How do I clean a vacuum cleaner?
Why a vacuum loses suction, and how to clean the filters, brush bar and hose to get it back.
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Time
- 40 min
- Read
- 2 min
Short answer
Empty the bin, wash the filters and let them dry completely for 24 hours, cut the hair off the brush bar, and check the hose for blockages. Lost suction is almost always a clogged filter — and putting a damp filter back is the most common way people damage the motor.
A vacuum that has lost suction rarely has a failing motor. Air has to move through the machine, and anything restricting that airflow — a full bin, a clogged filter, a wrapped brush bar or a blocked hose — reduces suction directly.
What you'll need
- Scissors or a seam ripper
- Warm water
- Cloths
- Coin or screwdriver for the brush bar (optional)
Step by step
- Unplug the machine before doing anything.You will be reaching into the brush bar housing.
- Empty the bin or replace the bag, and wipe the bin out.Bagless bins hold fine dust that reduces airflow even when they look empty.
- Remove the filters and check the manual for which are washable.Most have a pre-motor and a post-motor filter. Some HEPA filters must not be washed.
- Rinse washable filters in cold water until it runs clear.No detergent — it clogs the media. Squeeze gently rather than wringing.
- Let filters dry completely for at least 24 hours before refitting.A damp filter restricts airflow badly and can damage the motor. This is the most common mistake.
- Cut hair and thread off the brush bar with scissors or a seam ripper.Many brush bars release with a coin or a screwdriver so you can clear the ends where hair wraps the bearings.
- Check the hose for blockages by dropping a coin through it.If it does not fall straight out, something is stuck. A broom handle usually clears it.
- Wipe the outside and check the wheels and floor head for trapped debris.Grit stuck in the floor head scratches hard floors.
Tips
- Wash filters monthly if you vacuum often, or whenever suction drops. It is the single highest-value maintenance job.
- Keeping a spare set of filters means you can swap rather than waiting 24 hours for drying.
- A vacuum that smells hot is struggling for airflow. Stop and check the filters rather than pushing on.
Common mistakes
- Refitting a damp filter — It restricts airflow severely and can burn out the motor.
- Washing a filter that is not washable — It destroys the filter media. Check the manual first.
- Using detergent on filters — It clogs the fine media and reduces airflow permanently.
Questions people ask
Why has my vacuum lost suction?
In order of likelihood: full bin, clogged filter, hair wrapped round the brush bar, or a blocked hose. Work through those four before assuming the motor is failing.
How often should I wash vacuum filters?
Monthly with regular use, or whenever suction noticeably drops. Always dry them fully — at least 24 hours — before refitting.