Types and methods of cleaning filters
To prevent debris passing through the vacuum cleaner from clogging the turbine and escaping back into the room, several degrees of filtration are installed inside the electrical appliance: coarse cleaning, motor filter and exhaust air filter. Depending on what type of dust collector requires cleaning, it is worth choosing a cleaning method.
Pouch
Bag filters come in several types: paper, synthetic, fabric. Paper and thin synthetic filters cannot be cleaned. These types are disposable and must be removed from the vacuum cleaner and new ones installed when they reach the limit of contamination. These filters are enough for several cleanings; on average, their service life is about a month.
Fabric bags can be shaken out and washed. The mounting base of such bags is usually made of plastic and has a rubber cuff inside. Cleaning can be done with air. To remove the filter bag, you will need to open the cover on the front of the panel or a separate compartment designed for this (depending on the model). The bag can be secured with a latch or clothespin.
Water
Aquafilter is one of the most effective types of filters in modern generation vacuum cleaners. It is assumed that all dust particles remain in the water. Cleaning consists of replacing dirty water with new water and washing the filter walls. Dust masses enter the aquafilter from above, and only 1/3 of the filter should be filled with water.
The absorption of air by the container is carried out in such a way that between the hose and the turbine there is not only a partition, but also a whole layer of water. The entrance and exit are not interconnected, everything is hermetically sealed. Thus, the dust passing through the water barrier gets wet and remains inside, only clean air comes out back.
Cyclonic
It is a plastic container that vaguely resembles a teapot. The principle of operation of the cyclone filter is based on centrifugal force: debris is pressed against the walls and held tightly due to the action of air flows. This dust collector is easy to clean. To do this, you need to remove the container from the vacuum cleaner. For minor contamination, simply shake out the debris.
HEPA filter
Modern hepa filters are available in paper (disposable) or polymer. The latter are easy to clean: large dust particles are removed with a hard bristle brush, after which the filter is washed with water. To remove it, you will need to open the lid of the vacuum cleaner, in the part where the dust collector is located (it is first important to disconnect the electrical device from the power supply), and remove the filter.
One of the dust collectors can be installed at the bottom of the device. In this case, you will need to remove the protective grille first.
Foam rubber
This type of filter is usually used as protection in front of the motor and purifies the air leaving the vacuum cleaner. You can clean the foam rubber with a brush or wash it with soap or detergent. The filter must dry; squeezing it out is not recommended, as this can deform the shape and shorten its service life. In case of wear, you can replace it yourself using a washing sponge. It is better to choose non-porous foam rubber, but not too high density.
Carbonic
A carbon filter is much less common than others. Perfectly fights unpleasant odors, even when the vacuum cleaner is turned off. This type of filter usually has a rectangular shape and is a plastic base filled with compressed coal granules. The only available method of cleaning is brushing. In fact, this type of dust collector is intended for one-time use.
A serious drawback is the high price.
Bosch BX 1800 (approximate cost – 3400 rubles)
The BOSCH company produces high quality products regardless of the price level.
The Bosch BX 1800 does an excellent job of cleaning the room, while efficiently cleaning the outgoing air: the filtration system includes an Air Clean II microfilter.
The exhaust and motor filters are reusable and washable.
The power consumption of the unit is 1800 W. The container has a volume of 1.5 liters. The power cord is quite long – 8 meters.
The model is equipped with a container full indicator. Power regulation is based on electronics. The set of nozzles includes a crevice nozzle, for cleaning upholstered furniture and a roller floor/carpet with a width of 260 mm.
A large and detailed article about Bosch vacuum cleaners with a container is here, we recommend that you read it, it contains a lot of useful and relevant information.
How to clean a hose and pipe
Dust enters the vacuum cleaner and passes through various degrees of filtration through a pipe and hose. These two elements often become clogged (with large debris, bags, pet hair). To clean the hose you must:
- Disconnect the hose from the unit.
- If the contamination is severe, it is better to carry out all manipulations in a bath with water.
- Rinse the hose with a stream of water or a sponge with detergent.
- If a blockage forms in the hose, you can use any long, thin object (for example, wire) and try to clear it.
- Wipe with a dry cloth and install back.
