Vacuum REEKS

[vacuumlad1650]

So I have my grandmothers Kenmore. I changed its bag, and filter. i sucked up Lysol cotton balls and drier sheets. I even put dryer sheets on both filters. i have scrubbed the hose, bag chamber, and motor. It helped some, but it still reeks. Any idea's? It was in the attic for 10 years and the bag was nearly 20 years old when I got it

 

[turbo500]

you could try leaving some charcoal or baking soda on the inside of the machine? Both are good odour neutralisers.

 

[Tech12]

Hi:

What sort of smell is it ?

 

[kirbysthebest]

What is the smell like? Is is a old smell, urine, a decomposing dog hair smell, worse?

Some on this site have mentioned using an ozone generator to neutralize smells, I caution on that as ozone can attack rubber and plastic, but some say it works.

Since you have cleaned the bag chamber, and hose, you may have to disassemble and clean out the air paths to and from and maybe including the motor. Spa Day!!

Another possibility. I bought a used machine that was so perfumy it smelled like a French Brothel. After cleaning and cleaning, I finally set it outside on the porch and let it run for about 30 minutes. This seemed to air it out and the smell is not as strong each time I use it.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

A VERY musty smell. I just cleaned the bag chamber again and set it outside for some fresh air. I used Lysol again and when its had some time to air out, im goona use a damp rag inside its bag chamber

 

[Tech12]

Have you cleaned out the cleaner head & cleaned the brush roll ?. I'd also run a cloth through all internal passageways. The 1st thing I'd use is White vinegar & then follow that up with pure Lemon juice, normally gets rid of most bad smells. Just make sure you let it fully dry before use.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I put it together and ran it outside on the poach about 20 minutes. its faded qiute a bit. Some scent left, but not nearly as bad as before...

 

[stricklybojack]

Just bought one of these today!

.
same color and all, tear down and wash away i say.
I just did a similar Kenmore that took a full disassembly..except motor. That is i opened the case but didn't take apart the motor itself, and hosed, washed, and compressed aired everything.
Dog smell(!) is completely gone.
I'll link the thread i posted below.

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?29771_16

 

[sebo_fan]

Its often the dust chamber behind the brush roll and hose (if applicable) that goes through the system that can hide the smell.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

When i did the motor, I just did it with the cover off. I may be a mechanic, but something always goes wrong when I work on sweepers myself...I will see how long this thing goes before it reeks again...