Essentials
Contaminated Filters or Bin
Vacuum smells musty or emits an unpleasant odor when running.
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Possible Causes
Dirty or damp filters, Organic debris left in bin, Mold growth in cyclone or bin, Pet hair accumulation
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF the vacuum and remove the battery before cleaning.
- Step 1 – Empty and wash bin: Remove the dust bin and wash it with mild detergent and warm water if the manual allows. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
- Step 2 – Clean filters: Remove pre-motor and post-motor filters. If washable, rinse under cold water until clear and allow to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Step 3 – Wipe cyclone surfaces: If permitted, wipe accessible cyclone surfaces with a slightly damp cloth and then dry.
- Step 4 – Deodorize: Once dry, reassemble and optionally vacuum a small amount of baking soda from a hard floor (check manual) to help neutralize odors.
Warning: Never reinstall damp filters or bin; this promotes mold and can damage the motor.
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Repair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
Required Part
Essentials Pre-Motor and HEPA Filter Set
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