Have you ever spilled salt on your carpet and seen a big white spot? Have you ever wondered if putting rock salt in your vacuum cleaner will ruin it?
In this article, we’ll dive in and see if rock salt can have any affect on your vacuum.
Will salt damage my vacuum cleaner?
The quick answer is: No.
Putting salt into an upright or canister style vacuum won’t ruin the appliance.
It might seem counterintuitive, but vacuums use heavy amounts of power to create “suction,” which makes them effective cleaning devices.
Salt, when poured down a drain or toilet, acts as a natural water softener by breaking up mineral deposits that could otherwise accumulate inside your pipes and appliances.
If there was any possibility that salt could cause damage to your vacuum we would recommend against using it — we’re just trying to keep our customers satisfied and educated.
How do I clean salt from my vacuum?
Use a vinegar solution which should remove any salt stains you have inside the vacuum.
Fine particles may be trapped inside the crevices, so make sure you collect them all with a wet paper towel.
If there are excessive stains in the vacuum, such as wet coffee grounds, potentially harmful dust and other spilled liquid, then let the vinegar solution soak for a while before wiping it up with paper towels.
Is cleaning salt difficult?
Getting rock salt out of your vacuum is no more difficult than getting broken glass out.
Salt and other ice melting products can cause slow erosion, so wear thick gloves.
If you were to compare getting salt out and wet soil particles, I’d gladly clean table salt. It’s much easier to get rid of.
You should avoid letting salt get all the way into the vacuum belt or motor. I’ve heard of a few people end up with a screwed up motor from letting salt sit inside, although it shouldn’t cause serious damage.
Be careful with salt though
While salt won’t damage your vacuum, it can cause some problems. Salty water can create mineral deposits to build up in certain areas of the vacuum, like the hose and tools. The effects of using salt in a washing machine or dishwasher are also well documented if not always understood — so it’s best to avoid adding salt to machines that aren’t designed for it. We’re happy to take any questions you may have to keep our customers informed about how their appliances work!
Still want more information? Check out this guide on the top vacuum cleaners.