Vacuum cleaners have come to stay in our homes. Since their invention, they have made cleaning a stress-less process. You would agree that a clean home puts us in a better mood and can set the pace for other activities.
Sometimes, the equipment we use to clean are the dirtiest. This is very true, especially in the case of vacuum cleaners. Regular contact with dirt and grime can turn the vacuum cleaner into a breeding space for disease and bad smells. So it is expedient to clean the unit.
But how do you empty the vacuum cleaner? Though it may appear tough, cleaning the vacuum should not take so much time. There are many parts to clean, but not all require attention every time you empty your vacuum cleaner.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to empty vacuum cleaner without dust, as well as answers to FAQs about the subject.
What Do I Need to Empty My Vacuum Cleaner?
Some items must be in place for you to empty or clean your vacuum cleaner with no hassle. They include:
- Damp Cloth or Rag: To remove dirt and grime.
- Scissors (or blade): This helps to get rid of tangles on the brush roll.
- Compressed air: To easily clean dusty surfaces and remove build-ups in difficult-to-reach areas.
- Brush: Although not as fast or as deep as compressed air, it is adequate for dusting. An old toothbrush will suffice.
- Pipe Cleaners: To deal with larger clogs in difficult-to-reach areas.
- Hand Gloves: This helps to keep dirt and grime from getting on your hands. Latex gardening gloves are ideal, but you can also use cloth gardening gloves.
- Nose Mask: To keep dust from getting into your nose. Cloth or medical masks will suffice, but respirators are preferable if you have one. However, try to do the cleaning outside.
- Torch or Flashlight: This helps you to spot or identify clogs.
You may need the following items to clean the traditional vacuum cleaners:
- New bag: While most newer vacuum cleaners don’t have bags, some do. In general, knockoffs are fine.
- New Filter: Although most modern vacuum cleaners use washable filters, some still use disposables. Generally, knockoffs are great.
- New belt: Most vacuum cleaners have lifetime or at least very long-lasting belts to drive the brush roll, but some do require replacement regularly.
Good Read;
How to Empty Vacuum Cleaner without Dust
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to empty your vacuum cleaner without dust:
1. Read the Instruction Manual
Vacuums vary greatly. Different models have their peculiar methods of coupling and dismantling. Before cleaning yours, read instructions on disassembling and cleaning your vacuum.
2. Unplug the Vacuum Cleaner
When the vacuum is plugged in, applying water to it can be fatal. Even if the vacuum is turned off, none of these steps should be done while it is plugged into an outlet.
3. Dismantle the Vacuum Cleaner
To clean the vacuum, you must be able to reach around all of its interiors. Take out the canister and the filter. Dismantle any moving parts that can be disassembled.
4. Empty the Canister
Open the canister and place the contents in a garbage bag. To avoid spreading dust or dirt in your home, consider doing this outside or in the garage. You might have to shake the canister to get some dirt out.
5. Wet a Cloth
Soak a microfiber cloth in water. Then, apply a small amount of all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar mixture to the cloth. Also, squeeze the cloth to get rid of any excess moisture.
6. Wipe Down the Vacuum Cleaner
Rub the outside and inside of the canister with the cloth. Wipe down all accessible vacuum parts, including the cord and the hose’s exterior. However, do not apply moisture to the plug or other electrified components.
7. Clean the Filter
One of the most important parts of the vacuum is the filter, which is usually located near the top of the canister. Remove it from the canister and rinse it under cold water. But, do not use soap. Allow it to run under water until no more dirt or grime comes off.
8. Allow Everything to Dry for a Day In a Warm Place
It is essential not to reinsert canister components, such as the filter, until they have dried. Placing moist objects in a confined space can promote bacterial growth. If possible, leave the vacuum outside in the sun.
How to Clean the Beater Bar Of a Vacuum Cleaner
Here are the steps to take if you want to clean a vacuum cleaner’s beater bar:
1. Remove Hair from the Beater Bar
The beater bar, which is the bottom part of the vacuum where dirt is sucked in, often collects dirt and hair. Cut and remove any hair stuck in the bristles with scissors.
Note: Because this process is quite unhygienic, consider wearing disposable hand gloves.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol should be applied to a cotton swab. Then, using the cotton swab, disinfect the beater bar. The cotton swab should be rubbed over any other parts of the vacuum that come into contact with the floor.
However, avoid getting alcohol on the vacuum’s rubber parts.
3. Continue Disinfecting while Spinning the Beater Bar
Most models require you to spin the beater bar around with your hands to disinfect all sides. Others allow you to remove the beater ball, making it easier to reach all sides.
So, you must read your vacuum cleaner’s manual to see if the beater bar can be detached.