The pipe is cleaned of contaminants in the same way.
How to clean a bag
To increase the service life of your vacuum cleaner, you must carefully monitor the cleanliness of the bag. You can clean it as follows:
- Detach the bag.
- Shake out the trash.
- Replace with a new one or return the old one to its original place.
Only fabric bags can be washed (and only by hand, to avoid damage to the texture); disposable ones will not survive wet cleaning.
Features of cleaning brushes and turbo brushes
Vacuum cleaners in the basic configuration are equipped with multifunctional attachments - turbo brushes. This part must be cleaned as often as other elements. To do this you will need:
- Remove the nozzle.
- While applying pressure, move the latch and remove the cover.
- Remove any dust that has formed inside using a damp cloth or sponge.
- Hair and threads can be removed using tweezers.
- Clean the blades from dirt.
- Close the lid.
Some models require complete disassembly. A regular brush is cleaned using the same principle.
Engine care rules
The motor is the very heart of the vacuum cleaner, setting everything in motion. Therefore, it is better to entrust cleaning the motor from dirt to a professional, because you can inadvertently damage important elements. For self-cleaning you will need:
- Unscrew the bolts on the vacuum cleaner body.
- Remove the dust container, unscrew and remove the cover.
- Clean the insides from dust using a brush. You can use a paint brush. It is important not to disturb the location of the wires or the integrity of the elements.
- It is worth getting rid of dust and the board. To do this, you need to remove the chip and blow it out or clean it with a brush.
- Put everything back in place and close the lid.
Benefits of bagless devices
In the first place among the positive qualities, of course, is saving money. The user is spared the need to regularly buy bags, but they cost from 150 to 300 rubles (5 pieces).
Experience shows that such a kit does not last long.
Bagless devices are characterized by stable suction power, regardless of the level of filling of the container.
Canister-type vacuum cleaners are easier to care for. Garbage bins are easy to clean.
Modern bagless models have a reduced noise level.
The appearance of container devices is “caressing to the eye”, and their control system is more convenient.
What to do if you get mercury
Mercury is dangerous to the health of living organisms due to its high toxicity. Mercury vapor released into the air can cause serious injury to the respiratory system. Contact with skin or mucous membranes will result in burns. Contrary to popular belief, collecting mercury with a vacuum cleaner is strictly prohibited. Getting inside the vacuum cleaner, mercury turns the electrical appliance into a hotbed for the spread of harmful vapors, settling on the internal elements and the engine. To understand whether the vacuum cleaner can continue to be used after exposure to mercury, it is necessary to measure the background toxicity.
Availability determination
First of all, if you are not sure that mercury has gotten inside the vacuum cleaner, it is necessary to determine the presence of a harmful background using a rapid test. Order of conduct:
- Remove the dust bag and disconnect the electrical appliance from the mains.
- Place the parts in a plastic bag.
- Place the test inside the bag so that the reagent is on top and above the part by at least 20 cm.
- After 3-4 hours, if there is a high concentration of mercury, the test strip will turn light gray.
To identify a source or areas with a high concentration of a toxic substance, it is necessary to either carry out the procedure several times, excluding different parts of the vacuum cleaner, or immediately purchase several tests and place the elements in different bags.
How to get rid
If tests reveal a high concentration of mercury, you can try to get rid of it yourself. You will need to purchase a demercurizer, the simplest one, for example, “Mercury Eater”.
Perform the manipulations in the following order:
- Assemble the vacuum cleaner and turn it on.
- Spray liquid demercurizer inside the hose (5-6 times).
- Turn off the appliance after 2 minutes. Place the vacuum cleaner outdoors for 5-7 days.
Afterwards, you will need to re-test for the presence of harmful toxins. The cleaning procedure can be carried out several times. If cleaning is unsuccessful, you will have to get rid of the vacuum cleaner.
Until mercury vapor is completely eliminated, it is prohibited to use electrical appliances at home.
How to wash the body and handles
Particularly contaminated areas of the vacuum cleaner are the body and handles. This external side of the appliance does not require much effort to clean. There is no need to completely disassemble the vacuum cleaner or carry out any complex manipulations. It is enough to wipe the contaminated element with a damp cloth and detergent. The electrical appliance must first be disconnected from the network. Grease stains (usually caused by hands) can be removed using special household chemicals or improvised elements (citric acid, vinegar essence, hydrogen peroxide).
