How to Clean Your Vacuum Cleaner: Step-by-Step Guide

Is your vacuum cleaner not cleaning as efficiently as it used to? Does it seem like you need to vacuum twice for results below your expectations? Then, maybe now is the right time to learn how to clean your vacuum cleaner. A vacuum that is left uncleaned for long periods of time delivers nothing but frustration and difficulty cleaning, making vacuuming the chore you love to avoid. Make your routine easy once again by cleaning the vacuum itself today. Begin by reading our guide on how to clean your vacuum cleaner step-by-step for a smooth and hassle-free process and learn some additional,smart tips that will help you maintain your vacuum machine effortlessly.

Why Vacuum Cleaner Cleaning Matters

If you’re unsure whether vacuum cleaner cleaning is essential, here’s why it should be done regularly:

• Improved Suction Power

If suction power is low, your surfaces remain dirty even after vacuuming. Or, they become clean only after a few rounds of treating the same spot. The reason behind this is a full dustbin or clogged filters that reduce airflow, making it difficult for the machine to pick up dirt.  

• Motor Protection 

Built-up dirt and hair inside the vacuum cleaner forces it to work harder, causing the motor to overheat in the process or even experience permanent failure. This situation may require either professional repair services or replacing the old vacuum with a new one, as the latter could be the most cost-effective option.

• Longer Lifespan 

Vacuum cleaner cleaning helps extend the lifespan of the machine just like regular maintenance does with all home appliances. Taking care of your vacuum, then, saves you money long-term and keeps it running for your years to come. 

• Better Air Quality 

Cleaning rugs, carpets, and other surfaces like furniture using an unclean vacuum cleaner releases allergens and dirt back into the air you breathe, making the atmosphere at home unhealthy. Be sure to clean your vacuum regularly, especially if you have kids and pets at home.

Now that you know why you should regularly clean your vacuum, what are the tools that you need? 

The Tools You Need to Clean Vacuum Cleaners 

Cleaning a vacuum cleaner becomes much easier and quicker when you lay out all the tools you need for cleaning beforehand. Keeping the right cleaning products and items at arm’s length will definitely make cleaning feel more automatic and less like a chore. 

Ready to get started? Here are the tools you need: 

• A microfiber cloth.
• A soft brush. 
• Scissors or seam ripper for removing tangled hair and threads. 
• A screwdriver to remove covers and open compartments. 
• Mild dish soap for washing filters, dust bins, and attachments. 
• Warm water for washing different parts and rinsing out dirt. 

Note that you should only use water and soap with the washable parts of your vacuum cleaner, or else they would cause damage to the appliance. After these simple preparations, how do you clean a vacuum cleaner?

How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner in Easy, Simple Steps 

Are you ready to restore your vacuum to its peak condition? Do you want that excellent performance back? Then, vacuum cleaning should be next on your list. Below is a clear breakdown of how to clean a vacuum cleaner step-by-step: 

• Step 1: Unplug and Detach 

The most important thing in the process of vacuum cleaner cleaning is to unplug the appliance to prevent electric shock and keep yourself safe. When it’s plugged in, electricity still flows inside the vacuum, meaning that you could get shocked as you move certain parts around or use water. Unplugging the vacuum also prevents accidental startups and stops the moisture (when washing some parts) from causing internal damage.

Once unplugged, it is safe to begin the actual process. Now, you can remove all detachable parts from the vacuum so you can clean each one of them individually more easily and efficiently. Removing these parts also makes more room for wiping the exterior smoothly and without obstacles. Some of the parts that you should remove include the dust bin or vacuum bag depending on your vacuum’s model (bagged or bagless), in addition to the hose and other attachments. 

• Step 2: Handle the Bin or Bag 

Next on how to clean a vacuum cleaner is to clean the bin or bag. Vacuum cleaners come in two types; they either feature a dust bin (bagless models) or include a bag for collecting dust (bagged models). If you own a bagged vacuum, carefully open the bag’s compartment that usually has a hinged or latched door. Then, disconnect the bag from its holders.

If the vacuum bag is made of paper or synthetic materials, then it is meant for one-time use only, meaning that you should throw it away. But first make sure that it is two-thirds full by gently pressing and squeezing it (but without shaking it). If it feels thick, heavy, and firm, then it is close to being full and you should dispose of it. 

However, bagless models require a different approach. First, locate the dust bin by finding the release button, latch, or lever, either on the vacuum’s side or front. Then, press the release button or lift the latch. Now, pull the bin away from the vacuum’s body, holding it upright so loose dust stays in place and doesn’t spill all over your place. Empty the bin into the trash bag and tap it slightly to loosen stuck and stubborn dirt. 

Now that it is empty, wash the bin in warm water and a small amount of a mild detergent (dish soap is an excellent choice), and scrub lightly using a soft cloth or a soft brush. Rinse it well and let it air dry for at least 24 hours. Only wash the bin if it is washable. If not, empty it and wipe it with a dry cloth. 

