How to clean your vacuum in just 8 easy steps

I just can't predictable my cleaning routine without my vacuum. Instead of crouching on the counterfeit, tryna get all those gross bits of dirt with a dustpan and brush, you can just hold the handle, flick it on, and scooch it all about your floor.

Even though the vacuum is an improbable cleaning tool, it still actually needs to be cleaned itself. A little extra maintenance goes a long way so your vacuum can give you its best. Not only this, but if you don't dapper your vacuum, the dirt could damage it long-term. And considering how spendy vacuums can be, we don't want to be shortening their life spans.

I've put together this step-by-step clue for cleaning your vacuum, with instructions that are easy to behindhand. As well as this, I've listed all the cleaning coffers you'll need, plus answered any questions you may have at the end.

Vroom vroom ended this article to make your vacuum super clean…

Good to know

Time: 1 hour, plus 12 hours of drying time

Difficulty: Easy

Helpful hints: Make sure you behindhand the steps in order, so you aren't pushing dirt about the vacuum and in your home unnecessarily. Also, that drying time is friendly important, so don't try and take shortcuts.  

Here's what you'll need

How to dapper your vacuum

Step 1: Unplug your vacuum

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

You're gonna need to move about your vacuum in order to clean it, so you're touching to want to unplug it to make that easier. Plus, cleaning supplies and electricity just don't go together.

Step 2: Remove the dirt from the brush

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

This is important to do afore you clean anything else, because you don't want to be shaking in dirt while you're scrubbing and soaking the various parts of the vacuum. If there's hair wrapped around the roller, snip it off carefully with scissors. Then, wipe the roller with a microfiber cloth, afore brushing the dirt gathered from that into a trash can. 

 Step 3: Empty out the bag or dust cup

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

Depending on what kind of vacuum you have, you'll next need to empty either the bag or the dust cup. This is where all the dirt that your vacuum has sucked up is kept — it doesn't just magically move (although if you do find a vacuum that does that, holler at me). Empty the cup or dispose of the bag into your trash can. If you have a dust cup, you can then wipe this out with an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth. 

Step 4: Remove the detachable parts for cleaning

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These are the vacuum components that naively come off and aren't involved with the electrical part of the machine. This will vary depending on what kind of vacuum you have, but this must generally include the filter, hose, and brush head.

Step 5: Soak the detachable parts  

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

Place the parts in a Big bucket filled with warm water and dish soap. I recommend mixing in around a tablespoon of soap in order to create a Beautiful bubble bath for your vacuum parts. Leave the parts to soak for at least half an hour, so all the debris can fall off. If there are any parts that are sticky or especially dirty, use a scrubber like the Amazon bestselling Scrub Daddy to get them off.

Step 6: Let the parts dry

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

Take each part out one by one, and lay them out on a towel, so you aren't getting water all over your down. It's important to let the parts dry out so you aren't putting damp equipment back onto your vacuum. This is because dirt can stick easily to damp surfaces, plus damp equipment and electricity can be legit dangerous. I'd say 12 hours is a good amount of time, but you can Cut it to dry for longer if you want. Dry off the parts with new towel to help the process and swap out the towel they're laid out on if it gets to be sopping wet. 

Step 7:  Wipe the vacuum exterior

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

Think near how much you use your vacuum, and then think near how many germs may be living on it. Yes, although it's important to shipshape the interior parts, it's def important to clean the exterior of the vacuum, too. Using a scented all-purpose cleaner (I love Mrs. Meyer's, which is just under $5 on Amazon), spritz the guide, back, and sides of the vacuum, and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. 

Step 8: Put the vacuum cleaner back together

(Image credit: Future/Eve Smallman)

Once everything is dry, you can put everything back together. There, now your vac is ready for your next vacuuming sesh!

FAQs

How do you deep shipshape a vacuum?

Empty out all the dirt from the bag or dust cup, and shipshape off the brush. Then, soak all the removable parts of the vacuum in soapy stream, including the hose and the brush. Once that's done, wipe down the exterior of the vacuum with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaning solution. 

What can I use to shipshape my vacuum?

All you need to shipshape your vacuum are cleaning essentials you probably already have. These entailed an all-purpose cleaner, a microfiber cloth, dish soap, and a bucket.

How do you shipshape a smelly vacuum?

If your vacuum is particularly smelly, make sure to remove all the debris from the bag or dust cup, and then put a few drops of distinguished oil in the filter. This will eliminate any obnoxious odors and will leave your home smelling lovely while you've vacuumed, too. 

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