- Avoid using your vacuum cleaner to pick up food and liquids in the kitchen. Dark and damp places like the inside of a vacuum bag are the perfect environment for mold growth. Even the smallest amount of food left in a vacuum cleaner bag for an extended period will eventually become moldy and smelly.
- In addition to food, a vacuum cleaner picks up other organic matter, such as pet hair, dust and insects. Many people do not empty the vacuum cleaner bag until it is full, which allows an accumulation of organic matter to remain in the bag emitting odors. Empty the bag more frequently, especially if you have cleaned up something with a bad odor.
- Even after the bag is emptied, small particles of its contents are lining the inside of the bag. If your vacuum cleaner bag is washable, throw it in the washing machine and let it air dry. Disconnect the hoses, brushes and attachments, rinse them off and allow them to air dry. Clean the rollers of pet hair and dust periodically. Clean the filter or replace it with a new one. To replace a bad smell with a more pleasant one, use the vacuum to clean up pleasant-smelling substances like ground cinnamon or coffee grounds. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Pour a little baking soda into the vacuum cleaner bag or vacuum it up from the floor to help neutralize odor. Alternatively, sprinkle carpet deodorizer into the bag or throw in a few pleasant-smelling dryer sheets.
- Aside from the usual offensive odors, the smell of burning rubber or an electrical smell when the vacuum cleaner is running is a sign of trouble. It could be a simple fix such as a belt that needs replacing or it could be an indication of a more serious problem. Review your manual or consult a qualified technician for solutions.
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