We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Every tool needs to be cleaned periodically in order to work effectively.
The vacuum cleaner canister is no exception. Failure to clean and maintain your vacuum will ultimately render it ineffective.
One of the most common causes of loss of suction and blockages in your vacuum cleaner is a failure to maintain it.
In a bagless machine, the canister needs to be emptied up to each and every use.
So how exactly do you empty your vacuum canister?
You should empty your vacuum canister when it is at least 50% full. This allows the air to circulate more freely and maintains powerful suction.
Certain canisters have a max level that indicates on the outside.
Emptying a canister is not a challenge, and all you need to do is detach it from your unit by placing the release button.
Thereafter open the latch empty the contents into a plastic bag and throw it in your trash can.
Aside from knowing how to empty your vacuum canister, you should also know where to do it.
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at how and where you can empty your vacuum cleaner canister.
Contents
How often should you empty your vacuum?
Your vacuum cleaner is used almost on a daily basis and then shoved back into your closet.
However, have you ever stopped to consider giving your vacuum some TLC? Perhaps, this could also improve its performance.
Vacuum cleaners work hard at cleaning your home, especially if you have a big one.
So ultimately, there are bound to be signs of wear and tear and of course, malfunctioning occasionally.
Vacuums made these days are built to last and have a better chance of performing well for longer.
However, this does not mean that you do not need to maintain it.
Loss of suction is still likely if you do not look after your vacuum cleaner as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Suction is the most important aspect of a vacuum cleaner because once it loses this, you lose the very essence of your vacuum.
So in order for it to keep good suction, it needs to be maintained, and it’s really as simple as that.
It is crucial that you keep your vacuum canister as clean as possible since this is where the dust collects when you’re vacuuming.
If it’s not regularly maintained, the dust will spill into the machine. It’s also a good idea to empty the canister regularly or every other day or so.
Ultimately, the rule of thumb is that when you see that the canister is half full, it should be emptied.
If you leave the debris inside, then the spillage can affect other parts of your vacuum and in its performance.
So basically, when it comes to how often you should empty your vacuum canister, it should be emptied whenever the canister is half full.
Step by step guide
In order to keep your vacuum working efficiently and effectively, you need to maintain it.
In order to do so, there are some essential tools that you need as well.
Some of the essential tools needed include a crosshead screwdriver, brush, bucket of warm water, detergent, compressed air, microfiber cloth, a pair of scissors, and a toothbrush.
The main areas of focus
Cleaning the rotating brushes should be one of the first things you do when maintaining a vacuum.
Ensure that it is unplugged and then lay the vacuum on its back so that you are able to view the underside of the rotating brush.
Take a pair of scissors and snap away at any tangled hair strands or fabric caught up in the brush.
This is one of the possible causes of your vacuum not performing effectively, and snapping these hairs and threads caught on the brush is one of the simplest ways to remedy this problem.
If this is still not enough to remove the tangles remove or unscrew the housing plate and unhook the drive belt.
You can then unclip and remove the rotating brush, and you will stand a better chance at removing tangles and blockages.
The next step is to clean the dust out of your canister. The canisters should remain as clean as possible at all times.
If it’s not maintained regularly, then it will lead to inefficiency in your vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum cleaner detaches from the canister on the side of the bin, and this causes all of the hair and debris to fall away.
The canister should also be cleaned at least once a month. The brush will remove any dirt and dust that gets lodged inside the canister, and the toothbrush will clean hard-to-reach places.
The canister on unclips from the main part of the machine and this allows you to empty it conveniently.
This also allows you to wash the canister in warm soapy water and disinfect it.
Non Abrasive detergent is recommended, and the canister should be dried thoroughly before placing it back on your vacuum cleaner.
A canister that still contains many traces of water should never be attached to your vacuum cleaner as water and electronics don’t mix for obvious reasons.
The foam filter is the next part of your vacuum cleaner that you are going to clean.
Once you remove the canister and place it in a bowl of warm water, you do the same with the filter.
Some vacuum cleaners have more than one foam filter, so refer to your model and manual to find out exactly how many foam filters you will be moving.
You should refer to instructions to make sure that it’s okay to wash the foam filters as well.
The best way to clean the filter is to tap out the dust into a trash can, and you should do this outdoors.
Once the foam is free from debris, you can leave it alone for a while. All filters will need to be taken out and put back into the machine, or it may not function.
If the manufacturer allows you to do so, then the plastic filter should be soaked in warm soapy water, and this will remove all traces of stains and dirt.
Squeeze excess water away once done and leave it to dry outside.
Lots of vacuum cleaners these days are fitted with a HEPA filter. Some have more than one.
These HEPA filters are usually located at the bottom of the dirt canister and clips into the machine. You also need to clean and remove excess debris.
Again when removing the filter from your vacuum cleaner, do it outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
The HEPA filters are usually covered in contaminants, and you should not be breeding in this dust.
After washing the HEPA filter, it should have enough time to dry thoroughly. Once this is done, you can place it back inside your machine.
Where should you throw “insides” of the vacuum?
When emptying your vacuum canister, the goal is to keep dust from being blown back and circulating inside your home.
One of the best places or the recommended place to empty the canister is obviously outside in an open area.
Once the canister is detached, you can empty it into a garbage can.
However, the contents should first be emptied into a separate plastic bag, then sealed inside and dropped into a trashcan.
This will prevent the dust from being blown into your face and also circulating in the outdoor air.
If you live in an apartment where your outside area is most probably the street, you can empty your chemist on your balcony.
If you do not have one, then it’s time to be innovative.
You can use the bathroom and empty the dust into a plastic bag while the bathroom door is closed to prevent the dust from blowing into the other rooms of the home.
Once this is done, you follow the same process of sealing the bag and dropping it into an outdoor trash can.
The bottom room door should remain locked the entire time that you empty out the canister to make sure no dust escapes and settles inside the home.
Ultimately this can be washed and drained.
Related Questions
How often should I empty my vacuum canister?
You should empty it when it is half full.
Do I have to wash my vacuum?
Yes, you need to do so at least once a month.
Is it necessary to empty the canister?
Yes, if you fail to do so, the dust will simply blow out of the vacuum while you are cleaning.
Maintaining Your Vacuum Cleaner: The Bottom Line
Your vacuum cleaner is probably one of the most helpful household tools that you own.
However, in order to keep it working as good as new, you need to maintain it on a regular basis.
Ensure that you empty the canister whenever it is half full and actually wash and clean your vacuum cleaner and all parts it contains at least once every month.
If you can do this, then your vacuum cleaner should give you years of good suction and a good cleaning.