Yes, Cleaning Your Vacuum Cleaner is Absolutely Necessary

You might pride yourself on being a thorough cleaner: Your home is neat, you wipe down surfaces daily with eco-friendly products, you dust regularly, and you even vacuum a few times a week. Everything seems in order—until you realize that your vacuum cleaner itself needs a cleaning, too.

It might seem like an overwhelming task, but with a little effort, cleaning your vacuum regularly becomes easy—some parts need it more often than others. We reached out to Vacuum Experts, a site dedicated to testing and reviewing vacuum cleaners, to get their insights on the best way to clean every part of your vacuum, how often to do so, how to eliminate and prevent bad odors, and when it’s time to buy a replacement.

Why It's Essential to Clean Your Vacuum

Do you really need to clean your vacuum? Brace yourself—things are about to get pretty unsettling.

A 2013 study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that vacuum cleaners that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned can spread mold and bacteria throughout your home. Inhaling dust filled with mold and bacteria can make you sick, and it can be even worse for those with allergies.

It almost makes you want to ditch your vacuum and go back to sweeping, doesn’t it? Well, hold off on that thought and read further, as there might be a better solution.

How Frequently to Clean Each Component of Your Vacuum

Not every vacuum part requires cleaning each time you use it, but some parts need more frequent attention than others. Use this chart as a reference for how often to clean different vacuum components, considering factors like how frequently you vacuum, pets, children, and family size.

How Often to Empty the Vacuum Canister

Yes, the chart recommends emptying the vacuum canister after every few uses, but that's just the minimum. The Vacuum Experts suggest emptying it after every use, rather than waiting for it to be completely full.

If emptying it after every use isn't practical, the Vacuum Experts blog advises emptying the canister once it’s half to two-thirds full as a routine. This helps prevent germs and bacteria from settling in, and keeps your vacuum running efficiently.

What You Need:

• Scissors
• Disinfectant spray
• Hot water
• Dish soap
• Cleaning brush
• Bleach, vinegar, or baking soda
• Can of compressed air
• Cleaning cloth

How to Maintain Vacuum Brushes and Bristles

Your vacuum’s brushes and bristles are the first line of defense against dirt. They deserve a little care after each use. Here’s how to keep them in top condition.

Step 1: Inspect

Examine the brushes and bristles of your vacuum to ensure no debris or hair has become trapped in them.

Step 2: Remove Debris

If hair or stray strings are wrapped around the brush, resist the urge to pull them. Use scissors to carefully snip them out, making sure not to cut the bristles.

Step 3: Disinfect

Spray the brushes with a disinfectant spray to properly sanitize them.

How to Clean Vacuum Filters

While cleaning your vacuum filters should be a key part of your annual maintenance, it's also important to check them monthly. Just follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Detach Each Filter

Consult your vacuum's manual to find the location of each filter and learn how to remove it properly.

Step 2: Shake and Rinse

For washable filters, simply take them out, give them a good shake, and rinse them under cool running water.

Step 3: Air-dry

After cleaning, place each filter in a dry area and let it air dry completely.

How to Deep-Clean a Vacuum

Though certain parts of your vacuum require more frequent attention, experts suggest taking the whole vacuum apart and giving it a thorough cleaning once a year.

Step 1: Take it Apart

Refer to the manual to guide you through detaching and reassembling the parts correctly.

Step 2: Soak the Washable Parts

Submerge the canister and any washable attachments in warm soapy water. Clean them thoroughly, much like washing dishes, and allow them to dry completely before reinserting them into the vacuum.

Step 3: Clean the Hose

Fill a sink with at least 4 inches of hot water, adding 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 2 tablespoons of bleach, vinegar, or baking soda. Immerse the hose in the solution, ensuring the water flows through the entire hose. After emptying the sink, rinse the hose with tap water and leave it to dry completely.

Step 4: Blow Out Crevices

Utilize a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris lurking in the small gaps and hidden areas of the vacuum.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior

Once all the parts are properly reassembled and fully dried, spray the outer surfaces with disinfectant and wipe them down using a cleaning cloth.

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Smells in a Vacuum

After some detective work, you've discovered that the unpleasant odor in your home is coming from your vacuum. It's no surprise considering all the nasty things that get sucked up, but what should you do about it? The solution is a deep-clean, even if it hasn’t been a full year since the last one.

Once you've revived your stinky vacuum, sticking to a regular cleaning schedule will help keep it smelling fresh until its next deep cleaning. For even more powerful odor control and room-freshening effects, try these natural and budget-friendly aromatic tricks.

• Baking Soda. This pantry staple is famous for absorbing bad smells. To freshen up your vacuum, simply sprinkle a few teaspoons into the dust bag or bin to keep things smelling clean and fresh.
• Cinnamon. Head to your spice rack for a freshening boost. Add ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder to the dust bag or bin for a warm, autumn-like scent that will make you actually look forward to vacuuming.
• Essential Oils. If you're a fan of essential oils for health, beauty, or aromatherapy, you can use them to refresh your vacuum too. Thyme and lemongrass are especially effective against mold. In a 32-ounce spray bottle, mix at least 30 drops of essential oil, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and fill the rest with water. Lightly mist this mixture inside the bin or bag, being careful not to soak the area.

When to Replace Your Vacuum With a New One

A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology revealed that older vacuums tend to emit more pollutants. So, if you're using a hand-me-down vacuum from your great-aunt, it's probably time to retire it.

As per Consumer Reports, the average lifespan of a vacuum is about eight years. By following proper maintenance and care, you can likely extend its use to around 10 years. Otherwise, you might end up spreading a decade's worth of dirt throughout your home.

Shopping for a new vacuum isn't all that bad: It's an opportunity to enjoy the latest upgrades that have emerged since your last purchase. Maybe it's time to treat yourself to that cordless vacuum cleaner you've been eyeing, or explore whether a robot vacuum could be a good fit for your home.