How To Properly Clean This Hidden Part Of Your Vacuum Cleaner
Most of us empty the vacuum when it’s full and feel pretty good about our cleaning skills. But there’s one hidden spot inside almost every vacuum that quietly collects dust, hair, and whatever else you’ve been sucking up. When it gets too clogged, the vacuum stops working as well and sometimes starts to smell a little… odd. The good news is, cleaning it isn’t hard once you know where to look.
The Brush Roll
If your vacuum has a brush roll, it’s probably full of hair you didn’t even know existed. That tangled mess slows down the rotation and makes the motor work harder than it should. Flip the vacuum over and take a look, you might be shocked! Snip the hair off with scissors and pull out anything wrapped tightly around the roll. It’s weirdly satisfying and instantly makes the vacuum work better.
Don’t Ignore The Brush Roll Housing
Even after the hair is gone, the chamber around the brush roll usually hides fine dust, threads, and crumbs. Wipe it out with a damp cloth or use a dry brush to loosen any debris that’s stuck in there. This spot gets surprisingly grimy over time so clean it out every once in a while. A clean housing helps the brush roll spin freely and stops that dusty smell from puffing out every time you vacuum.
Clean The Air Pathway Where Dust Gets Stuck
There’s often a narrow channel on your vacuum, between the floor head and the main vacuum body, that slowly gets clogged with lint and dirt. Remove any visible pieces with your fingers or a chopstick wrapped in a paper towel. When this pathway is blocked, suction drops, but most people don’t know to check it. Clear it out and you’ll hear the difference as soon as you turn the vacuum back on.
Give The Filter A Real Cleaning
Filters are easy to forget, but they might be the most important part of your vacuum. Tap the dust out, wash it if it’s washable, and let it dry fully. A wet filter will ruin a vacuum fast, so be patient. Once the filter is clean, the vacuum smells better, sucks better, and doesn’t puff dust into your face while you work. It’s a tiny step with a big payoff.
Don’t Skip The Wheels And Axles
The wheels pick up hair just like the brush roll does, just in a way you probably won’t notice. Over time, hair winds around the axles and makes pushing the vacuum harder than it should be. Pop the wheels off if you can and remove the hair with scissors. Even if they don’t come off, cutting any strands you can see helps. A vacuum that rolls smoothly cleans better and saves you some effort.
Reassemble Everything Slowly And Carefully
Once everything is clean and dry, put the vacuum back together piece by piece. This is a good moment to double-check that nothing feels loose or blocked. A snug brush roll and a properly seated filter make the whole machine run smoother. You don’t have to be an expert, just take your time. The vacuum will reward you with stronger suction and fewer strange noises.
Related Articles
-10 Genius Vacuum Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
-Why You Should Be Vacuuming Your Walls (Yes, Really!)
-Why You Should Be Cleaning Your Vacuum Regularly
Your vacuum works hard for you, and taking 10 minutes to clean the hidden spots keeps it running better for longer. It’s the kind of chore that feels annoying at first but makes life easier every time you use the machine afterward. Once you know where the dirt hides, it’s simple to stay ahead of it. A cleaner vacuum always leads to a cleaner home.
Bliss Donahue-Power
