Vacuum Smell

[vacuumlad1650]

So a few months ago i rescued a Kenmore progressive 300 from my Gramma's attic. The bag inside was a hard as a brick, and the only attachments i could find for it were the extension wands and crevice. Someone sent me an upholstery tool for it, and she called me yesterday. She said she couldnt find her car-keys, and wanted me to come help her find them. In her bedside table, i found the dustbrush for the vacuum (her keys were in a cookie jar in the kitchen. dont ask). Her attic smelled really bad, and the vacuum did too. I put a new filter and bag in. It helped a bit, but the machine emits a terrible smell. How do I fix this?
Thanks!
Andy

 

[hooverboy81]

I've used Kirby odorific on a cotton ball in vacuum bags to eliminate stale odors. I don't know how long this brick of a bag sat in the cleaner. You might try gently spraying it with Lysol disinfectant spray and letting it air out. Just a thought!

 

[bikerray]

Or you could take it apart and clean the dirt path and bag chamber.

I'll put a couple of drops of Rainbow Gardenia scent on a cotton ball and let the vacuum suck that up into the bag.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

The bag apparently was put in in '98, and was run until full. It sat for almost 10 years up there before i found it.I went through and cleaned the motor, changed the bag, and put a filter on it. It helped some, but still reeks something awful. I put Lysol on the filter, but ill have to try on the bag. I might get some cotton balls with scents sprayed on them inside it, but not until i use it next. Thanks!
Andy

 

[suckolux]

That has a hose on the back right? The soft vinyl of the hose can really hold onto stink! Might leave bag chamber open and spray it with some form of disinfectant?

 

[durango159]

Disinfection and Fabric Softener sheets!

I'd clean and disinfect whatever you can. Even it means spraying Lysol Disinfecting spray into various parts. The hoses may probably has accumulated dirt as member, Suckolux mentioned, and may do well with a good soaking in some disinfecting Mr. Clean or Lysol solution. Once assembled you put a fabric softener sheet over premotor filter and have that smelled pulled through machine.

 

[hooverboy81]

Rob

I never thought of dryer sheets! Great idea! While my Hoover AeroDynes do not have foul odors, I'd love to have a "fresh laundry" scent while I clean!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Ill try some dryer sheets and spraying the bag chamber, and hose. ill even try sucking up a few cotton balls with scents sprayed on. I really like this machine, but i dont want that smell all over the house. My guests find it offending that any house smalls that rancid if I just vacuum'd.

 

[portapower]

Smelly vacuum

I always take everything apart and soak the waterproof parts in a mix of water and Clorox Clean up. I use the spray bottle to hit the areas that can not be taken apart and wash with a wet rag. Then put them outside in the sun for a while. Also thoroughly wash the brush roll in Clorox cleanup and water.
After the whole thing is put back together I throw some Downy or Gain washer fragrance beads on the carpet and vacuum them up. Fragrance last a long time.

 

[vacman1961]

The Downey Unstoppable beads work great, I put a table spoon in the bag and they smell great for a long time.