Cleaning of Vacuum Attachments
Have you noticed that the brush of your vacuum cleaner could be harboring dirt, dust and hair among other contaminants? Do you want to know how to clean it correctly? The brush is a standard accessory supplied with most vacuum cleaners with attachments and attaches to the hose extension.
But the design may vary between the different models available in the market. For example, it can be round or rectangular. The only thing they have in common is long, stiff bristles. The brush attachment can scrub and loosen stubborn dirt, hair and grime for proper vacuuming.
Of course, anything that can be used to clean dirt can also harbor it. Therefore, it is time to learn how to clean the vacuum cleaner brush so as not to spread germs and dirt throughout the house.
How to clean vacuum attachments?
Although we all like to think that our houses are clean, this is not always the case. In fact, there are many common household germs and microbes that you can’t see. These include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E. coli 0157, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. This means it’s important to stay on top of housework and clean regularly.
Of course, one of the most common tools used in the home is the vacuum cleaner. This includes the use of the vacuum cleaner brush. You can transfer dirt and bacteria from the furniture in your house to your brush. Brushes often have horsehair or synthetic bristles, which are stiff to pick up dirt, but this means debris can sometimes get stuck in them. Therefore, regular cleaning of vacuum brush attachments is a good way to ensure that they are completely free of germs and dirt.
How to clean the vacuum cleaner brush?
Simply follow our steps to clean your vacuum brush. In this way, you will ensure that it is hygienic for use on upholstery and other surfaces in the home. If you don’t, you could be redistributing trapped dirt throughout your home.
Disassemble the brush from the vacuum cleaner
The first is the first. Separate the brush from your vacuum. Most brushes are simply disconnected by twisting and pulling on the hose extension. In some cases, there may be a button that needs to be pressed. Ultimately, though, it shouldn’t require too much force. Avoid pulling it too hard as you might break it.
Wash the bristles and plastic
Fill your sink with warm water. To clean the inside of the vacuum brush and the bristles, add a mild detergent to the water. This can help soften any residue that stubbornly clings to the plastic or bristles. If you haven’t cleaned your vacuum brush before, you may be surprised at how much dirt comes off. It is best to fully submerge the brush in the water. You can also take advantage of the pressure of the tap water to clean the accessory.
Scrub with a bristle brush
Sometimes the water is not enough to remove the accumulated and dry dirt on the brush of the vacuum cleaner. This can easily build up in hard to reach spots at the base of the bristles. Therefore, in this step you may have to put a little more effort.
Try scrubbing the bristles to remove built-up residue. If you have an old medium bristle brush or scrub brush, it will come in handy. Use it to rub against the bristles to loosen dirt and get rid of any stubborn grime.
Clean with diluted vinegar
For extra cleaning, you can consider using diluted cleaning vinegar to sanitize your vacuum brush. Vinegar contains acetic acid, known to be a mycobactericidal disinfectant. It can kill household germs that remain on the bristles of the brush.
Research shows that it is even capable of killing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Just be sure to dilute the vinegar mixture with water so it doesn’t damage the bristles. Also, try to avoid prolonged contact with the rubber parts of the vacuum cleaner’s brush. They could break or degrade over time.
Dry the brush
Once the cleaning is finished, it is time to let the vacuum cleaner brush dry. A good way to remove excess water is to use a cloth. Microfiber is a particularly good material for absorbing water. This synthetic material can retain up to seven times its weight in water.
Therefore, it may be better for drying vacuum brush bristles than cotton rags or paper towels. Microfiber is also good at capturing any oils, grease, germs, and dirt particles that may be present.
First, run the microfiber cloth over the bristles to remove excess water. This is a good idea if you used vinegar, as you don’t want it to damage any surfaces. You can also lay the brush down on a surface to make sure it’s dry before reconnecting it to the vacuum.
Let it dry completely for an hour or two to make sure it’s ready to be used again. After using the microfiber cloth on the bristles, don’t forget to wash it so it’s ready for next time. Additionally, avoid using bleach, as it can damage the fibers. Don’t use fabric softener either, as it contains oil that can clog the material.
Comb the bristles
A good way to remove the dirt that is still stuck to the brush of the vacuum cleaner is to use an old comb. Hair and debris can get stuck even after following all the steps of the cleaning process. Using a comb can untangle them. Simply run the comb through the bristles to complete this step.
