You may think you’re a diligent cleaner: Your home is always tidy; you clean your surfaces every day using organic and/or all-natural products; you dust; and you even vacuum every few days. Yes, it appears things may be on the up and up—until you learn what’s lurking in your vacuum cleaner. That vacuum cleaners need their own cleaning attention is nothing new. According to a 2013 study published in the journal, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vacuum cleaners that haven’t been properly cleaned have the potential to disseminate mold and bacteria inside your home. Breathing in mold- and bacteria-laden dust can make you sick, and it can be even worse for those suffering from allergies. It almost makes you want to throw out your vacuum and start sweeping again, right? Well, hold your horses, as there may be a better way. All you need to do is put in a bit of elbow grease to clean your vacuum every now and then. This way you’ll be tossing out any potential germs or bacteria before they have time to take hold in your vacuum. By emptying the canister you’ll also be helping boost your vacuum’s performance. Start by taking apart all the parts; soak the canister or any other washable parts like attachments. Give them all a good scrub and let them completely dry before putting them back together. Then use the can of compressed air to expel any dust or debris hidden in the nooks and crannies of the vacuum. Don’t forget to wipe down the external parts with a cleaning wipe, too. According to Consumer Reports, vacuums last a median of eight years. However, if you follow the guidelines above and take care of your vacuum you should be able to stretch its use to the 10-year mark. Otherwise, you could just be dragging 10-year-old dirt all over your house. (Need some ideas on a replacement? Check out Real Simple’s ranking of the best vacuum cleaners around.)
