Laughlin Elkind Flickr Creative Commons
Vacuum cleaners can get stinky after a few uses. This is usually due to the messes it picks up- pet hair, food, general grossness. Fortunately it is quick and easy to remedy.
1. If using a canister vac, always empty the canister after every use.
Tony Alter, Flickr Creative Commons
All the nasty stuff you pick up with your vacuum remains closed up in the bag or canister, magnifying the odor once you start the motor up again. Sometimes, just emptying your canister or changing your bag after every use is enough to get rid of nasty smells. This is costly and not environmentally friendly to do with a bag vac, so if you have one, try to vacuum the entire house do that you fill your bag and can change it after use without regrets.
2. If the smell persists, drop a dryer sheet, orange peel or laundry scent boosters pellets in your canister or bag.
trenttsd Flickr Creative Commons
When you are finished vacuuming and empty your canister or bag, drop a dryer sheet or a few orange peels into the canister or new bag before storing your vacuum. The other day I tried Downy Unstopables in my canister and the smell was completely gone. My house also smelled like the pellets after I vacuumed. Bonus! You can also infuse some vanilla, orange, etc. extract into a paper towel, tear it up, and vacuum it before putting the cleaner away for next time.
3. If all else fails, disassemble your vacuum, look for clogs, and clean the canister with a baking soda solution.
Michael Aulia Flickr Creative Commons
Check your vacuum manual for disassembly instructions. Persistent smells are often due to pet hair or other clogs. Make a solution of baking soda and water and clean your canister.
