My vacuum cleaner makes my house smell every time I use it. Its a brand new vacuum. I've tried vacuuming up baking soda but that didn't work. Please help.
First see if you need a new bag or to empty out the collection area. Rather than baking soda at the food store in the cleaning area they should have stuff you can shake on your floor then vacuum up. Mom did this once and it smelled good for a few weeks after too each time she vaccumed.
Knowing the type of smell would help. Also is it an upright? Does it have a hose? If it isn't mechanical, belt, beater brush. Could there be something caught along the way?? Food or? Lay the vacuum flat if it's an upright release handle and check for a blockage. Mine has a hose that it goes through first. I use a broom stick if something gets stuck. You can also use another vacuum (shop vac is great). If it's not that...change the bag, vacuum and change again. I also toss potpourri on the floor to make the house smell good. They also sell tablets that you can buy. If it's brand new I would also be looking at returning it for an unstinky one~~~
Defiantly check the belt and make sure the beater brush in the nozzle is turning freely - even a tiny pebble and stop it and cause the belt to burn and smell. You can do several things - get some carpet fresh powder in a scent you like and make a little pile on a hard floor or tile and suck that up - it should help to 'mask' the stale smell. Clean out the dirt thing - if it has a bag replace it, if its a bagless good old soap, water and elbow grease. I would NOT recommend using carpet freshening powder on carpet! It is a small grit that the vacuum cannot pick up all of and the grit will filter below the carpet destroying the padding and the carpet, plus when you clean the carpet this fine powder will turn to mush when it gets wet and mat the carpet down, ruin the wood sub-floor and generally be icky and nasty.
It could be a couple things. There are a lot of moving parts on the bottom that make the thing work. Usually the belt is slipping and makes a indescribable smell. I'd start by inspecting the belt tun it over and turn it on to see if the belt is actually moving or if the rotor is just spinning and rubbing the belt. Or it could be the motor or even a string or object that is lodged in there and causing friction. If it is new it should still be under warranty but all vacuum cleaners will have regular maintenance like replacing belts most of all. It is very simple can you post what type of Vacuum cleaner you have we may find something if we have specifics.If it is not one of the parts that need replacing try some of those fresh scents to go in the vacuum. They even have hepa filter bags that clean the air of allergens.
My mom had the same problem. If you have a filter on your vacuum, you have to remove it and clean it very well. You are on the right track with the baking soda. After the filter is dust free (as mush as possible) place it in a bag with a whole box of baking soda for at least two days. Should freshen it right up.
