Your Cordless Stick Vac Needs a Bath—Photo Tutorial
Rarely do I gush. But gush I do over my Eufy Cordless Stick Vac*. Can’t help it. Eufy is so handy, easy to use, and serves us so well in our home, office, garage, and alas, my husband’s woodworking shop.
Eufy HomeVac Lightweight Cordless Upright-Style Vacuum Cleaner (NOT to be confused with the Eufy Duo 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, of which I am not such a fan) is not a broom, not a mop, and not even a substitute for a good vacuum cleaner.
*Update: As of Jan. 2019, Eufy Cordless Stick Vac has been discontinued. We have replaced it in our Best Inexpensive line-up with Deik Cordless Stick Vac which had a short life until it too was discontinued. I know … crazy. But not to worry. The Hoover Linx has both of them beat and it is fantastic. This Tutorial is applicable to all of these vacs in case you have a Eufy, a Deck or even a new Hoover Linx (Amazon and Walmart).
A stick vac is sorta’ (kinda’) like an electric broom that picks up dust, dirt, hair, fur, cat litter, and all manner of debris from hard surface floors and from the surface of the low-pile carpet.
Hoover Linx (Amazon and Walmart) is cordless, super lightweight with a swivel head, and sports a Lithium-ion battery that holds a charge like … forever!
These stick vacs are unique in that they stand up alone, unlike most of their competitors that must be laid on the floor or hung from a hook. Hoover Linx is especially awesome. And inexpensive. But even Hoover Linx cannot go very long without a decent cleaning and a good bath.
Linx needs to be emptied and cleaned often or she will stop picking up all the stuff you need to be picked up. If your Linx isn’t working as well as it did in the beginning, this photo tutorial is for you. If you do not own a cordless stick vac, you will soon once you see how easy this is. Just 20 minutes from start to finish.
I empty the dirt cup on my Linx every time I use it, which is almost daily. Easy. I give Linx a “bath” every few weeks or when it is looking particularly grungy. Like yesterday when I also took photos of the process.
Keep in mind that my husband sneaks Linx out of the house and into his woodworking shop to clean up sawdust, which means sawdust, tiny chunks of wood, and even small nails. Yikes! I’m not sure Linx was created for his kinds of tasks, but so far, with routine maintenance, she cleans as well for us as she did on the day she arrived more than a year ago.
Heads up: Not every part of Linx can be submerged in warm, soapy water. I will point out the two sections that should be cleaned with a damp cloth only.
Here’s my Eufy in serious need of a good cleaning (which I still use and enjoy along with my venerable Deik!), and it’s been only a week since the last cleaning. Clearly, she’s been in the woodshop. Note: These same directives will apply to Hoover Linx.
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Step 1: Press the RELEASE button to remove the dust collector. Hang on to it with one hand so it doesn’t fall out once released!
Step 2: Carefully twist the HEPA-style filter that sits at the top and inside the Dust Collector and pull it out. Shake it off over a trash can to keep the mess at a minimum.
Step 3: Open the latch at the bottom of the Dust Collector so you can dump out all of the contents (into a trash can would be better than a piece of parchment paper as shown for photography purposes).
Step 4. Pull out the filter assembly piece from the top. This has a tight fit, but can be easily coaxed out. (Seriously, Eufy … where have you been?!)
You should have three separate pieces: Dust Collector, HEPA-style filter, and filter assembly housing.
Step 5: Disassemble the vacuum by locating the release button as shown. This may take a little muscle if you have not taken this apart previously.
This is where the electrical connection is, so make a visual note of how it is connected.
The long handle piece has two holes you need to check, making sure there’s nothing stuck between the two. I’ve had this completely jammed packed in the past when something like a grocery receipt got in there and backed everything up. I needed a wire coat hanger to get all of it to surrender. No wonder Eufy had stopped picking up anything.
The pathway between these two openings must be completely clear and free of debris.
Step 6: Remove the roller brush from vacuum head. Note that one side has a latch-clip. Push it forward to release.
