How to fix a stinky vacume cleaner?
by
Llc
+11
Just wondering if there is anyway to get the stink out of an old vacume. Got one from a friend about a year ago, but haven't gotten around to checking it out until this weekend while doing some spring cleaning upstairs. It has a brand new bag, so figuring it's probably in the hoses or something. No carpet up there, so I usually just dust mop the hardwood floors.
While doing some spring cleaning, wanted to vacume out the window sills etc. WOW....not sure what the vacume had been used for but it smelled like something dead it in when I started it up. Thinking it's probably just old dog hair. She has two furbabies.
It's a great old round canister type HOOVER and I'd hate to toss it if I don't have to. Thanks a MIL in advance for any and all help. (LOL.....I just recently found this place and am already ADDICTED. So don't be surprised if it seems like my name is popping up on here a ton these days.) 
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Maybe put baking soda in it wherever you can get it -in it, on it, get it down in the hose, the attachments -everything. And just let it sit another long time. Take the bag out first. maybe even vacuum up some, without the bag. Good luck.
I like to put a dryer sheet in mine! Simple.
Look for filters and change the bag. The filters are probably very dirty.
most vacs have more than one filter. If they are sponge filters you can take them out and wash them. It will take a lot of squishing and squeezing to get the dust out but persevere!
if that’s the issue wash them more often after first thorough cleaning...I started doing this when I bought my last vac n it’s made a big difference...I also sprinkle some baking soda down n leave for a bit before vacuuming the area
Run hot soapy water back and forth in the detachable hose, then hang to dry. Vacuum a handful of either Carpet Fresh or fabric softener booster beads.
I have a Hoover vacuum cleaner and I have 3- dogs I had to go to Walmart and buy febreeze filter ,you google your brand of vacuum cleaner,maybe it will give you tips on your vacuum cleaner how to get rid of odor
Let a small dish of ammonia sit in it for awhile. You could also wash the detachable hose with it too.