• Step 3: Clean or Wash the Filter 

Cleaning vacuum filters is an essential step of cleaning your vacuum. But what does the filter do to begin with? When you turn on the vacuum, the motor spins a fan inside, creating suction. This suction pulls air, along with dirt and debris, from the surface you’re cleaning into the vacuum. The air carrying the dirt then passes through the filters, which catch the small particles, which cannot be trapped or caught by either the bin or the bag. Finally, clean air is released back into the room. Therefore, cleaning the filter is crucial for excellent suction power and to maintain healthy air indoors. Here’s how to clean a vacuum cleaner filter. 

Open the filter’s compartment—usually located next to the dust bin or after the bag—and pull it out carefully. If your filter is washable, simply tap it to remove the loose dust and rinse it in lukewarm water until it’s clean. Then, let it air dry for 24 hours. If the filter is not washable, remove loose dirt by tapping it before using a soft brush to remove the more stubborn dust stuck onto the filter. To determine whether or not your filter is washable, check the user manual to be completely sure. 

• Step 4: Clean the Brush Roll

The next step of how to clean the vacuum cleaner is to clean the brush roll. This roll is a rotating cylinder with bristles, located at the bottom of the vacuum head, which is the part that touches the floor. To remove it, begin by flipping the vacuum head upside down so you can easily see the brush roll. Then, remove the bottom cover or plate by unclipping it or removing the screws with a screwdriver. To move the brush roll out of its designated place, simply lift it out, slide it sideways, or pull it out by its end caps if available. Now, remove the hair and thread wrapping around the brush by cutting them with scissors. This way, you ensure it spins effortlessly and picks up dirt from rugs and carpets more efficiently. 

• Step 5: Clean the Hose 

The hose is the tube that connects the vacuum’s nozzle or attachments to the main unit, carrying dirt and debris into the dustbin or bag. When cleaning your vacuum cleaner, make sure to clean the hose as well, since dirt buildup can cause clogs and reduce its cleaning efficiency. Simply look through the hose or shine a light through it to spot clogs of dirt or hair. To remove them, use a long flexible brush or a broom handle to push them out.

• Step 6: Wipe Down Attachments & Exterior

Now, it is time to move to the exterior of the vacuum cleaner and the removable parts that you detached earlier, such as brushes, nozzles, and extension wands. Begin by wiping off dust from each attachment with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Then, wash plastic parts with warm soapy water, rinse well, and let them air dry. The exact cleaning instructions of each attachment can vary, so it is recommended to always check the user manual. This can be especially helpful when wanting to make sure that some parts are washable. 

Moving to the vacuum’s body, wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and be careful to avoid openings because they can lead to the motor or electric components. Finally, wipe the vacuum body with a dry cloth, as you shouldn’t leave any water sitting on it. 

• Step 7: Air-Dry and Reassemble

Now you have finished the process of vacuum cleaner cleaning. You should let all parts that you have washed air dry for at least 24 hours to ensure that they are safe to be used again. Then, reassemble all parts so your vacuum cleaner is ready for use.

Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance Tips to Boost Performance

Now that you know how to clean a vacuum cleaner step-by-step for best possible cleaning efficiency, here are some additional tips that help you maintain your machine, prolong its lifespan, and enhance its performance: 

1. Use the right attachments and brushes for different surfaces.
2. Avoid using the vacuum cleaner to pick up heavy debris unless it’s specifically designed for such loads.
3. Prevent the motor from overheating by vacuuming large areas in sections rather than in one go. 
4. Avoid pulling the machine by the cord or yanking the hose to not cause damage to any components. 
5. It is best not to vacuum when the humidity is high because it makes the dust heavier to lift, wearing out the vacuum. 

Now you know our maintenance tips, here are some FAQs on how to clean vacuum cleaners for further details. 

FAQs on How to Clean a Vacuum Machine

Below are some commonly asked questions about cleaning vacuum cleaners and their answers:

• How often should I clean my vacuum cleaner? 

You should clean the dust bin or replace the bag after every few uses. Filters should be cleaned monthly, while the brush roll and hoses must be checked regularly. Low suction power indicates that it is time to check the hose and roll at the bottom of the vacuum head.

• Do bagless vacuums need more maintenance than bagged ones?

Bagless vacuum dustbins need to be emptied more frequently than bags because the dirt in the former is exposed rather than contained.

• Can I wash vacuum filters? 

Some vacuum filters are washable—like foam and HEPA—but some others are not. Non-washable filters should be cleaned without water or entirely replaced if they’re heavily dirtied. Always check the user manual to be sure. 

LG Vacuum Cleaners for Perfect Cleanliness 

Do you want a spotless home without much time and minimal effort? LG vacuum cleaners, provided to you in Jordan by New Vision, offer strong and consistent suction, advanced filtration, and easy-to-control dust bins for efficient and easy cleaning. Not only that, but their cord length, extra attachments, and compact size make them the ideal addition for your cleaning routine. LG vacuum cleaners are easy to use and easy to clean. Get yours today for incredible results and shining clean carpets. 

Discover our LG vacuum cleaners now and contact us for more information.