A vacuum machine is a great server when it comes to keeping the house tidy and fresh. But as this machine takes in the filth of your house, it can soon start smelling like filth if it is not in good care. Bad smell can be caused by many influences such as pet hairs, growth of molds in small food particles that were stuck inside. Below, we will discuss how to make a vacuum smell better.
Getting punched with a foul smell every time you start your vacuum cleaner is not in any way a pleasant experience. Here is the feel-good fact, you can get rid of the smell and prevent the bad smell from appearing again with some tips and a maintenance guide that we are about to share.
How To Vanish The Bad Smell
When your machine starts to smell fishy or like rotten eggs or foul, first find out the source. Most of the time the source is the dust bag/canister, the hose, the belt, or the brushes. Most of the time, there is too much dust buildup or mold accumulation in the machine that causes a bad smell. You can follow the steps below to clean it up-
Step 1: Clean or change the bag/canister
There are vacuum cleaners with bin bags and without bin bags that come with a canister. In the case of the bagged version, change it as frequently as the manufacturer recommends. Some exterior bags are machine washable; but if yours isn’t, simply wipe down the bag with a damp cloth using warm water.
For the canister or dust bin, empty it out and wash it with warm water and some dish soap. You can use baking soda to wash as well, it will prevent any mold build-up as well. After washing let it dry out before.
Step 2: Clean The Brushes and The Belt
The vacuum belt’s function is to help the brushes roll to collect dirt. Often it is made of rubber which can get burnt over time and smell like, you know what, Burnt Rubber! Which is not pleasant whatsoever. There is an option for metal belts which are way better but pricier. If you choose to use rubber belts, replace them after a year.
To clean brushes, first, unplug the device. Then, if you see any pet hair, strings, fiber stuck in the vacuum brush, pull those out and plug back the vacuum cleaner. If the brush isn’t removable, spray it with a water-and-vinegar solution. Let the brush dry for 24 hours before using it.
Step 3: Clean The Filters
The filter in the vacuum cleaner keeps dust, dirt, and all allergens not to be back into the vacuumed area. It is recommended to replace the filter every 3 months to 12 months. If your vacuum device uses a washable filter, you should disassemble it to clean it frequently after using it several times. Simply remove the dust around it and rinse it under cold water. Rinse the filter until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Wash The Hose
This source of smell can easily be forgotten. Detach the hose. To remove any remnants, use the stick of a broom or other tool with a similar shape. Give it a good wash with dish soap and air dry it. A
What to Do to Prevent The Foul Smell
After you have cleaned out and washed your entire machine that is when you wanna take steps towards preventing the bad smell as long as you can.
Prevention will ease your way. Also will reduce the frequency of cleaning your vacuum machine. You might consider taking small steps towards prevention so that in the long run you save much time and energy that you would have spent cleaning it thoroughly.
Here are some tips to keep the vacuum machine smelling fresh.
Baking Soda
This is a natural, safe and impactful way to keep the vacuum machine fresh. Add several teaspoons of baking soda inside the bag or bin. Some soda can be sprinkled on the rug or carpet before vacuuming. As an odor neutralizer, baking soda will prevent bad smells from coming back.
Aromatic Herbs And Spices
It is known for thousands of years how useful herbs and spices are. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon either into the vacuum cleaner bag or into the debris compartment. The strong smell of cinnamon will counteract the smell of the particles that the vacuum picks up to provide a fresh scent. If you do not like cinnamon, try other herbs like rosemary, garlic powder, and oregano. You can use antibacterial essential oils as well like thyme, oregano, etc, simply dilute them with water or use them as it is to spray on the bin or bag.
Commercial Freshener
There are sprays, tablets intended to freshen up the vacuum cleaner. You can use them as the manufacturer’s recommendations. They are scented with a pleasant fragrance and hide the bad odor.
Dryer Sheets And Fabric Softener Sheets
If you have a stinky vacuum, a dryer sheet provides you with an easy fix for the funky smell. When changing your vacuum bag, toss in a dryer sheet in the hole where the bag is attached to the vacuum.
Place a fabric softener sheet inside the bag or in the bin of your vacuum. Each time you turn on the vacuum, you will activate the sheet and release the good smell.
Use Something With Fragrance In The Filter Cavity
Putting a peel of lemon, orange, or any citrus fruit in the cavity filter is an easy and cost-effective way of emanating a fresh smell throughout the machine and also your room. A perfume pad is an artificial option to this.
Following Regular Maintenance
This is key. Regular maintenance might be the most effective method to prevent unpleasant smells. Depending on how often you use your vacuum, cleaning it thoroughly every three to six months is the basic. If you own a pet, you might even want to clean it every other month.
Conclusion
Rarely any user of a vacuum machine does not encounter a smell problem. It can be quite a struggle to deal with its maintenance. But for what it is, it is well worth it.
Hopefully, this article helped you to find a way through making your vacuum machine smell great again.
