How to Unclog a Vacuum Cleaner Hose

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most used home appliances. But, of what use is one with a clogged hose? None! So, learning how to unclog a vacuum cleaner hose is vital.

A clog in a vacuum can be annoying at any time, but one trapped amid a 35-foot hose is very frustrating. If you’re reading this article, your hose is most likely clogged right now.

First, let’s discuss troubleshooting methods to ensure the problem is with the hose before diving into the step-by-step guide on unclogging the vacuum cleaner hose.

How Can I Diagnose Vacuum Cleaner Clog? 

Here are some techniques to help you diagnose vacuum cleaner clogs:

• First, visually check to see if the attachment tools and wands are clear.
• Take away all accessories and solely test the hose.
• Try the hose at a different outlet if the suction is weak or nonexistent.
• Remove the hose from the wall outlet.
• Open the valve door to check the suction at the valve outlets while manually turning on the system.
• The last step is to insert a tiny round object through the pipe, such as a marble or penny. By doing this, you should be able to roughly determine the location of the blockage if it is clogged.

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What Do I Need to Unclog Vacuum Hose? 

Any clogs you detect can be easily removed. But there are a few items you’ll require. Having gloves is always a good idea because clogs may be gross, and you don’t want that on your skin. Besides that, you’ll need something to slide down the hose and break the blockage into pieces. Any of the following would be excellent for that:

• Wire Hanger
• Bottle Cleaning Brush
• Attachments Brushes
• Hooked Wire
• Baking soda
• Washing detergent
• Screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers

How to Unclog a Vacuum Cleaner Hose

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to unclog a vacuum cleaner hose.

Method 1: Detaching and Cleaning the Hose

To unclog your vacuum hose with this method, here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Remove Your Vacuum’s Hose

The outside hose on your vacuum will connect to the tank or bag at the bottom roller. From the vacuum’s base, pull one end of the hose out, then pull the other end away from the vacuum’s main body.

If your vacuum hose has screws on it, remove the screws before detaching the hose from the machine. After removing the hose, place it on a level surface.

Note: Before performing any repair on your vacuum, unplug it to reduce the risk of electric shock. Also, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to remove the hose from your vacuum.

Step 2: Using a Broomstick, Force any Large Blockages Out of the Hose

Pick up the broomstick’s tip and run it into the hose. By gently inserting the stick, avoid accidentally breaking or puncturing the hose. The broomstick will force a large clog out of the other end of your hose, if there is any.

In addition, hold the hose up to a light if it is translucent so you may see through it and locate the clog. Otherwise, you might try peering through the hose’s end. If there isn’t a blockage visible, it can be in the lower hose that is connected to your vacuum.

Step 3: Clean Up any Buildup Inside the Hose by Pouring Vinegar and Baking Soda

Pour 12 cups (115 g) of baking soda into the sink while moving your hose. Shake the hose to spread the baking soda throughout.

After that, slowly dispense 120 ml (1/2 cup) of white vinegar into the hose. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to bubble for two to three minutes within the hose so it can dissolve any buildup.

Note: If baking soda and vinegar are unavailable, you can use powdered washing detergent with hot water.

Step 4: Use Warm Water to Rinse the Hose

Step 5: Before Reattaching the Hose, Hang it Up to Completely Dry Out

Method 2: Removing a Clog from the Lower Hose

To unclog your vacuum hose with this method, here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Detach the Vacuum’s Main Hose

The main hose connects both on the main body of the vacuum and not far from the base of the roller. You can access the lower hose by removing or unscrewing the hose from the ports.

Note: To learn how to correctly detach the vacuum hose from the unit, consult the owner’s manual.

Step 2: Remove the Lower House from the Vacuum Body by Unscrewing It

The main hose normally plugs into the machine where the lower hose attaches to the vacuum base. So, use a screwdriver to find the screw that is securing the lower hose. Then, place the screw away in a location where you won’t misplace it.

Rather than being screwed in, some lower hoses may clip onto the vacuum. In that case, unclip the lower hose from the clip.

Step 3: Take Hold of the Blockage with a Set of Needle-Nose Pliers and Remove It

Open a pair of needle-nose pliers, then insert the tip into the lower hose’s end. As soon as you detect the obstruction, use your pliers to pinch it to gain a firm grasp. Remove the hose’s obstruction and discard it.

Note: If you peek inside the bottom hose, the clog should be visible. The bottom hose may not be clogged if you can’t see a blockage, but the roller may be faulty. Alternatively, you can use another vacuum to pull out the clog.

Step 4: Reattach the Vacuum’s Hoses

As you reinstall the screw in the hole, keep the lower hose pressed up against the vacuum’s body. To stop the hose from moving around, reconnect it with your screwdriver. After that, reattach the main hose to keep it in place. To see if the suction is working once again, turn on your vacuum and test it.

