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How to Unclog a Central Vacuum Cleaner Hose ? – Ultimate Step by Step Process

by  Lawrence -  Last updated on April 19, 2021

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Vacuum cleaners have been a great addition to the toolbox of the homeowner, and it is easy to see why. You can easily make an area sparkling clean with the quick use of a vacuum, getting rid of dust and debris with powerful suction.

However, you also have to ensure that your vacuum cleaner stays in optimal working order. Otherwise, you could be looking at a subpar machine that overheats and blows out dust, loses its suction power and makes your work harder than before.

To make sure that your vacuum works at its best, you will need to pay close attention to the vacuum hose. Unfortunately, you might experience clogs in the central vacuum hose from time to time. In this guide, we’ll take you through how to unclog your vacuum hose.

Signs Your Vacuum Hose is Clogged

You might already have an inkling that your hose is clogged but here are the most common signs to confirm your suspicion:

1. Suction Loss

This is the most obvious sign. You’ll find that your vacuum just isn’t sucking up debris and dirt with the same suction power as before. It might even make an unfamiliar noise or you might notice your vacuum blowing out some dust due to the clog in its hose.

2. Odors

If there’s an odor emitting from your hose, chances are, it probably has a clog. It could be something like food that has gotten clogged in the hose and the odor could come from the food rotting.

How to Unclog a Vacuum Hose? – Step by Step Process

1. Finding Out The Source

You’d want to first confirm that the clog is indeed inside the vacuum hose and there are several ways to check.

Turn the hose upright and check if a clog is in the head. Sometimes, the clog could simply be in the vacuum head itself. In this case, it should be fairly easy to remove the clog with just your hands.

If there’s nothing clogging the vacuum head,

Hold the hose upright, and drop something small, like a marble through it. If it does not fall through, then you can conclude that the clog is indeed in the hose.

2. Detaching the Hose

Before you get started, remember to unplug your vacuum. You don’t want to risk getting an electric shock while you’re dismantling it.

The first step is to detach the hose from the body of the vacuum. Usually, the hose is joined to the tank or in some cases, the vacuum bag. Simply pull the hose off to detach it.

Sometimes, a hose might be joined to the vacuum body with screws. In that case, you’ll need to have your screwdriver on hand to unscrew the hose.

If you’re confused about how to detach the hose, you can always refer to your vacuum manufacturer’s instruction booklet for more specific details.

3. Removing the Clog

Use a long piece of stick to help you push the clog out of the hose. Ideally, you can use a broom’s stick to help you. Simply push the stick through the hose but be sure to do so slowly, since you don’t want to cause any damage to the hose.

You should be able to apply some pressure and push out the clog from the opposite end of the vacuum hose.

When it comes to removing the clog, remember not to use anything sharp inside the hose. You could either puncture the hose or cause damage to the suction feature of your vacuum.

If you can’t remove the object, try using a separate vacuum to suck it out. You could also try using an air compressor to blow it out or even try using a toilet snake. Slowly push the toilet snake through the hose. Using some force, twist the snake before pulling it out.

4. Removing Any Buildup

Besides just dealing with the main clog, it’ll be wise to remove any buildup that’s stuck inside the hose as well. You can do this with a cleaning solution that you can create with simple pantry products.

You’ll need either laundry detergent powder or vinegar and baking soda.

If you’re using laundry powder, simply mix it with hot water and pour the mixture into your hose (after you position your hose in the sink).

Alternatively, pour half a cup of baking soda into the hose. Try to spread the baking soda inside the hose by moving the hose around or shaking it. Then, pour half a cup of vinegar into your vacuum hose. At this point, you’ll see the mixture of both bubbling so leave it for a couple of minutes so it can work on the buildup in your hose.

5. Rinse and Dry

Run warm water through the hose to rinse it. Ensure that there’s no more laundry powder, or baking soda and vinegar left inside.

Hang your vacuum hose and allow it to air dry. Let it dry for at least an hour or two before you attach the hose back onto the vacuum.

Vacuum Clog Prevention

Of course, the best way to steer clear of vacuum hose clog issues is to prevent them in the first place.

Before vacuuming, be sure to remove any and all large debris from the ground. You should also take note of where you are using the vacuum. If you are cleaning under the bed, there might be objects that are too big and can cause a clog, so take a look before you go ahead.

Also, be sure to keep your vacuum in tip-top shape with regular inspections and maintenance. After every use, check the bag/canister, the filter, clean hoses, and all the brushes you have used. Remove any visible foreign objects.

Conclusion

A vacuum cleaner is a great help around the hose. That is, as long as you keep it in good condition. Follow our tips to prevent a vacuum hose clog but if you do encounter an unfortunate clog, you now know how to unclog it.

Also Read: 7 Best Pool Vacuum Heads – Our Top Picks

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