How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner needs air to flow freely from the floor head, through the hose and bin, through the filters and out of the exhaust. Anything that slows that flow – a full bin or bag, clogged filters, hair wrapped around the brush roll, or a blockage in the wand or hose – reduces suction. Most 'broken' vacuums are simply blocked.

A dirty vacuum also spreads fine dust back into the room through a clogged exhaust filter, which matters if anyone in the house has allergies.

Empty a bagless bin after every use, or at least when it reaches the max line – suction drops sharply when it's overfull. Do it outside or into a bin bag held close, to avoid a dust cloud. Wipe the inside of the bin with a dry cloth; many bins detach and can be washed in warm soapy water, but they must be completely dry before you refit them.

For bagged vacuums, change the bag when it's about two-thirds full rather than waiting until it's packed. Bags lose suction well before they're completely full.

Most vacuums have at least two filters: a pre-motor filter (protecting the motor) and a post-motor or exhaust filter (cleaning the air that comes out). The manual shows where they are and whether they're washable.

Washable filters should be tapped clean over a bin, then rinsed under cold running water – no detergent unless the manufacturer says so – until the water runs clear. Squeeze gently, then leave them to dry naturally for at least 24 hours, away from radiators or direct heat. Never put a damp filter back in the machine. Non-washable HEPA filters are replaced, usually every six to twelve months depending on use.

Hair, thread and pet fur wrap tightly around the brush bar and stop it spinning properly. Unplug the vacuum or remove the battery, turn the floor head over and remove the brush bar if it's designed to come out (many have a coin-slot or button release).

Cut through wrapped hair with scissors along the groove in the brush, then pull it away. Check the end caps, where hair builds up out of sight. Wipe the floor head and check the rollers and wheels for threads too. Many newer vacuums have anti-tangle brush bars, but they still benefit from an occasional check.

If suction is weak with a clean bin and filters, there's probably a blockage. Detach the wand and hose and look through them towards a light. A broom handle pushed gently through a rigid wand usually clears it. For a flexible hose, drop a coin through to check it comes out, and work any blockage free by gently flexing the hose. Common culprits are socks, hair bobbles, tissue and Lego.

A vacuum that smells musty usually has a damp filter, or it has picked up something damp. A burning smell can be hair on the brush roll overheating, a belt slipping on older uprights, or a motor problem – stop using it and check. A pet smell comes from hair and dander in the bin and filters.

Empty and wash the bin, wash or replace the filters and clean the brush roll. Vacuuming up a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda can help freshen the bin. Avoid putting essential oils directly onto filters, which can damage some materials.

Cordless stick vacuums have small bins and filters that block quickly, so emptying and filter washing matter even more. Look after the battery by following the manufacturer's charging guidance, and store the vacuum in a cool, dry place. If run time drops noticeably, the battery may need replacing – a genuine replacement battery is safer than unbranded alternatives.

If you employ a regular cleaner who uses your vacuum, keeping it in good condition makes their time far more productive – a vacuum with no suction can add significant time to every visit. Many cleaners prefer to bring their own; our guide on whether cleaners should bring their own products and equipment covers the pros and cons.