There isn't a shortage of the number of things that can get sucked up into your vacuum cleaner. Does this mean you disregard vacuuming for fear of spoiling your vacuum cleaner? - absolutely not! There is a simple solution to removing things sucked up in your vacuum hose. Socks are especially notorious for making their way into the vacuum hose; well, worry not, here is how to solve the problem.
How do you get the sock out of a vacuum hose?
When you get a sock stuck in the vacuum hose, the first thing you need to do is stop vacuuming immediately. Shut the vacuum cleaner and disconnect it from its electrical plug before attempting any recovery measures to avoid the risk of shock.
Every vacuum has an exterior hose suction that connects from the roller at the bottom to the tank. It would help if you disconnected the hose from the vacuum cleaner. Make sure to follow the user manual on your vacuum cleaner on how to remove the hose suction. Every vacuum cleaner has its own design; it is crucial to follow the owner's manual for the one you are using.
With the hose out, you can easily see where the sock is lodged. If it is near, you can reach out with your fingers and grab it. If it is a little further, use a wire coat hanger to reach it. Straighten it out and try to fish it out gently.
On the other hand, if the sock is lodged deeper inside, you will need to do more. First, try to flex the hose to try and dislodge the sock from its position, then use a coat hanger or your fingers to try and reach it.
If this does not work, you will have to open up the bottom cover of the vacuum cleaner. Put a newspaper on the ground and then flip the cleaner with its bottom on the newspaper so it can catch any debris that falls out.
Remove the brush roll and vacuum cleaner belt; you will find the sock stuck in the area behind the brush roll. You can then reassemble the vacuum cleaner starting with the brush roll, the belt, the cover, and finally attach the hose. Discard the debris so that they are not sucked right back in the next time you are cleaning.
Additionally, you can use another vacuum to pull out the sock if the lower hose is clogged. The physics behind how vacuums work is that they blow out air. This will help to push the sock out. Another way to push the sock out is to use an air compressor.
How to get something out of a vacuum hose?
When your vacuum starts having a low suction, overheating, or blowing out dust, its means you have a clogged hose or something is stuck in the vacuum cleaner hose. Start by removing the hose suction from the vacuum cleaner. If the hose is screwed on, unscrew it gently before pulling it off.
Next, take a broomstick and push the broom handle through the hose. The hose inside can be a little sensitive so do this gently; you don't want to puncture or break the hose suction. If there is any clog in the hose, the broom will push it out the other end.
If you can see through your hose, it will make your work much easier. Hold it up to some light, direct the broom handle or mop handle to where the clog is and push it out.
Pour baking soda and vinegar to clean out any other buildup inside or clogs that may be left in the hose. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the hose and shake it so that it coats every part of the interior.
Slowly pour about 120 ml of white vinegar into the hose. You want to do this slowly so you don't push out the baking soda immediately. Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture bubble inside for a little while to allow it to break down any buildup inside. Alternatively, you can use powdered laundry detergent and hot water.
Run some warm water through the hose. This will help to clean out any of the mixture still left inside the hose. Pour the water from both ends to completely clean it from both sides.
Put the vacuum hose out to dry. Leave it for about one hour and ensure it is dry completely before reattaching it to your machine.
Another method to pull out large clogs stuck in the lower hose is to start by removing the main vacuum hose connected near the base of the roller. You should then unscrew the lower hose that is connected near the base of the vacuum.
Take a pair of needle-nose pliers and feel around for the clog. Once you touch it, pinch the blockage with the pliers and start pulling it out. You should then reattach the hoses to the vacuum cleaner, and you will be good to continue vacuuming.
Warp-Up
If you still realize that the vacuum has lost suction after cleaning all the vacuum cleaner hoses, the clog might be in the roller. Clean the roller of your vacuum, and this should fix the problem.
Remember to follow the owner's manual for your vacuum every time you want to detach the hose. Take caution not to spoil your vacuum. Also, when taking the hoses apart, be mindful of where you put the screws so that you do not lose them.
When using a coat hanger to reach out for a sock or mop handle to push out clogs, it is crucial to be gentle and do it slowly to avoid breaking the hose and affecting the vacuum's suction.
The most critical warning you should heed is ensuring the vacuum is unplugged from all electrical appliances before you start working on it. When reattaching the hose, ensure it is completely dry also to avoid the risk of shock.