# A Funky Smell in a Vacuum Cleaner
Sweeping up pet waste, dander, food or damp items may cause odors to develop inside a vacuum cleaner in short order. In some cases, using the vacuum cleaner can cause these odors to spread throughout the home. Special vacuum bags and deodorizing products can eliminate vacuum cleaner odors and prevent them from recurring.
Things You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Paper towels
- HEPA odor-fighting vacuum bags
- Cotton balls
- Essential oils or potpourri
- Activated charcoal, baking soda or borax
Instructions
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1
Remove the vacuum cleaner’s bag. Throw away the bag if it is disposable. If it is reusable, empty it out and machine-wash it.
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2
Disassemble the vacuum cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the hose and the vacuum’s interior for trapped items such as pet hair. Remove and dispose of any items that you find. Wipe down the inside of the vacuum with white vinegar to eliminate odors.
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3
Replace the vacuum bag with a HEPA odor-fighting bag.
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4
Apply a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside the vacuum bag. Alternately, shake about 1 tbsp. of potpourri into the vacuum bag.
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5
Shake activated charcoal, baking soda or borax onto your carpet and vacuum it up. The powder will absorb any odors in the bag.
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1
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