Taking care of your carpet is an essential part of protecting your investment. Keeping it looking amazing, and increasing the expected lifespan are a few of the rewards. Daily vacuuming is one of the most important maintenance tasks in caring for your carpets; removing the dust, dirt, and debris before it penetrates deep in the surface can help minimize the deterioration. But if your vacuum is not up to par, vacuuming does little good. A part of good carpet cleaning care stems from good tools and to keep your vacuum operating at peak performance, cleaning it once a month is essential. We are Ameri-Best Carpet Cleaning would like to offer some tips and advice on proper cleaning of your vacuum.
1) Items You Need to Clean Vacuum: Collect the following for your convenience to complete the vacuuming cleaning task.
- Can of Compressed Air
- Mild Liquid Dish Soap
- Dry Dust Cloth
- New Filter (if applicable – should be done every 6 months)
- Scissors
- Screwdriver that is compatible with your vacuum
- Vacuum’s Manual
2) Remove Vacuum Components: Start the project by detaching all the parts that are going to be washed and cleaned. Typical parts that can be removed include the secondary cyclone piece, the dust bin, the pre-motor filter, all attachment accessories, roller, HEPA post-motor filter, and any other additional parts specific to your vacuum. The vacuum’s manual can give you direction if you are uncertain.
3) Vacuum Parts Washing & Drying: Consult the manual before submerging the detachable parts in the soapy water; but wash the removable parts well. Most vacuum’s dust bin, pre-motor filter, extension wands, and secondary cyclone are permitted to be washed with soap and water. Scrub well with wash clothes and place on towel to air dry. Any components that cannot be submerged should at least be wiped clean with a dry dust cloth. Manufactures recommend that the vacuum’s HEPA filter be replaced every 6 months. Before reassembling, all of the parts need to be thoroughly dry, and it is best to allow these parts to dry overnight or longer if necessary.
4) Interior Vacuum Compartment Dusting: Because the dust bin isn’t tightly sealed, dust accumulates in the interior compartments of the vacuum. With a can of compressed air, blast out the vacuum until dust is cleared out. Keep in mind that this step will cause a lot of dust to explode out into the open. If you have allergies or sensitivity to dust, wear a face mask or handkerchief and goggles if you need it and blast the vacuum outside where the dust can spread out more quickly and not resurface in your home.
5) Rotating Floor Brush: Unscrew the compartment that holds the rotating floor brush with the screwdriver. Remove the rotating brush and clean it well. Use the scissors to cut the hair and strings wrapped and tangled around the cylinder. After you have cut down the center use your fingers to grip the debris and pull it all off.
6) Air Passageway Inspection: Before you reattach the rotating brush, you should see a small circular air passageway. This is the pathway for the suction that pulls in the dirt and debris. Use a toothbrush designated for cleaning and make certain the path is free from obstruction. Do the same for the vacuum hose and clear any clogs.
7) Vacuum Reassembly: Once you are certain that all of the vacuums parts are dry, begin the reassembling process and if applicable, install the new post-motor filter at this time. After the vacuum is completely back together, give the exterior a wipe down and you are finished.
Even with diligently vacuuming, your carpets should be professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year, if your carpets are due for a cleaning or you have stubborn stains and odors that need our attention, call Ameri-Best Carpet Cleaning today and let our experts do the rest!