How to Change a Bag on a Vacuum Cleaner

Co-authored by Erik Bakirov

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

If your vacuum cleaner doesn’t seem to be picking things up as effectively as it used to, it may be time to change your vacuum bag. Some vacuums come equipped with disposable bags, which are removed and thrown away, while other models have reusable bags that are emptied and replaced. Handheld vacuums, too, have bags that must be removed and replaced or cleaned, so knowing how to change bags is pivotal in properly and effectively operating a vacuum.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing Disposable Bags

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1
Set out a sheet or newspaper. Laying out some newspaper or an old sheet will help trap any dirt that might burst from the bag during the removal process. This is a useful step for older vacuums, and vacuums whose bags are extremely full.
- You may also want to keep your trash can close by to avoid dragging dirt or other debris through the house.
Either zip your vacuum’s bag chamber open, or remove the plastic top to access the bag. Most upright vacuums have a zip closure, while most hose-attachment vacuums use a plastic receptacle to house the vacuum bag.

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3
Check the bag for bulging. To determine how full (and messy) your job will be, check your bag for bulging. If there is no bulge at all to your bag, a full vacuum may not be the cause of your vacuum’s troubles. If there is a slight bulge at the bottom of the bag, or the bag is bulging almost to full capacity, it is time to replace the bag.
- If your bag is extremely full, you may need to manually remove dirt and debris from the chamber connecting to your bag.
4
Remove the bag from its case gently. The manner in which you do this will depend on your vacuum’s make and model. Most have a cardboard covering that attaches to a small, circular opening. You may need to remove a clip to remove the bag, or you may be able to simply twist the bag free. Check your specific brand’s instruction manual for further instruction.
- Although newer models usually have a seal that clicks into place once a vacuum bag is removed, old vacuums typically do not. To minimize dirt escaping, you can place duct tape or another adhesive over the bag’s opening.
5
Place the old bag in the garbage. Disposable bags should not be emptied and reused, as they are intended for single use and may not hold up under multiple uses. Once you have removed the old bag, place it into the garbage.
- While it may be tempting to make each bag stretch further, emptying and reusing disposable bags has been linked to a decrease in performance.
6
Place a new bag in the proper slot. Place a new bag in the exact same place, repinning any clips or switches that were in place when you removed the bag. Some vacuums have a mechanism to keep the bag firmly in place, while others rely upon gravity to keep the bag from moving around.
- It's very important to make sure you always use the right size bag.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Erik Bakirov
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
- Also, make sure you carefully attach the bag so it doesn't come loose while you're vacuuming.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Erik Bakirov
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
Close up the body of your vacuum, and you are ready to once again get cleaning. If, after replacing the bag, the vacuum makes an odd noise or does not suck as it should, reopen the chamber and make sure you have replaced the bag properly.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Reusable Bags

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Reusable bags are usually stored in the same manner and place as disposable bags. Open the body of your vacuum, whether it is a zip closure or plastic lid to find your reusable bag.
2
Remove the cloth bag or plastic chamber carefully. Remove the bag from the vacuum chamber, keeping your hand over the hole that attaches to the vacuum itself. This will keep any stray dust from wandering out of the vacuum bag and spreading over the room.
- Some companies recommend completing this exercise outdoors to minimize the amount of trapped dust and debris that is released upon opening the chamber.
Using a kneading motion starting from the bottom of the bag, dump out the bag’s contents, keeping the vacuum bag close to the trash receptacle. Keeping it close will limit the amount of dust that is released into the air, and will direct most of the waste into the trash.
4
Wipe out a plastic chamber or clean a cloth bag with a damp rag. If your vacuum uses a plastic chamber to hold its contents, you can wipe it out with a dry or damp rag to remove any lingering dirt or debris. If your vacuum uses a reusable bag, you may be able to wipe down the exterior of the bag with a damp rag, or you may run it through a wash cycle. Refer to your owner’s manual for definitive cleaning instructions.
- You may also run a plastic canister under hot water to remove stubborn residue.
Once your bag has dried, replace it in the body of the vacuum, once again placing it into the vacuum the same way it was removed. If there were any parts that needed to be lifted, pressed, or removed, lift, press, and replace them as you install the freshly-emptied vacuum receptacle.
Once you’ve finished replacing the bag or plastic bin, close your vacuum and check to make sure it is functioning properly with the clean bag. If not, check to make sure the bag or bin is dry and clean.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing Handheld Vacuum Bags

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1
Dismantle your handheld vacuum. Most handheld vacuums have a small, reusable bag or plastic chamber used to store any dirt and debris that has collected. Remove the plastic surrounding the chamber or bag to access the collected dirt and miscellaneous items.
- Because handheld vacuums are small, removing the tray or bag is usually a small enough task that it can be done over a kitchen trash.
Dump the bag’s contents into the trash, making sure everything has left the bag or chamber. Small vacuums are far more prone to malfunction, so making sure both the bag (or chamber) and filter are clean is pivotal in getting the most out of your vacuum.
3
Run the bag under warm water to remove dust and debris. Run the bag or bin under warm water, using your fingers to tease out any stubborn dirt or debris. Leaving dirt behind could affect the efficiency of your handheld vacuum, so make sure you are thorough in cleaning your device.
- Some models allow you to place the bag and filter into the washer and dryer. Check your owner’s manual for more information.
Always allow your bags and filters to dry before placing them bag into the chamber of your device. Placing a wet bag or filter into your handheld vacuum could result in an electrical short and subsequent electrocution.

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What are the mistakes to avoid when you're changing a vacuum bag?

Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist
Erik Bakirov is a Cleaning Specialist at Room413 Cleaning in Los Angeles, California. Erik specializes in deep, move-in, and move-out cleaning services. Room413 matches homeowners with reliable and trustworthy cleaning services. They also promote environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Erik Bakirov

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

The first would be using the wrong size, and the second would be putting it in clumsily. Other than that, it's hard to get it wrong.

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Question

Would a vacuum bag that comes loose cause dirt to get inside so the motor will not start again?

Community Answer

The bag compartment and motor housing are separate, usually, so a loose bag and loose dirt would not be able to get in contact with the motor. However, if the suction is clogged, some vacuums have a fail safe to not turn off. Disassemble the vacuum and check for clogs and/or loose wires. Make sure while doing this the vacuum is unplugged, to prevent being electrocuted.

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How do I put a new bag in my Hoover Telios vacuum cleaner?

Community Answer

Pretty much the same as the article. Press the release between the hose and the handle to pop the lid, and simply pull out the old bag to install a new bag.

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Tips

Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions, as all vacuum models have small differences.

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Make sure you have a fresh bag before removing the old bag.

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Some vacuum’s come equipped with an indicator light to let you know when the bag needs to be replaced.

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Warnings

Always make sure to unplug your vacuum before you open the chamber.

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If you have children or pets, you may have to change your bag more frequently.

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There may be a cloud of dust that accompanies this job, so wear a mask if you need to.

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