Monday Motivation: Clean your vacuum cleaner

Yes, I know.  You probably think I've lost my marbles.  I am now cleaning my cleaning tools.  Specifically my vacuum cleaner. 

But hear me out:  To function at it's best, a vacuum should be cleaned regularly and it's filters changed frequently.

Let's get started:

1.  Read the care booklet that came with your machine.  It has important information from the manufacturer in it.  Not all machines are created the same.

2.  Learn how to change your filter.  Always keep several filters on hand.  It's usually cheaper to buy them in bulk.

3.  Learn where the secondary filters are in the machine.  The secondary filters are often ones that you simply rinse out and allow to dry rather than ones you have to replace.

4.  With the vacuum cleaner unplugged, turn the machine upside down and check the beater brush.  Frequently you'll find thread, hair, twist ties, etc. wrapped around the brush.  This extra fluff and stuff keeps the beater brush from doing its job.  I use a small pair of nail scissors and carefully cut away the junk I find wound around the beater.  Sometimes I even use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the stuff and pull it out.  Be extra careful to not pull on the brush part or some of the bristles might come out. 

5.  After all filters are washed or changed and the beater brush is de-junked, it's time for a little spit shine.  Simply use your Sparkle cleaner on a rag and wipe down the machine.  Vacuums tend to gather dust. 

6.  Check the attachments for your machine.  You know, the extra brushes and crevice tools.  Wash them in the sink with simple dish detergent, rinse, and then allow to dry.  My attachments are contained underneath a little trap door.  I clean the trays they sit in because dirt and sand tend to collect in the depressions.  

7.  Check for any wear and tear on the electrical cord.  If you see any fraying or damage you should take it in to be fixed.  You don't want to play around with electricity.

Now, what should I vacuum first?