Dust bags and filters are common causes
Odorless vacuum cleaners are a situation many families encounter after a long period of use. According to Ryan Knoll - owner of Tidy Casa cleaning company in the US, dust bags or dust boxes that are too full are the most common cause of unpleasant odors.
For machines that do not use bags, users should regularly dust and clean the container with soapy water. The filter also needs to be cleaned periodically to prevent dust from accumulating and decomposing inside the machine.
Andrew Brown - a household appliance repair technician at This Fixed House in the US - said that pet fur stuck in brushes and filters is also prone to odors if not cleaned regularly.
Be careful with mold and burning smells from engines
Some cases of vacuum cleaners have a moldy smell because users suck on wet surfaces or let steam accumulate inside the machine. This creates a favorable environment for mold to grow.
Experts recommend removing parts for thorough cleaning with soapy water and letting them dry completely before reuse. Baking soda can also be used to effectively deodorize dust containers and filters.
In addition to the moldy smell, a burning smell is also a noteworthy sign. According to Andrew Brown, engine overheating due to blockage or overloading can cause the engine to smell of burning.
More worrying is the case of electrical wires or internal components having problems. Ryan Knoll warns users to turn off the power immediately if the machine emits a burning plastic smell or abnormal electrical smell to avoid the risk of fire and explosion.
Experts believe that periodic cleaning, replacement of filters on time and avoiding absorbing moisture from surfaces are simple ways to help vacuum cleaners operate effectively, reduce odors and extend the life of the device.
