February 2, 2021, 12:47 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A vacuum cleaner is supposed to ensure cleanliness. However, if it emits warm, musty air, that cozy feeling won’t arise. Here’s why it smells unpleasant after vacuuming and what you can do about it.
There are various explanations for why it smells bad after vacuuming. Typically, something has been vacuumed up that causes the musty odor. If food scraps, pet hair, plant parts, or damp substances end up in the vacuum cleaner bag, bacteria and mold form due to the heat emitted by the device. Both produce foul-smelling gases that are then released and distributed in the rooms during vacuuming. The stench can also be due to an overly full vacuum cleaner bag or a heavily soiled exhaust filter. What helps if the vacuum cleaner smells?
Why does the vacuum cleaner smell?
The easiest way to avoid a bad smell after vacuuming is to pay attention to what you vacuum up. Anything perishable and damp is off-limits. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner bag should be changed regularly—depending on usage, this is recommended once or twice a month. This is also a good time to thoroughly wipe out the interior of the vacuum.
Filters and exhaust filters also need enough attention to prevent odors after vacuuming. Many filters can be cleaned by hand washing with a little detergent; the necessary information can be found in the device’s manual. The exhaust filter is usually not washable and should be replaced once a year.
The vacuum hose also benefits from cleaning twice a year. It’s sufficient to run some hot water through the hose. It’s important that it dries well before being used again.
Home remedies to prevent odors after vacuuming
No time for device maintenance or no fresh bag in stock? A few home remedies can still prevent odors after vacuuming:
- Peppermint or lavender: Open a peppermint tea bag or cut lavender into small pieces and vacuum it up before tackling the dust. This way, the vacuum spreads a pleasant scent.
- Coffee or detergent: The same principle works with coffee or detergent—a tablespoon is enough to prevent odors from the vacuum.
- Baking soda: For those who prefer a neutral scent, baking soda is the way to go. It neutralizes bacteria in the bag and effectively combats the source of the foul odor.
- Cotton pad with essential oils: A cotton pad soaked in an essential oil of your choice can be placed in the vacuum cleaner bag to emit a pleasant fragrance.