Why Does My Vacuum Cleaner Smell Like Mildew – 7 Solutions You Need to Know

We can’t live without vacuum cleaners because they keep our homes clean and free of dust and other junk. You can’t use your trusty vacuum cleaner if Vacuum Cleaner smell like Mildew every time you do. What should you do? Other people are having the same trouble as you. Many everyday things can cause your vacuum cleaner to smell like mildew. 

We’ll help you figure out what’s going on and fix it. This piece will look at five common reasons why a vacuum might smell like mildew and then give you seven valuable ways to eliminate this smell.

5 Common Reasons Behind Vacuum Smells Mildew

The Most Common Vacuum Mildew Odor Causes Are Explored First:

Dirty Filters Or Bags

That mould smell from your vacuum is often caused by dirty filters or bags. Over time, dirt, dust, and water can build up in these parts, making them a good place for mould and mildew to grow. The air moving through your vacuum picks up these mould spores and sends them back into your home, where they cause a terrible smell (like fish).

Overheating Motors

The motor of your vacuum cleaner can get too hot, making the inside of the machine warm and damp. The dirt and debris’s wetness and warmth make this a great place for mould and mildew to grow. Because of this, you might smell mould when you use your cleaner.

Trapped Debris

Even though vacuum cleaners are meant to pick up dirt and dust, they can sometimes pick up water, too, mainly if you’ve used them to clean up spills or wet messes. Mould and mildew can grow in your vacuum if water gets stuck over time. This can cause an unpleasant smell (how to make batter).

Neglected Maintenance

To keep your vacuum cleaner in great shape, it must be serviced regularly. If you don’t clean and maintain your vacuum, dirt, waste, and wetness can build up and cause mildew to grow and a bad smell. Not doing regular upkeep on your vacuum can also make it less effective at cleaning your home.

Storage In Humid Areas

Mildew can increase on your vacuum cleaner, like a basement or closet, if you keep it damp. The humidity in the air can get into your vacuum and cause mould to grow, which gives it a musty smell.

Then, we get into the seven methods to Get Rid of Mildew Odors in a Vacuum.

7 Solutions To Eliminate Vacuum Smells Mildew

Now that we know what causes your vacuum cleaner to smell like mildew, let’s discuss practical ways to eliminate the problem and make cleaning more enjoyable.

Empty Dust Bag Or Bin

To stop mould from growing, the dust bag or bin must be emptied often. As a rule, empty the bag or bin and clean it well whenever you use it. If your cleaner doesn’t come with a backpack, wash the container in warm, soapy water to remove any grime.

Clean Or Replace Filters

Filters are essential for keeping dust and other particles out but can also hold water and mould. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to clean or change your filters. Some filters can be washed, and filters can’t be used again.

Use Baking Soda

A natural deodorizer that can help eliminate mildew smells, baking soda can be used for many things. Put baking soda in the vacuum bag or bin to remove and absorb smells. A few drops of fragrant oil can also be put on the baking soda to make it smell nice.

Wash The Hose

Over Time, Mould And Mildew can grow inside the vacuum’s hose. Remove the hose and run warm, soapy water to clean it. Ensure sure it’s clean and dry before reattaching it to your vacuum.

Use Essential Oils

Adding essential oils to your vacuum cleaner can give it a pleasant smell and help cover up or eliminate mildew smells. A cotton ball should have a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Then, put the ball inside the vacuum bag or bin. The air moving through your home will spread a pleasant smell (like vomit).

Use Cinnamon

Additionally, cinnamon has a pleasant smell and can eliminate odours naturally. You can help clean the air by putting a cinnamon stick or a small cinnamon powder inside your vacuum bag or bin.

Regular Maintenance

When you clean, make care a regular part of your habit to stop mildew from growing again. Clean the brushes, valves, and extensions on your vacuum and look for any dirt or water that might be stuck inside. This will keep your vacuum smelling good and make it last longer and work better.

We’ll answer some of the most often asked questions about mildewy vacuum cleaner smell (like burning) now.

FAQs On Vacuum Cleaner Smell Like Mildew

Is It Okay To Sweep Up Mildew?

It is usually safe to clean up mildew, but you need to fix the problem that is letting the mould grow in the first place. Mould can be avoided by cleaning and maintaining things regularly.

If There Is No Air, Can Mould Grow?

Mold can grow in an atmosphere if the conditions are right. A vacuum’s warm, damp environment can help mould grow if not cleaned and kept correctly.

How Does Mould Grow When There Is No Air?

When dirt, dust, and other biological matter get stuck inside a vacuum, moisture and mould grow together. Warmth and water together make a perfect setting for mould and mildew to grow.

How Do I Clean My Vacuum?

Clean the dust bin, filters, hoses, attachments, and any other parts that can be removed with warm, soapy water to make your vacuum germ-free. Make sure they are burned before putting the machine back together. You can also use cleaning sprays on parts that aren’t electrical, but follow the directions on the bottle.

Video On Make Your Vacuum Cleaner Smell Good

Last Words Of Advice

It’s okay if your vacuum cleaner smells musty. To help you get rid of that foul smell, here’s a quick review:

What makes the smell happen? Most of the time, the filters or bags are dirty, the motors are too hot, trash is stuck in the machine, maintenance needs to be done, or the vacuum is stored in a damp place.

How Do I Fix It? Follow these easy steps:

• Every time you use the dust bag or bin, empty it.
• Follow the manufacturer’s directions to clean or change the filters.
• Add some baking soda to the bag or container to eliminate smells.
• If the hose is dirty, wash it.
• Ensure sure it’s clean and dry before reattaching it to your vacuum.
• Remember to do monthly upkeep to keep problems from happening.

Lastly, keep your vacuum clean and smelling good so your home is clean and welcoming. Regular care is all it takes to (vomit) eliminate smells in your home. Have fun cleaning!