Dyson DC17 Animal Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum\015 The vacuum is made for pet hair so I’m guessing this is an issue with it clogging up somewhere along the way. I clean my pre-filter (blue spongy thing) every other week!\015

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

Put Dryer Sheets Inside The Bag

Place a dryer sheet into the dust bag of your vacuum cleaner before cleaning to improve the fragrance of the vacuum cleaner itself. In addition, you may use some orange peel or a few drops of essential oil on a piece of paper towel to remove the odor.

A damp or musty smell is caused when dust in the cyclone has come into contact with water. It may not be a direct contact with water, for example when vacuuming pet hair that is slightly damp, this moisture will combine with the dust in the cyclone causing the smell.
`Get some pure peppermint oil and add a few drops on some paper towel, does a great job and is super cheap. `
Add a teaspoon of vanilla powder to the canister on your bagless vacuum, and hoover away! As you move around the house with the cleaner, the smell will start to permeate, and you`ll be left with a pleasant aroma.
If you own a bagless vacuum model, the dustbin can still be coated with a thin layer of dust even after you empty it. This can also produce lingering pet odors, just when you thought you`d disposed of the smelly evidence.
Mold and mildew

Brown explains: “If your vacuum cleaner has been used to clean up wet or damp materials, moisture can accumulate and create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which will lead to a musty smell developing.” That musty smell is so gross, you guys.

Quality time with your pet

Air purifiers remove odours and allergens released from the proteins found in pet`s hair, saliva and urine, which may trigger allergic reactions. Pet dander is made up of tiny, microscopic flakes of skin and protein particles.

Place a few drops of your favorite essential oil into your vacuum cleaner bag or dust container. The vacuum motor will diffuse it around your home as you clean. Use this same idea with your home air filter. Think of it as a sort of essential oil diffuser for a whole house freshening.
Larry recommends a “light spray or mousse” before using the Dyson Airwrap. He said: “If you want to use the barrels to create nice curls I would say it`s best to use a light volumising spray or a very gentle soft mousse.”
The air freshener is attached to the back of the vacuum cleaner where the vent is. Once the vacuum cleaner is switched on, the air suction will rotate the lovely-scented smell inside, eliminating any bad odours.
For bagless vacuum cleaners: Remove and clean the dust bin/canister. If possible, wash it in warm water. You may be able to remove and wash the hose, wand and accessory heads too, if they`re very dirty.
How Often to Clean a Bagless Vacuum. Give your bagless vacuum a thorough cleaning every six months, or more frequently if you`re a member of the frequent vacuumer club (having shedding pets automatically makes you a member!).
1. Check the bag or bin – replace the bag if necessary, and if a bin, wash thoroughly with soap and hot water. 2. Clean or replace filters – rinse filters under cold water, until the water runs clear and allow to air dry for 24 hours.
There are four primary culprits of vacuum cleaner odors. They are pet hair, mold, a burned belt, and too much dirt, Oh So Spotless reports. Pet hair, dander, and any attached urine all smell outside the vacuum and continue to smell once inside.
A musty smell coming from your vacuum could mean that mold has grown and/or accumulated inside the bag or filters. Mold thrives in moist environments, so if you vacuumed a carpet while it was wet or damp, that could be the culprit.
A musty smell coming from your vacuum could mean that mold has grown and/or accumulated inside the bag or filters. Mold thrives in moist environments, so if you vacuumed a carpet while it was wet or damp, that could be the culprit.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Burning smell When i start up my vaccuum it gives off a burning smell, it still picks up & operates
like it should just leaves the house smelling like ive had a fire. Any advice on how to fix will be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER : Replace the belt. It is probably stretched and is slipping. This will produce the smell your describing. These belts should be changed at least once a year.

How to get rid of dog smell
ANSWER : I had this problem along with a clogged filter. I used the solution for clogged filter here on Fixya and the dog smell went away too. It has to do with the flange on the cylinder getting pushed up out of position. Give it a try. 

Rainbow Vacuum smells like something is burning.
ANSWER : Your belt is worn and that is why there is a burnt rubber smell. You need to change your belt. You can find a replacement belt and instructions here:

Rainbow Replacement Belts

Bissell lift off pet revolution vacuum smells bad when I vacuum!
ANSWER : Put a BOUNCE sheet inside the filter

I’m getting a horrible sour/sweaty like smell blowing out of my Henry when vacuuming, i’ve tried to clean the filter, but its still just the same & the smell also seems to be in the head o
ANSWER : You can buy little sachets of nice smelly stuff to put inside Henry. Most supermarkets have them. Makes the carpets smell nice too.

My numatic Hoover is brilliant but it smells what part needs changing? It’s not a burning smell, but a musky almost cabbage smell?
ANSWER : It could be the sponge filters or the dust partition that need replacing. But it might also be coming from the motor, best bet is to get it checked out.

Smells like wet dog
ANSWER : I would do the following:.Wash the HEPA filter (the circle shaped spongy one) with a very mild disinfectant mixed with luke warm water..Allow to dry VERY thoroughly before re-fitting..
.Replace the filter (they are about $10 australian from the service centre last time I had one replaced)..
.You may also want to check for moisture in the dust hopper, also in the cyclone bit..
.Hope that helps!

There has been a burning smell for some time, but we continued to use it as everything was in working order. Sometimes the smell was not even noticeable. Today, however, the smell was intense and the motor kicked off. As it did, it was draining electricity like crazy. The lights dimmed drastically.
ANSWER : It sounds to me like the brushes in the motor are worn out or the motor has gotten water in it (if you have been using it for wet pick-up). The way you described the situation, I am really surprized if it did not trip the circuit breaker for the circuit that you were running it on.
.
.Anyway, it would probably be cheaper (and a LOT lees frustrating) to buy a new vacuum than it would be to try to repair that one. Even IF you could find the parts necessary, they would probably cost nearly as much as a new vacuum.
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.In the meantime, I would not plug it into the wall anymore unless you would REALLY like to see how long it takes the fire department to get there to resuscitate an electric shock victim and put the fire out. 🙂