of vacuum cleaners may attack them out of fear. If your four-legged bestie lunges at the vac to bite it, try the tips below.

Rehearse Vacuuming Movement

Accommodation is key to helping an aggressive dog afraid of vacuum cleaners. The object itself, together with the associated noise, can be the ultimate trigger for your pup. Help them see that there’s nothing to be afraid of by mimicking vacuuming noises with the machine off.

Test the Noise

After that, without moving the vacuum in any way, turn it on. Allow your dog to observe the noise without the machine in motion so they can get used to the sound. Seeing that it isn’t a direct threat (even if it is loud) will soothe their nerves.

Vacuum in Opposing Direction

Finally, the last effective tip for a violent dog afraid of vacuum cleaners is technique-related. If your dog notices a large and loud machine coming their way, of course they’ll be tempted to attack it. As a result, try vacuuming in the opposite direction (away from your dog). They will see that it’s not coming for them directly, so they’ll gradually get rid of the instant to fight back.

Conclusion

To conclude, having a dog afraid of vacuum cleaners doesn’t have to be a permanent source of distress. With love, care, and lots of patience, you can guide your pup in eliminating their fear of the terrible noisy monster. Also, as a dog owner, we strongly recommend that you take a look at our selection of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

Have you learned any other tips by having a dog afraid of vacuum cleaners? Did your doggo react well to any other training techniques? Do help other readers by sharing the lessons you learned from your experiences in the comments below.

Carpets can prove to be a challenging responsibility for homeowners. Not only do they require frequent maintenance, but they can also be complicated to vacuum. In order to keep them in tip-top shape year-round, you should look into the tricks of the trade, so to speak. We have compiled a list of the most useful vacuum cleaning tips for carpet for effective maintenance. Learn more about how you can keep your carpet sparkling clean below.

Purchase the Appropriate Vacuum Cleaner

Prior to diving into our vacuum cleaning tips for carpet, we want to make sure that you invest in the most suitable model. Many homeowners prefer canister vacuum cleaners for their carpets, while others opt for upright units or deep cleaners.

In any case, some of the best models for carpets have features like:

• Brush roll – for getting into carpet fibers
• Height adjustment – to tweak the height of your cleaning head based on your carpet type (high-pile, medium-pile, low-pile)
• Manual suction – for adjusting the suction power depending on the design and build of the carpet.

You should also take other aspects of your home into consideration. For example, if you have cats or dogs, you should consider getting the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair.

Ensure Clean Filter or Empty Cup

You won’t believe how much of an impact your unit’s dust cup or filter can have on your carpet cleaning experience. If you have a bagless canister vacuum, make sure that the dirt container is always completely empty and washed before you get started. As far as filters are concerned, they should be replaced whenever they show signs of clogging or wear and tear.

Take Advantage of Attachments

We often tend to overlook the usefulness of our vacuum’s attachments. Well, they come with our models for a reason. When vacuuming carpets, the included tools help with cleaning all carpet areas, especially those hard-to-reach places.

Some of the most practical vacuum cleaner attachments for carpets are:

• Crevice tool – Use the vacuum’s crevice tool to regularly clean around baseboards, nooks, and crannies.
• Extension wand – Attach the extension wand to vacuum the areas of carpet under furniture.
• Turbo brush (aka power brush) – Apply the turbo brush attachment to vacuum carpeted stairs if you live in a multi-story home.

Vacuum in Both Directions

In terms of technique, one of the best vacuuming tips for carpet is to clean in all directions. Additionally, you should plan a smart path to keep your carpet freshly vacuumed once you’re done.

We recommend following the steps below in order:

• Start away from the door – Go to the area that is farthest from the room’s main entrance and work your way back.
• Vacuum from left to right – Apply a horizontal vacuuming technique for your first passes.
• Continue front to back – Vacuum the same areas with a front-to-back motion to ensure you remove all dirt and dust particles from the carpet fibers.
• Ease out of the room – Vacuum your way out through the door in the same manner you would exit a freshly-mopped room.

Clean Carpets Regularly

We hate to break it to you, but carpets require heavy maintenance. If you want your soft floors to look their best, it is recommended that you vacuum once every week, at least.

Nevertheless, your schedule strongly depends on the amount of traffic in your carpeted areas. You may have to vacuum 2-3 times every week if you have a large family or pets that shed.

To ease the process, you can use a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner for occasional spot cleaning. Alternatively, invest in a robot vacuum to get the job done automatically when you’re not home.

Take Your Time

Last but certainly not least, always remember to be patient when vacuuming carpets. Allow your vacuum cleaner’s brush roll to get deep into your carpet by slowly passing over areas. Indeed, it is a bit more time-consuming, but the long-term results will be highly rewarding.

Conclusion

Overall, the vacuum cleaning tips for carpet we have discussed will greatly help with home maintenance. Although they add a few extra minutes to your cleaning routine, it will all be worth it in the long run. Until you get used to them, you can write all of these vacuum cleaning tips for carpet in your planner and create a checklist. Do you have any other interesting advice from your carpet-cleaning experience? We encourage you to share your insight in the comments.