General Tips for Unclogging Vacuum Hose

Here are some general guidelines for unclogging a vacuum hose:

• Before vacuuming, remove heavy particles.
• Clean what you can see — Look beneath the bed to check if there are any socks there before you vacuum.
• Using a vacuum with an attachment will reduce clogging because the attachments are narrower than the wands and hose.
• Also, drop a tiny round object through the pipe, like a marble or a penny. By doing this, you should be able to determine roughly where the block is if it is clogged.

What Are the Causes of a Clogged Vacuum Hose?

There are many causes for a blocked vacuum hose. For instance, it can be related to the area you cleaned, but vacuuming with a full bag for so long might also lead to buildup in the hose. The following are some leading causes of a clogged vacuum hose: 

1. Vacuuming Sticky or Wet Dirt

For example, vacuuming pine needles can result in a buildup.

2. Emptying the Vacuum Bag too Late 

If the dust bag or dust container is overly full, the dirt may build up in the vacuum hose.

3. Sucking Up too Much Pet Hair 

A clog can also result from sucking up too much pet hair.

4. Poor Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance 

If you don’t maintain your vacuum cleaner well, the hose may get clogged.

How to Clean Your Vacuum Tube

Cleaning out the vacuum tube regularly is one of the best ways to maintain your vacuum cleaner functioning properly. This is especially crucial if you live in a home with dogs because pet hair may easily get sucked into your vacuum cleaner and clogs!

Here are a few quick steps for vacuum tube cleaning:

• Be careful not to vacuum the same spot more than once when vacuuming carpet or flooring as this can force dirt and hair deeper into the vacuum tube.
• If there are any blockages stuck in the vacuum tube, using your vacuum cleaner’s hose unclogging tool is an ideal solution!
• Once a month, remove the vacuum tube from the vacuum cleaner and carefully scrub away any debris or pet hair that may be stuck in the tube with an old toothbrush.

If you do this often, your vacuum cleaner will perform optimally for years! It’s also not difficult — most vacuums come with special vacuum tools to assist you in cleaning the vacuum tube, and it’s even easier if your vacuum cleaner hose unclogging tool has a brush on one end.

How to Unclog Bottle Cap Stuck in a Vacuum 

If a bottle cap is stuck in your vacuum hose, you can unclog the bottle cap from your vacuum hose with the steps below;

1. Unplug your vacuum cleaner from the outlet after turning it off.
2. Remove the vacuum cleaner’s hose from the unit.
3. Find the bottle cap and try to detach it from the vacuum hose.
4. Use a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen it up if it’s too tight.
5. Reinstall the vacuum hose before starting your vacuum. It should be back to normal operation now!

Simple Steps on How to Unclog a Bissell Vacuum Cleaner 

Step 1

You need to get a conducive space to wash the Bissell vacuum cleaner properly, then get the materials you need to make your work easier. Here are the materials you need to make available: 

• Wastebin 
• Rag or clean cloth you aren’t using anymore 
• Detergent 
• Warm water in a basin or sink 
• Scissors 
• Screwdriver

Step 2

Disconnect your vacuum: disconnecting the vacuum saves you the risk of getting electrocuted. Unplug the wire from the outlet, and detach the part you want to wash. This includes the filters, the brush roll, and the dirt collection container.

Step 3

Empty the dirt canister: whenever you clean your home with the vacuum cleaner, the dust canister gets fuller, storing more dirt. Now it’s time to empty and clean the canister. Dispose of the dirt into a garbage bin. 

Before fixing it back, dust the can or even rinse it. Rinse your dirt can with cold water and leave it to dry. This rinsing option is if your dirt bin can be rinsed, but if it can’t, you can dust it off before fixing it back. Lock the bin back before using it to vacuum again.

Step 4

Clean your vacuum brush regularly: We know that the vacuum brush can be filled with pet hair or debris, which is littering the bin again. Clean the entangled hair on the brush and the debris.

How do you find the brush roll? Lay your vacuum flat and upside down to see the brush roll bracket. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the bracket in place and keep them safe. 

Step 5

Clean the exterior: clean dust off the vacuum’s body with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

When Does My Vacuum Cleaner Need Unclogging? 

Most of the time, a clogged vacuum hose will be obvious. You’ll have a loss of suction and trouble picking up dirt and debris. Additionally, keep an eye out for your vacuum blowing dust or making an odd noise when you use it.

Meanwhile, if a bad smell is coming from your vacuum hose, it’s likely that food is stuck and has started to rot. Fortunately, not all of these issues mean that you need to replace your vacuum hose. Only if a hole or rip is the source of an air leak is this necessary. Most likely, all it needs is a good cleaning.

Safety Precautions When Unclogging a Vacuum Hose 

To prevent harm to yourself or others, it is important to take safety precautions while unclogging a vacuum hose. Also, it is crucial to the safety of your unit. Here are some precautions for unclogging a vacuum hose: 

• Clean the vacuum cleaner’s beater brush to remove any potential debris, such as hair, thread, yarn, and other materials.
• Avoid spraying the vinegar solution on the rubber belt since it may get stuck.
• Do not spray the machine’s electrical plug. Also, do not plug in the socket until all of the parts have completely dried out.

How Often Should I Clean the Vacuum Hose?