How to Clean and Maintain Your Vacuum Cleaner

Your trusty vacuum cleaner works hard to keep your floors looking great, but it needs a little care from time to time. If you maintain it regularly, you’ll keep it working longer and better. Some people in Des Moines like to invest in house cleaning services, so they don’t have to worry about these details on top of all of their obligations. 

Whether you want to leave the work to a professional or want to tackle this yourself, the vacuum has to remain functional either way. It might seem like one more unnecessary chore, but a well-maintained vacuum can make your cleanup routine significantly more efficient. 

What happens if you don’t clean your vacuum?

We all get busy, and sometimes taking care of the vacuum itself falls to the bottom of the to-do list. Here’s what happens if you forget to take care of your vacuum too long:

Reduced suction power

First of all, a dirty vacuum simply won’t work as well. Think about it – dust, dirt, and hair build up in the filters and hoses, blocking airflow and reducing suction power. You’ll find yourself going over the same spot again and again, frustrated that your vacuum just isn’t picking anything up.

Worse indoor air quality and unpleasant odor

A neglected vacuum can also impact your indoor air quality. All that dust and debris trapped inside doesn’t just disappear. It can get blown back out into the air you breathe, which can be a real issue for people with aggravating allergies or respiratory problems. And let’s not forget the unpleasant odors that can develop over time. A musty smell every time you turn on the vacuum is definitely not ideal.

Motor strain and overheating

A clogged vacuum puts a lot of strain on the motor. It has to work harder to compensate for the reduced airflow, which can lead to overheating and potential motor damage. Replacing a vacuum motor can be expensive, so it’s certainly worth taking the time to keep yours clean.

How to clean and sanitize a vacuum cleaner?

Sanitizing the vacuum is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps and some basic supplies, you can have it running like new in no time.

1. Gather your supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. You’ll likely want a screwdriver to access certain parts, microfiber cloths, and warm soapy water, as well as some disinfectant wipes for sanitizing.

2. Empty the dustbin/bag

Start by unplugging your vacuum for safety. Then, find the dustbin or bag and empty it completely. If you have a reusable dustbin, you should wash it with warm soapy water and allow it to dry thoroughly before putting it back.

3. Clean or replace filters

Find the filters and see if they are washable or need to be replaced. If the filters are washable, you can simply gently rinse them with warm water and let them air dry. If they’re disposable, make sure to replace them.

4. Clean the brush roll

The brush roll can accumulate a lot of hair, threads, and other debris. To take care of it, you can carefully remove the brush roll and use scissors or a seam ripper to cut away any tangled hair or string. Then, wipe down the brush roll with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

5. Wipe down the exterior

Don’t forget about the outside of your vacuum! Wipe down all the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and some mild soap. For high-touch areas like the handle and power button, you can use disinfectant wipes to kill germs.

6. Reassemble and test

Once everything is nice and dry, put your vacuum back together. Once you do this a few times, you’ll know how to do it in your sleep. When everything is in its place, just plug it in and give it a quick test to make sure it’s working properly.

Where in Des Moines and the surrounding area can I find dependable house cleaning services?

Look no further than phClean! Thanks to our commitment to your satisfaction and the dedicated, can-do attitude of our pros, you can rest assured that you will be happy with our services. We make it a point to treat our valued clients with kindness and respect, which will be evident from the way we work. 

We’re flexible and adaptable to your needs, so you can just say what works for you and we’ll come up with an ideal solution. For example, you can either stay and watch us scrub down your bathroom or wipe down the fridge, or you can take a walk to Gray’s Lake Park during the appointment and come back to a shiny space. Reach out today and get a free quote!

How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator and Freezer

We all know that feeling when we open the fridge hoping for a quick snack, and instead get greeted by a mysterious odor or a sticky mess that’s been hiding in the back corner. There’s no clearer sign that it’s time to deep clean the fridge. Some homeowners prefer to invest in professional house cleaning services in Des Moines to take this off their backs. 

Others may prefer tackling this on their own. Knowing how to do this will help you in the long run, no matter what type you are. Let’s break it down into simple steps and get your fridge and freezer looking and smelling their best.

How to deep clean a fridge and freezer?

If you want to be thorough and do this right, the following steps can significantly help:

Empty out the fridge and freezer

The first step is to unplug your fridge and freezer. This will save energy while you’re working and prevent any accidental electrical shocks. Then you have to take everything out, including the shelves and drawers. As you’re emptying, use the opportunity to check expiration dates and get rid of anything that’s expired. It’s also a good idea to group similar items together to make it easier to put them all back in an organized way.

Tackle the removable parts

Now it’s time to take care of the shelves, ice trays, and other removable parts. You can scrub them down with warm water and dishwasher soap, the same way you would wash the dishes. Some people prefer using a cleaning product for this. These are usually made specifically for this purpose and contain bio-ethanol and soda, or another combination that’s safe to use.

Others prefer to go fully natural, so they may use a paste made of baking soda and water. Whatever you choose, make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back inside.

Take care of the interior

With the removable parts out of the way, you’ll have better access to the interior. You should wipe down all the surfaces with the same fridge product if that’s what you’re using. Soapy warm water should also do the trick. If you prefer natural solutions, you can mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use that. 

Wipe down the exterior

The outside of your fridge and freezer deserves some attention too. You can wipe out the exterior with a damp microfiber cloth and some mild soap or use a universal cleaning product that you generally use. The door handles in particular are high-touch surfaces that can harbor a lot of germs, so don’t forget about them. If your fridge has condenser coils on the back, you can take a moment to gently vacuum them. 

Put everything back

Before you start putting things back in, make sure the interior is completely dry. As you’re putting things back in, you can organize everything by type or by the best position for that specific type of food. For example, don’t put food that’s close to the expiration date or sensitive to the cold in the back of the fridge. Once everything is back in its place, you can plug in your fridge and freezer. Let them cool down for a bit before adding anything perishable.

How do I get the rotten smell out of my freezer?

A lingering rotten smell in your freezer can be a sign that something’s wrong. Before you tackle the odor itself, you have to find and eliminate the source. 

• Check for spoiled food and dispose of anything that seems expired.
• Look for spills and leaks and if there are any wipe them down.
• Check the drip pan for any stagnant water or debris, empty it, and wipe it down.

Once you’ve found and addressed the source of the smell, you should deep clean the freezer with warm soapy water or a commercial freezer sanitization spray. You can also use natural odor absorbers like baking soda, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal. Commercial odor-eliminator products designed for freezers can also help and should be safe to use.

How do I find reliable house cleaning services in Des Moines and the surrounding area?

Experience the joy of a wonderfully sparkling space with phClean. From our super-organized scheduling team to our detail-oriented cleaners, everyone on the team does their part to keep your home clean and shiny! We’re so confident you’ll love the results, we guarantee your satisfaction. 

From your bathroom to the kitchen, every corner of your space will shine. Need to be home? No problem. We’ll work around you. Need to run errands, catch some fresh air, or take a walk to Salisbury House? We’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Get a free quote today and get started!