Shark reveals the thing you’re forgetting to do to keep your vacuum cleaner working properly

A quality vacuum cleaner makes cleaning floors and rugs so much easier (verging on fun, or maybe that’s just us). If the suction of your vacuum is lacking in oomph right now, it may be time to do the dreaded task of Cleaning Your Filter.

Vacuum cleaner connoisseur Shark reveals that the vacuum cleaner mistake many of us make is failing to clean this key component regularly.

Shark sells some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market, such as the powerful  Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum with Powered Lift-Away.

Vacuum cleaner mistake

‘Your vacuum cleaner’s filters do an important job, removing dust and allergens from the air sucked in by your vacuum,’ says Shark. ‘If the dust that they trap isn’t regularly cleaned away they can become blocked, which can result in poor suction over time.’

Cleaning your vacuum’s filter sounds like an unpleasant job, and just a real faff –  but well worth doing to keep things functioning properly when you're cleaning a floor. ‘To clean foam and felt filters, simply tap off loose dirt, then rinse them under a tap,’ says Shark.

‘Only use water – do not use soap,’ Shark adds. The vacuum cleaner retailer advises that it’s always best to let the filters air dry completely before reinserting them.

If you’d rather not use water on the filter of your best Shark vacuum cleaner or Henry, you can simply remove dust by hand or with a soft brush. Do it outside if you can, or over a large bin bag to avoid spreading unnecessary dust.

‘As well as emptying your vacuum cleaner’s dust cup and washing any removable filters, regularly wipe over attachments with a dry microfibre cloth,’ Shark adds. ‘Remove any hair from bristles to ensure you’re not spreading dust around your home.’

If your filter is beyond repair, replace it, and while you’re at it, it’s a good time to stock up on spare vacuum cleaner bags, available at Amazon.

Cleaning floors and carpets is an essential part of keeping our homes healthy, fresh and clean. Regularly removing dust, pet hair, and whatever else we’ve brought into the house makes our homes feel better and improves air quality.

Not to mention the satisfaction of freshly cleaned carpets and rugs. When it comes to spring cleaning this year, remember to give your filter some TLC.