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?
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