Operating rules
To extend the service life of an electrical appliance, you must follow the operating instructions recommended by the manufacturer. However, there are general recommendations, regardless of the brand, that are suitable for both the Dyson and Raketa vacuum cleaners:
- maximum continuous operation time - no more than 1 hour;
- Do not press the nozzle too hard against the surface;
- decreased draft is a signal for urgent cleaning of all elements of the vacuum cleaner;
- it is important to observe safety precautions when working with electrical appliances;
- Clean the filters at least once a month.
Thus, cleaning the filters plays an important role in the long-term service of the vacuum cleaner. The accumulation of dirt and dust inside an electrical appliance will not only negatively affect the operation of the vacuum cleaner, but will also significantly reduce the quality of indoor air.
Source
Samsung SC4336 (price - about 2700 rubles)
Powerful, lightweight, equipped with a fine filter and a spacious container. Suction power – 360 aW (with a power consumption of 1.8 kW). This vacuum cleaner has a power regulator.
Equipped with a universal crevice nozzle and a turbo brush. The disadvantages of the unit include the lack of rotation of the suction hose.
The hose itself, by the way, is also not entirely successful: it is made of plastic and is rigid.
If you are interested in container devices from Samsung, a detailed article about them is located here, where you can read about the characteristics, find out consumer reviews and much more.
Detailed instructions on how to clean a vacuum cleaner at home
Cleanliness in the house is an important condition for maintaining housing.
Dust settling on carpets, laminate, and parquet is a habitat for pathogenic microorganisms and is dangerous to human health.
You can effectively remove dirt from the floor using a vacuum cleaner . However, by regularly coming into contact with particles of debris, this device itself quickly becomes dirty and requires cleaning.
pros
- Effective removal of large accumulations of waste;
- the intensity of roller rotation and cleaning mode are adjusted automatically;
- the nozzle is indispensable if there are animals in the house, after renovation, under special room conditions (for example, a sewing workshop);
- cleans difficult areas of the room;
- light weight and dimensions make cleaning the apartment easier;
- volumetric lid for quick cleaning of dirt;
- saving effort and time.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the Mystery and meaning of the name Vasilisa
Causes of pollution
The most susceptible to clogging are the working brush attachments, the telescopic handle and the suction hose of the device. The main reason for the formation of dust accumulations on these elements is cleaning surfaces with a high degree of contamination - food debris, candy wrappers.
To avoid deterioration in the quality of the vacuum cleaner or its failure, before using it, first sweep all large debris from the floor with a broom.
The main reasons for contamination of the device:
- insufficient care of the device (irregular emptying of the dust container);
- loose connection of filters to the housing;
- use of damaged dust collectors - if the integrity of the bag or container is damaged, particles of debris penetrate into the “heart” of the device - the electric motor, which can lead to its breakdown.
IMPORTANT! If it is necessary to clean the room after renovation work, first sweep up construction debris and then remove any remaining small dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
Video: Complete cleaning of the vacuum cleaner
The following video suggests viewing instructions for cleaning and blowing the vacuum cleaner:
The accumulation of dust and dirt can significantly spoil the operation of the vacuum cleaner. Therefore, there is a need for systematic cleaning of vacuum cleaner parts. Cleaning various elements of a vacuum cleaner can extend the life of an irreplaceable device for a long time. You just need to do everything carefully, returning everything to its place.
Victor Datsky
Consultant in the field of household appliances. I help guests of the SovetExpert.ru project choose the right product and save money when purchasing. I have an unbiased opinion. Ready for dialogue.
Preparatory stage
Before starting to disassemble the device, put on an apron and rubber gloves.
To prevent dust from getting onto the floor when disassembling the vacuum cleaner, use a small piece of polyethylene (100x100 cm) or oilcloth as a bedding.
To clean the device directly, prepare detergent, a stiff sponge, and a microfiber cloth.
What do you need for work?