Now you can release the latch and lift out the brush roller.
Step 7. Clean the roller brush of everything that’s gotten tangled around it—hair, thread, fur, whatever. Use scissors to cut the debris rather trying to unroll. Pull and dispose of everything that’s gotten attached to the brush roller.
Step 8. Fill a basin or bowl with warm soapy water. Time to take a bath.
Start with the HEPA-style filter. It’s made of heavy paper, but washes well and will last for many of this kind of cleaning. (Replacements available HERE.) I even take a soft brush to it. Once rinsed, set aside to dry. I blot it well with a towel, then set it in the sun to dry. Takes a few hours or overnight. This is why it’s nice to have two filters.
Next, the filter assembly …
… then the roller brush.
Followed by the Dust Collector.
Step 9: Clean the vacuum head (the part that runs on the floor) … BUT DO NOT SUBMERGE it in water. Clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth—inside and out.
Clean the vacuum handle in like manner—with a damp cloth. DO NOT SUBMERGE.
Step 10: Once the filter is completely dry, it’s time to put Eufy back together again. Start by putting the roller brush back into the vacuum head making sure it is fully engaged.
Close the latching making sure it clicks to lock it in.
Reassemble the filter into the housing piece and then both into the Dust Collector. Replace into the vacuum handle.
Reattach the vacuum head and the vacuum handle being careful to line up the electrical connections between the two. Easy!
Press the power button to make sure Eufy is all put back together and ready to get dirty again. Then stand back and admire your work. So pretty!
Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vac (Amazon and Walmart).
Great website. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your sweat!
I love my Eufy and still have my original filter. I take my machine apart outside and use the air compressor to blow everything clean. I have a handle with a long thin metal tube and can blow the air out of the filter from the inside. It’s like new when I clean it and I don’t worry about breaking down the fibers with washing. I do this with all of my vacuums.
I have been caring for my Eufy home vac bought in 2017 just as you described. Unfortunately I reused all my filters after washing and drying until I am on my last one now. Is there anywhere to get one of the older model filters not the new duo. I love this vac. I can vacuum my whole small house including wood and tile on one charge. It works great and washes up easily. Sorry they got rid of them. Not a fan of bigger is better. This one did great against edges.
Need a re[;acement filter PLZ!
I bought a Shark vacuum on your recommendation years ago. In 2017 we replaced our kitchen and installed hardwood floors on the first floor and stairs, unbeknownst to me the Shark was used to clean instead of the shop vacuum. Yes sawdust, wood chips, nails etc. My man loved it. And despite the abuse my Shark is still working!
Thanks!
I didn’t know you could clean a hepa filter like that. Think the little filter in the Eufy robo vac is cleanable that way too?
Yes! At least I clean mine from Eufy robot. It’s very heavy paper and cleans up easily. I’ve even cleaned furnace filters and the filters in my Sharks. Guess I’m just a filter-cleanin’ fool! Just make sure you let it dry thoroughly. If its wet, stuff will really stick and get hardened. And that would also open up the possibility of growing mold/mildew in there. Stinky and not too healthy 🙂
It seems as if the Eufy cleans well if your mess is in the middle of the room. However, how well does it work at the edges of the room, against baseboards, furniture, etc. (places where you usually need the hose of a regular vacuum to effectively clean)?
Amazon has a link to a newer model of the Eufy you are recommending. It is only $80. Would you recommend that model??
Amazon has since raised the price of the white newer model to $109.99, whereas the black older model is still $99.99. You can apply a $10 Amazon coupon to either (not sure how long that will last). I hesitated and didn’t purchase at the $80 price. However, still concerned how well it cleans against edges.
The model you refer to is the white version—otherwise it is the same machine! Good find for those who enjoy a white option!
Great!! Since I went to Amazon from your link, I think you will get the credit even though I bought a different model. Thanks so much for sharing about great products.
Can anyone answer me about the cleaning capabilities? It’s been 2 days with no answer. Thanks.
The link for filter is for the Duo 2-in-1.