How to Clean the Vacuum Cleaner’s Hose
Here are the steps to follow when you want to clean the hose of your vacuum cleaner:
1. Remove Clogs by Using a Wire Hanger
Make a wire hanger as straight as possible, leaving only a small curvature at the end. Then, put it into the hose and scoop out any dirt clumps that are clogging it up with the curved end. You don’t want to poke a hole in the hose, so be careful.
2. Dust the Hose’s Interior
Wrap the handle of a broom or mop in dryer sheets. Attach the dryer sheets to the stick with duct tape. Then, insert the stick into the hose and move it around so that the dryer sheets gently rub against the hose, picking up dust.
3. Disinfect the Hose with Vinegar Mixture
Tape a broom or mop handle to a roll of paper towels. Wet the paper towels and soak them in the vinegar solution. Rub paper towels inside the hose to kill germs and reduce the smell.
4. Let the Hose Dry for a Day
Again, it is crucial that moisture not become trapped in the canister. So you should allow the hose to dry in a warm place for 24 hours after sanitizing it.
What Is the Expected Cleaning Time of a Vacuum Cleaner?
Generally, the basic cleaning of vacuum cleaners should take between 10 and 30 minutes. Plus 24 hours for drying if any parts are washed or rinsed. It might take a few hours for more serious maintenance.
Every vacuum cleaner requires maintenance, regardless of its cost and design. It’s normal, and there’s nothing you can do about it if you want the unit to serve you well.
Meanwhile, when you notice that your vacuum cleaner is not as strong as it used to be, that is a sign that it needs some attention. If you notice your vacuum is weaker than it used to be, this is a sign that it needs to be serviced.
Likewise, if the vacuum cleaner abruptly shuts down — it’s usually a fail-safe feature to safeguard the parts from excessive heat due to clogs or tangles. And it’s never a bad idea to perform preventive maintenance, or at the very least a visual inspection regularly.
How to Disinfect a Vacuum Cleaner
Take a few extra minutes once in a while to disinfect your vacuum. This is especially important if you vacuum in areas where germs are a major concern, such as the kitchen or bathroom, or if members of your household have been sick.
To disinfect your vacuum:
- First, remove the attachments as usual and thoroughly rinse them with hot water.
- Next, fill a spray bottle halfway with water and add 1 tablespoon bleach.
- Then, spray the solution on any items to be disinfected, then allow them to air dry.
When should I Clean my Vacuum Cleaner?
So you are probably wondering how often you need to clean or empty your vacuum cleaner. Well, this is based on the type of cleaning you want to get done. Here is a breakdown below:
After Each Use: Clean the Brushes and Bristles
Check all brushes and bristles after every use to ensure there is no trapped debris or hair stuck to them. If there is any hair or lose strings wrapped around a brush, don’t pull it out; instead, cut it out with a pair of scissors. After that, sanitize the brushes with a disinfectant spray.
After a Few Uses: Empty the Canister
Rather than letting your vacuum’s canister fill completely, try emptying it every time you use it. At least empty the vacuum when it’s halfway to two-thirds full. This way, you’ll be removing any potential germs or bacteria before they have a chance to settle in your vacuum.
Besides, emptying the canister will also help improve the performance of your vacuum cleaner.
About Once Monthly: Check and Wet the Filters
Though cleaning the filters should be a regular part of your annual routine, they also need to be checked every month. Check your vacuum’s owner’s manual to find out where each filter is located and how to properly detach it. If it’s washable, simply take it out, shake it, and rinse it under cool running water. Allow it to dry completely.
Every 1 to 2 Years: Dismantle Your Vacuum Cleaner for Deep Cleaning
While you should clean each part of the vacuum cleaner more often, experts recommend disassembling and cleaning the entire vacuum once a year. You’ll need hot water, dish soap, a cleaning brush, and a can of compressed air to get started.
Every 10 Years: Replace Your Vacuum Cleaner
According to Consumer Reports, the median lifespan of vacuum cleaners is 8 years. However, if you follow the guidelines above and maintain your vacuum, you should be able to use it for 10 years. Otherwise, you might as well be dragging 10-year-old dirt around your house.
Are Vacuum Cleaners with Dust Bags Better for People with Allergy?
Yes, absolutely! Because the bag keeps dust out of the air, vacuum cleaners with dust bags are often better for allergy patients. Not all bags, however, are made equal. Large holes in certain bags allow pollutants to escape. In this sense, older-style paper bags are the worst.
Should You Invest In HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaners?
Without a doubt! According to Consumer Reports, HEPA filtration is the most vital and essential feature of any vacuum. The filter aids in the removal of fine dust, dust mites, pet hair, and other pollutants from your house.
Conclusion
Maintaining a regular vacuuming and vacuum cleaning routine is critical, regardless of how much dust is in your home. This ensures a house with easy breathing.
While cleaning, you should get the dirt outdoors – your lungs will thank you for it. Meanwhile, having a weekly schedule for vacuuming makes you accountable.
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