Proceed to disassemble the device (according to its instructions):
- disconnect the device from the power supply, wait until the case cools down after work;
- place the vacuum cleaner on the spread polyethylene;
- wipe the cord with a slightly damp cloth and wind it up;
- open the case, remove the dust container;
- Clean the outer and inner surfaces of the vacuum cleaner body with a damp cloth and wipe the lid.
Pay special attention to the holder (the bag fastening part) - if debris remains on it, the hose will enter the hole with an offset and dust will penetrate inside the vacuum cleaner during the cleaning process.
Flaws
Bagless appliances do not like to be placed in a vertical position. At the same time, their suction power decreases, and the filters and container become clogged faster.
Vacuum cleaners with containers are big cleaners. They don't like to stay unwashed for a long time. It is advisable to wash them after each cleaning. Otherwise, their effectiveness gradually decreases.
Many users complain that the case “shocks”. It's all due to static electricity. Frequent washing of input filters leads to their rapid wear.
Container devices have a small drawback - when you shake out the container, some of the dust inevitably spills back out. However, Electrolux specialists have come up with a device that can pack dust into briquettes! Dust does not spill out, plus work efficiency does not decrease as the container is filled. Read more about this device in the article Electrolux Ultra Captic Vacuum Cleaner: cost, reviews, characteristics, buy the highest quality product.
Also, good container devices are produced by the Scarlet company; reviews and prices for them can be found here, the most important and relevant information.
Also, if you are just choosing a vacuum cleaner, pay attention to Rowenta, this company produces both bag and bagless units, more details about them are written here: let perfect cleanliness reign in your apartment.
How to wash different types of appliances?
There are the following types of vacuum cleaner filters:
- bag;
- aqua filters;
- cyclonic.
Most modern models of vacuum cleaners are equipped with a hepa filter - a fine cleaning device.
Bag filter
The product is made of paper or synthetic, dense fabric.
Paper bags are used once, after which the filters must be replaced.
You can use woven products for a long time.
Cleaning Reusable Bags:
- remove the filter from the holder;
- remove all contents of the dust container;
- rinse the bag under running water;
- you can also put it in a basin filled with liquid: after a while, dust and debris will settle to the bottom, after which remove the filter and rinse under the tap;
- Dry the product and place it in a vacuum cleaner.
With aqua filter
This type of dust collector is a plastic container filled with water. The dust sucked up by the vacuum cleaner falls into the container, where the dirt particles are saturated with moisture and sink to the bottom.
The container is intended for repeated use; rinse it under running water after each cleaning using detergents that do not corrode plastic.
Before installing the filter in the vacuum cleaner, dry it.
IMPORTANT! To avoid deformation of the container, use only cold water when washing.
With cyclone filter
The receiver device consists of a plastic container and several filters.
Garbage is collected into the main container by generating an air vortex by the vacuum cleaner: dry particles of dirt, moving in a spiral, settle on the walls of the intermediate container, after which they fall into the receiver.
After cleaning, remove the device, disassemble it and clean each filter, and rinse the container with water and dry.
With hepa filter
The Hepa filter is designed to clean the air flow coming out of the vacuum cleaner from the smallest particles of dust and animal hair.
Depending on the materials used in the production process, filters can be disposable (made of cellulose) or reusable (made of fluoroplastic fibers).
The first type of product must be replaced after cleaning, the second type requires long-term operation and periodic cleaning:
- Water method . Remove the product from the vacuum cleaner and rinse it under strong pressure with clean, cold water without brushes or rags, dry it and put it back in its original place. Detergents should not be used, as their use can lead to a deterioration in the filter’s throughput.
- Air method - blowing the device with a powerful air flow directed in the direction opposite to the direction of filtration.
Some owners of vacuum cleaners with a paper dust collector also blow out the filter with compressed air. This procedure can restore the dust collector’s collecting capacity if carried out 1-2 times. With further attempts to treat with air, there will be no restorative effect.
LG V-K70502N (cost – 2100 rubles)
Cyclone type, quite compact. High suction power (350 aW) ensures high-quality cleaning.
Power consumption is 1600 W. The volume of the dust collector is 1.4 liters. The length of the power cord is 5 meters. It belongs to devices of a low price category, so you won’t find any special frills in it.
It doesn’t even have a power regulator, but, nevertheless, it looks quite decent and successfully copes with cleaning.
