My vacuum smells all the time like someone threw up. It stinks the whole house. It is not a burning rubber smell as the smell is there even if not using the power head.

It may help to replace the filters. The cyclone chamber probably needs cleaned too.

There are rubber belts that turn the brushes and when something gets stuck under them, they heat up, stink and melt. Check the belts and pulleys. You did not post the make and model so there is nothing else

I have the Dyson DC 28. After cleaning out the filter multiple times I still had the wet dog smell coming out from the vacuum. I called Dyson's support line. The rep told me to put dryer sheets in the clear plastic bin and let it run for about 5-10 mins, make sure the bin is clear of all debris first. I did it and it worked. Not only is the smell gone, the dryer sheets removed all the remaining dust stuck in the bin. I was happy!

If it is a smell of burning rubber - most likely your vacuum belt is overdue for replacement.

At this point - remove the brush roller, remove the old belt, clean off your brush roller and remove any string or hair that may be bound up around it (usually around where the belt goes or on the sides), and put on a new belt. Your Kirby should act good as new if your bag is replaced at the same time.

If the brush roller has too much string and hair wrapped around it, many times the brush roller will not spin as fast as the belt is driving it and you will get that burning smell.

Several questions:
What does the smell seem to be? If rubber, check the belt and brushroll for free rotation. If a musty smell, check the bag, it may need replaced with a new paper bag. If it has an electrical smell, like hot insulation, then the motor needs checked.

I had this same problem. The brush roll wouldn't spin, smoke came out, and it smelled like burning rubber. I changed the belt thinking that would fix the problem but it didn't, so I took the belt back off and checked the motor shaft in the back and found a whole bunch of hair wrapped around the shaft. Once I cut out the hair with some scissors and replaced the belt, everything worked like normal. I hope this helps.

the vacuum is either shorting or the motor or brush assembly is rubbing something.

Burning rubber smell means the brush belt need attention. Make sure the brush is turning freely and replace the belt

it sounds like the belt may be burning like the roller bar is stuck maybe or the belt is stretched and is burning itself off

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Vacuum cleaner smell
Posted by lcw1 on Apr 20, 2008
Our Hoover Windtunnel has recently started emitting a bad odor when we use it. We recently bought a new house, and the previous owners had dogs, but the carpet was professionally cleaned before we moved in. I have replaced all of the filters and belts to no avail. At this point, I have to remove and rinse off all of the filters after every time I use the vacuum to prevent stinking up the entire house. Any suggestions?


Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
Hoover U6616-900 Windtunnel Bagless Upright
I think you are right, if it is not the switch then it would be the motor. Does it smell bad like a burning smell? If so it is definitely the motor and then @ that point you may want to get an estimate for motor replacement, and keep in mind of what you spent on the vacuum versus what the cost of repair might be. My own rule of thumb is if it cost more than ½ of the price I paid for it then you have to decide – do I want to pay the repaired cost for the vacuum or do I want to purchase a new one. Just a suggestion... You may want to check with your local vac dealer. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
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