How to Keep the Odors Out of Your Vacuum Cleaner

If you use upright vacuum cleaners that have cloth bags, then you may have noticed odors coming from the vacuum. This is due to improper maintenance or not servicing the vacuum frequently enough to keep it in top shape and odor free.

What are vacuum odors caused by?

Most vacuum odors are from bacteria or mold that grow inside the bag. Not only is it important to empty the bags to keep the vacuum running efficiently, but it's important to keep it emptied to prevent bacteria and mold from growing and causing foul odors.

If you've finished vacuuming and don't detect any odors, that doesn't mean it's ok to let the vacuum sit. After the dust and debris sits in the bag for a while, it starts to smell. So the best way to control odors is to empty or change bags frequently, and to clean or replace the filters regularly. Also, if you vacuum any food items, it's especially important to empty or change the bag daily.

If you have a problem with vacuum odors, you might consider investing in vacuum cleaners that have sealed HEPA filtration systems. This will help keep odor-causing bacteria from escaping the bag.