How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Is your vacuum not cleaning as well as it should be? It could be dirty. If it needs cleaning, your vacuum might not work as designed, leaving behind dust and allergens that compromise the health of your home. It can also mean a waste of your valuable time.

The good news is that the advanced vacuums of today have self-cleaning functions, but every vacuum benefits from a periodic deep clean. Start by knowing what type you own and what’s washable.

What Type of Vacuum Cleaner Do You Have?

While some vacuum models offer automatic cleaning, others need to be buffed-out manually. You are likely already aware of the type of vacuum they have, but if in doubt, check your user manual. The cleaning process varies according to type:

• Upright and stick vacuums: Empty bag/dustbin, clean or replace filters, and remove hair from the brush roll. 
• Canister vacuums: Empty bag/bin, clean filters and canister, check/clear hose and wand.
• Robot vacuums (with/without docks): Such as the Dreame L40s Ultra, offer self-cleaning functions, but still require occasional hands-on maintenance to empty the bin and clean sensors.
• Wet-dry vacs: Empty/winse the tank and clean/replace filters; advanced models are largely self cleaning, using a scraper to eliminate tangled hair or threads and automatically sanitizing the brush head and fittings with hot water. 

Tools and Prep for Cleaning Your Vacuum

To unlock your vacuum cleaner’s full potential, gather essentials for a seamless refresh. You'll need:

• A small brush or crevice tool (often found right on your vacuum itself) 
• A pair of scissors to snip away tangled hair
• A canister of compressed air to blast dust away 
• A microfiber cloth for a sparkling finish. 
• Mild soap and water for washable parts. 

Prep first:

• Unplug or power off.
• Empty the bin outdoors to keep dust/allergens out of the room
• Identify washable vs. dry-wipe parts (never wet electronics or sensors)

How to Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner Properly

Giving your vacuum a thorough cleaning can make a world of difference. When you're ready to restore its suction and extend its lifespan, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Empty the dustbin, water tank, or replace the bag

A full bag or canister restricts airflow, and that makes your vacuum work harder and clean less effectively. For bagless models, empty the contents into a trash can outside.

Step 2: Clean the filters

Your vacuum’s filter is a hero in the saga as it traps fine dust and allergens. A clogged filter also chokes the motor and kills suction power. To keep it in top running order, be sure to clean or replace your vacuum’s dirty filters. By following the steps below, you'll ensure your vacuum is ready to tackle any mess,ensuring you a truly pristine home and a healthy living environment. 

• For a bagless vacuum with a reusable filter: Remove the filter and tap it gently over a trash can to dislodge caked-on dust. If it’s a washable filter, use cool water to rinse away the dirt. Make sure it's completely dry before reinserting it—this can take up to 24 hours.
• For a bagged vacuum with a filter: Most bagged vacuums have a filter you can replace. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct replacement part.
• High-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) are used in advanced vacuums so they can trap very tiny particles. Clean them with cool water according to guidelines in the user manual.

Step 3: Clean the vacuum cleaner brush and roller

A brush roll tangled with hair and string can't pick up debris. If your vacuum is not self-cleaning and clearing, use a pair of scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove any tangled fibers. You can also wipe the brush with a damp cloth to remove any caked-on dirt.

Step 4: Clean the hose and attachments

A blocked hose or attachment can be a major cause of lost suction. Use a broom handle or another long, slender object to push out any clogs. For more thorough cleaning, a gentle rinse with warm water can do the trick. Make sure everything is completely dry before reattaching it to the vacuum.

Step 5: Clean the vacuum's body and sensors

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the vacuum. If you have a bagless vacuum, use the crevice tool to gently clean the sensors on the dustbin and the body of the vacuum. This ensures that the vacuum can accurately detect how full the dustbin is and continue to function properly.

How Often Should You Clean a Vacuum Cleaner?

Regular cleaning of your vacuum cleaner is crucial to maintaining its power and effectiveness. It's not hard to do and makes a world of difference!

Maintenance schedule

Choose Vacuum Cleaners That Save You the Work

Today’s high-tech appliances have transformed home cleaning and routine chores by even cleaning themselves. Here are a some vacuums that truly save you the work:

• The Dreame L40s Ultra robot vacuum and mop elevates your cleaning experience with its advanced auto mop washing and drying system. This feature ensures the mop is always fresh and ready, delivering a superior, hands-free clean that leaves your floors sparkling.
• The Dreame H14 Pro wet-dry vacuum redefines hygiene with its automated self-cleaning cycle. It uses hot water to rinse the brush and internal pipes and then uses hot air drying, guaranteeing a pristine, odor-free device after every use.
• Another advanced design that makes your life easier is the Dreame Z30 cordless stick vacuum. Cleaning it is an absolute breeze!

FAQ

Is a self-cleaning vacuum worth it?

If you value low upkeep, yes. A self-cleaning vacuum offers unparalleled convenience, saving you valuable time and effort on maintenance. 

What vacuums self-clean?

Some high-end robot vacuums and certain upright vacuums feature self-cleaning brushes, auto-empty docks, detangling brushes, and hot-wash/dry maintenance. Check the feature list for your exact model.

How to clean a vacuum cleaner that smells?

To eliminate unpleasant odors, start by thoroughly emptying the dustbin and washing or replacing the filters. For a refreshing scent, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the empty dustbin before your next use.

Can I use my vacuum right after cleaning it?

No. Before using your vacuum again, you must ensure all washed components, such as filters and dustbins, are completely dry. This simple step prevents mold growth and protects the motor, ensuring your vacuum performs flawlessly for years to come.

What is the difference between a stick and wet-dry vacuum?

A stick vacuum is lightweight and best for quick cleanups on hard floors, while a wet-dry vacuum is larger and designed for both liquid spills and heavy debris. Choose based on your floors and routines.

Conclusion

A consistent cleaning routine is the simplest way to extend the life and performance of your vacuum cleaner. To keep your home pristine, enjoy the convenience of auto-cleaning vacuums. These revolutionary devices offer unparalleled ease in floor care, ensuring you always have a fresh, tidy living environment.