It is vital that you know how to clean vacuum hose; as you use vacuum to clean your home, you should clean your vacuum too. Your vacuum should always be clean, so it can work effectively as long as possible.
The hose helps the vacuum to clean areas that the vacuum base cannot reach. It is used explicitly by many people to do direct cleaning. Hence, it has a tendency to get dirty. Have you checked the best vacuum cleaner out there?
Also, the flexible design of the hose makes it susceptible to clogging when it sucks up large clumps of dirt. If the hose is not cleaned and maintained regularly, it can get blocked.
Having understood the importance of having a clean vacuum hose, you should know how to clean it so that it can effectively clean your home.
How To Clean Vacuum Hose
Table of Contents
1. Disengage The Hose
Start by unplugging the vacuum from the power source and switching it off. Unplugging the vacuum is essential to avoid electric shock or your vacuum suddenly switching on while you are trying to detach the hose.
Now, detach the hose from the vacuum. Ways of detaching hose vary as they are different brands and models. Generally, detaching hose from vacuum involves pressing a button or twisting out the hose.
While attempting to detach the hose, never apply too much force; it is an easy process. If you are stuck or find it difficult to detach, check out the user manual.
2. Remove Clogs
Now, remove any debris, clog or clump that is found in the hose. To do this just lay the hose flat and straight on a table or floor. Get an object that is long and thin to push out any clog inside the hose.
Note that the hose is made of lightweight and flexible material, so do not pierce the hose by being too forceful.
3. Wash The Hose
To get rid of dirt in the hose, you have to wash it in and out. Fill your sink with an amount of water your hose can be submerged in. Put three drops of dishwashing soap in the water and mix to form a lather.
Dip the hose into the soap water, so that the soap water can get to the inner part of the hose and clean it. Wipe the outer part of the hose with a piece of cloth.
In place of dishwashing soap, you can use a mild detergent. Do not use harsh chemicals; they can damage the hose material.
If you want to sanitize the hose, use distilled white vinegar and baking soda. They will effectively remove germs and bacteria; you do not need to use strong bleach or other harsh chemicals.
The acetic acid in vinegar gets rid of bacteria. Just mix two cups of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda in water, and pour it through the hose. This way, the hose is germ-free.
4. Remove Stubborn Dirt
At times, a vacuum hose can be really dirty with stubborn grime in the folds of the inner part of the hose. This inside part cannot be reached easily unless you use a bottle cleaning brush.
A bottle cleaning brush is thin and long; it can go right into the middle of the hose. Use it with soap and water to scrub the hose. Its bristles are capable of removing stubborn dirt and grime from the hose.
5. Rinse The Hose
After washing the hose, rinse it in and out. Rinse the hose under running water from a tap. Hold the hose in a ‘U’ shape, so that you can rinse the inside thoroughly. Make sure all grime and dirt are rinsed out.
6. Dry The Hose
Hang the hose up to allow water in the inner folds to drip and dry out. You can also shake the hose gently to let some water move out of the hose. Wait until the hose is completely dry before you fix it back on the vacuum.
Read: How to clean a HEPA filter
How Often Should Vacuum Hose Be Cleaned?
Generally, vacuum hose used in homes should be cleaned once in a month. This can vary as it depends on how often you use the vacuum.
Every time you clean the hose, check the inner part of the hose for any clog. If you see any clog, get rid of it, so that it won’t affect the performance of the vacuum when next you use it.
What Are The Signs That Your Vacuum Hose Is Clogged?
Most times, when your vacuum hose is clogged, you will notice easily. Suction power will be reduced, and the vacuum will find it difficult to suck up debris and dirt.
Also, if your vacuum is making a strange noise while you use it or it is blowing out dust, the hose is definitely clogged up.
Furthermore, if you perceive an unpleasant odor oozing out of your vacuum, it is an indication that food is stuck in the hose and it has started rotting.
So, all these signs only imply that you should unclog the hose, not replacing the hose. Replacing the hose is only necessary when there is a rip or hole causing a leak of air from the hose.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean vacuum hose, you should not have a smelly one or a vacuum that is underperforming due to low suction power.
Your vacuum hose, which plays an important role in cleaning your home, should always be taken care of. The hose is the part of the vacuum that collects dirt; it should be cleaned regularly.
The cleaner your vacuum hose, the more effective your vacuum cleaner will work. How often do you clean your vacuum hose? Tell us in the comments’ section below.