Comes with a minimum number of attachments. Since the LG V-K70502N is not an old model, it has a good filtration system, it consists of eight stages.
Parts care
Cleaning nozzles, pipe and hose
To clean the suction hose and working brush attachments, follow these steps::
- fill the bathtub with warm water;
- disconnect the hose from the vacuum cleaner and place it in the liquid for 10 minutes;
- after the specified time, clean the inner surface of the pipe with a long rod or steel wire, wipe the outer surface with a hard sponge;
- remove the hose from the water and place it on a spread oilcloth to dry.
To remove build-up of dust, fur, and hair from the brush heads, adjust the brush switch so that the bristles extend and remove debris using tweezers, scissors, or an old toothbrush.
After this, fill the container with water and add detergent or soap, place the nozzle in the resulting solution for 15 minutes, then wipe it with a hard sponge, rinse with clean water and leave to dry.
Stowaway DC23 (Dyson) (price - about 22 thousand rubles)
A large article about Dyson vacuum cleaners is here.
This model belongs to the elite class. The Stowaway DC23 first went on sale in 2008. It uses the Root Cyclone system, complemented by an internal separator.
Thanks to this design, the air is passed through six stages of filtration.
The Stowaway DC23 is the first to feature Dyson's one-button hygienic cleaning of the dust container.
It is lightweight and maneuverable. The special design of the lower part of the unit allows it to be placed quite stably on the steps.
With an extra wheel, the Stowaway DC23 can climb stairs. The entire set of attachments is always at hand for the user - on the body.
Among the large number of attachments, a new product should be noted: New Contact Head - it is designed for cleaning under large household appliances and furniture.
The suction power is adjusted using the keys located on the brush. For pet lovers, there is a powerful electric brush that can easily cope with deposits of hair and stubborn dirt.
Overall, we can say that this is one of the best bagless devices.
Mercury removal
Metal vapors entering the body of a living creature during breathing are distributed throughout all organs and accumulate in them, causing poisoning, nausea, shortness of breath, increased body temperature, and damage to the central nervous system.
Therefore, if a mercury thermometer in your home was broken, there is a chance that metal particles got into the vacuum cleaner .
While the device is operating, the mercury will begin to evaporate, but even when turned off, the vacuum cleaner will create a toxic background.
To make sure that the substance actually got into the electrical appliance, use a test strip: disassemble the vacuum cleaner and place all the parts in a plastic bag, place the test there with the reagent facing up. If the concentration of mercury vapor is high, the strip will turn light gray after 2 hours.
In this case, it is necessary to clean the electrical appliance using a liquid demercurizer:
- assemble the vacuum cleaner, put on hoses, nozzles, connect the device to the network;
- prepare the preparation or use a manganese solution (dissolve 2 g of potassium permanganate in 1 liter of warm water), spray the liquid into the air suction hose, wait 1 minute and turn off the vacuum cleaner;
- disassemble the electrical appliance and place all parts outdoors for a week.
If the next test shows the presence of mercury vapor, the vacuum cleaner needs to be replaced.
You can also call specialists (demercurizers) to your home to remove metal from an electrical appliance.
Carefully following all recommendations and operating rules for the vacuum cleaner will allow you to use this device for a long time without breakdowns or repairs. Regular, simple maintenance of the equipment will ensure the preservation of all technical characteristics of the device and high quality cleaning.
Vacuum cleaner prevention
To avoid breakdowns in the future, you must follow the recommendations for proper use of the product.
- Check filters regularly and change them if necessary;
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean sharp fragments, metal objects, large parts and pieces of fabric;
- If you detect a burning smell, smoke, or increased vibration during operation of the device, immediately turn it off from the network and inspect and clean the external filters.
- If there are serious problems, take the device for repair.
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If you want your vacuum cleaner to serve you for a long time, take the time to pay more attention to your electrical appliance. It is worth cleaning your vacuum cleaner after each cleaning, but each model needs to be cleaned differently. Is it so difficult to clean vacuum cleaner filters and other components? Nothing special. This article can clearly demonstrate this to you, which will describe ways to clean a Samsung, LGI, and any other brand vacuum cleaner.
