It is normal for most vacuum cleaners to turn smelly.
Since they are used to clean the dirtiest and possibly the grimiest parts of your house, they can develop a nasty odor.
The constant exposure to germs and bacteria also does not help.
Needless to say, you should learn how to keep your vacuum cleaner fresh-smelling all the time.
Don't worry because this is actually quite easy.
Just use the following solutions: 1.
More often than not, the smell comes from the attachments.
Since they usually come in direct contact with germs, bacteria and dirt, they can turn smelly easily.
Remove the attachment from the body of the vacuum.
Get a clean rag and wipe the body of the vacuum.
Now fill up a big bucket with warm water.
Add a cup of Lysol cleaner or a similar appliance or household cleaning product.
Soak the attachment in the bucket for at least 15 minutes.
This should help disinfect this part of the machine and remove the unwanted odor.
After the allotted time, remove it from the bucket and let it dry completely.
Wipe it with a clean rag.
2.
Try using baking soda.
Just dissolve it in warm water first.
Dip a clean rag in the mixture.
Disassemble the vacuum parts that you can disassemble.
Now use the rag dipped in baking soda to clean the parts.
Just wipe the exterior of those parts.
Baking soda actually has the ability to diffuse unwanted odor.
Furthermore, it can help make your cleaning machine look shiny and clean.
3.
Remove the dirt compartment.
If you are using a bagless vacuum cleaner, just dispose the bag and replace it with a new one.
The dirt compartment can turn smelly because of its contents.
If you picked up wet dirt or liquid spills, germs, molds and bacteria can develop.
4.
Try cleaning the post-motor and the pre-motor filter of the machine.
You should know where to locate them in the brand and model of vacuum you are using.
Remove the filters and wash them using soapy water and a soft-bristled brush.
Use the brush to get rid of accumulated debris.
Let the filters dry up.
While waiting for the filters to dry up, make an appliance freshener.
Cut pieces of parchment paper.
It should have roughly the same size as the filter of the machine.
Soak the parchment paper in your favorite aromatic oil.
You can use vanilla, lavender or tea oil.
After soaking the paper in the oil for about 30 minutes, hang the paper up to dry.
After it has dried up, place the parchment paper just beneath the filter.