Suppose you regularly use a vacuum cleaner in a busy area, whether navigating around children’s toys or using a vacuum cleaner in an office or high-traffic area. In that case, it’s common to suction a small object by accident.
One of the most likely items that will find its way through the central vacuum hose is a small sock or similar small garment. While this is a frustrating situation that stops the function of your lightweight Dirt Devil or central vac, there is an easy way to get the sock out of the vacuum cleaner hose.
Signs Your Vacuum Hose Suction May be Blocked
Most items your vacuum hose suctions include small particles of dirt, dust, and debris, though occasionally a larger object may roll into the hose, such as hair ties, socks, or undersized clothes. You may notice the item quickly disappear into your vacuum hose, or it may happen before you notice, primarily if you use a smaller attachment in between furniture or narrow spaces.
If you don’t immediately notice the sock or small item in your vacuum cleaner, there are a few signs that will catch your attention:
- The canister vacuum or handheld hose suddenly stops working effectively, and you notice low suction.
- A change in sounds, such as a whistling noise or something that indicates the possibility of a clogged vacuum hose.
- A smelly vacuum hose altogether.
When a Sock is Easy to Remove from Your Vacuum Cleaner Hose
It’s relatively easy to get a sock out of your vacuum hose if it’s close to the end of your attachment. If you remove the brush roll or hose handle, the sock may tumble out on its own. A thin or wire coat hanger can help coax the sock out. If the sock is lodged a bit further into the vacuum hose, you can use a bent wire hanger or similar item to reach into the hose for removal.
When you pick up a sock while vacuuming, you can quickly switch the direction to reverse suction, which can push the sock out. Unplug the central vacuum or handheld vacuum, shake the clogged hose gently to dislodge the sock if this doesn’t work.
Steps to Remove a Sock from Vacuum Cleaners
If you find that the sock doesn’t fall out of the vacuum hose on its own or becomes lodged further into the suction hose, there are a few steps to remove it quickly:
Step One
Unplug the vacuum cleaner and review the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the hose without damaging the machine. This process can vary in different models, such as the Dyson vacuum, Shop-vac, or central vacuum system.
Step Two
Hold the vacuum hose in one hand, and gently push a broom handle that fits through the hose, which can loosen a sock or similar object, allowing it to fall out when you remove the handle. Perform this step carefully to avoid damaging or breaking the hose structure.
Step Three
If the hose is translucent, you’ll better know where to reach inside with a broom or mop handle. It’s essential to use an item that will not damage the inner hose while safely removing the sock. If you don’t notice anything clogging the hose, contact the manufacturer or review the instructions to find another reason for the blockage, which may be inside the machine.
Step Four
A noticeable build-up may cause the sock to “stick” inside the hose. Detach the hose and place it in a sink with warm water and a bit of vinegar and baking soda. Gently move the hose around in this solution, then swish around the bubbling water in the hose, breaking apart the clogged debris, then empty and rinse the hose. A mild laundry detergent with hot water is another excellent option.
Step Five
Rinse the vacuum tube with warm water and hang it to dry. You can use a cleaning cloth to wipe excess moisture, then allow the vacuum or Dyson hose to dry before completely reattaching the vacuum cleaner. This step is essential to avoid electric shock.
If a sock is stuck in the lower part of the hose, closer to where it connects with the vacuum’s body, detach it and use a tool such as a pair of pliers or small prongs to grip and remove the item. Make sure to unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing this step.
Bottom Line
Most vacuum cleaners are easy to unclog, whether there’s an accumulation of build-up over time, or a small garment, cloth, or sock lodged inside the hose. In every situation, you should always disconnect the vacuum cleaner from any outlets, fully detach the hose from the machine before using water or a liquid solution to clean the inner hose.
If you follow all the steps for dislodging a sock from your vacuum, you’ll find this process easy, especially if your vacuum is regularly cleaned and the dust bags are changed, so there is little to no build-up inside the vacuum hose.
