Can one 'freshen' a central vac system?

[powermate63]

It's an odd question, I admit, but here's the situation: The Eureka Victory Central vacuum system in our apartment in the city circulates unpleasant odors when I use it. I guess I did not notice it until I was terminated from my work and started doing more and better housekeeping in town...

We are ex-dog owners (we lost our last dog in June last year) and although I have emptied the dust and dirt collector several times, I find the smell is reminiscent of a wet dog. The central vac system is not vented to the outdoors (the Kenmore system down in Ogden is and I do not notice any odors when I use it).

Is there anything that I could do to 'freshen' the central vac system? I remember that folks used rug de-odordizing powders that also were supposed to freshen the vacuum - would that help?

 

[kirbylux77]

Have you tried using the central vac wet cleaning cloths that clean your pipes? That may be part of the problem. You just simply suck one thru the hose, & it cleans both the hose & the inlet & pipes....repeat for each inlet. Also, go ahead & wash out the main central unit too....perhaps a good cleaning with Mr Clean & then spraying with Febreeze afterwards would do the trick.

Good luck....Rob

 

[rugsucker]

"is not vented"

Lack of vent can lead to odor and dust.Shoud probably be vented if practical with house construction allowing a direct exhaust.I have been curious about the above cloths.This could be a good test case.Try and report back.(I was just told of a nearby house with a 1908 central vac.Checking this will be at the top of my to do list very soon.)

 

[myles_v]

As already mentioned, Tornado Power cloths work pretty well. http://www.amazon.com/Tornadopower-Central-Vacuum-Cloths-Pack/dp/B000RZJR16
You could also try cleaning or replacing the filter. 

 

[luxman107]

I thought the tornado cloths worked well too when we had a central vac. Have you put a new filter in?

 

[beerad]

tornado cloths

are awesome!The company offers a great training program for dealers who sell them in a vac shop.

 

[vacman1961]

Just vent the machine outside, that will solve all of your problems. My VacuFlo 766 is a vented unit and when we use it, there is no smell or dust recirculation at all in my house, one of the benefits of a central vacuum.

 

[powermate63]

I'll definitely try the cleaning cloths and let you all know the results.

As for venting, that is not possible due to the location of the central vac unit... The previous owners (or perhaps the builder) of the apartment had the unit installed in a closet in the middle of the building where an outside vent could not be provided. I am sure that would be the ideal solution, though.

In the meantime, I'll dust off the '74 Electrolux AP100!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[rugsucker]

'venting-not possible"

In a case like this there should still be a type of filter box(sort of long rectangle)available with replacement filters that connects to exhaust pipe and give one more chance of filtering dust/odors.--When I sold Electrolux DTD when you speak to customer you try to say something positive and get a demne lady told me at the door she had a central.I replied that they could be a good idea but I would demo Elux vac or shampooer.She replied"It is NOT!I HATE it!!".Turned out hers was in the front entry closet and noisy.