Replacing a Vacuum Cleaner Bag

Vacuum cleaners can come in many different styles: canister, cordless, robotic, upright and with or without bags. I purchased a vacuum cleaner that required a bag and when it came time to change the bag, I was a little confused as to how to do it. After all, there are different bags for different vacuums and, of course, different locations on the vacuum itself where the bag actually is. I didn't know any of this when I first went out to buy replacement bags and came home with a Z style bag when I should have bought a C. Obviously replacing the bag was a challenge with the wrong bag but once I discovered which bag to buy, the replacement was easy.

Replacing a vacuum cleaner bag is a simple task once you have determined a few things:

1. The location of the bag. First, locate where the bag is on your vacuum. Typically, the bag is in the main body of the cleaner itself. A panel will fit over the top that is removable. If you are unsure where the bag is located, refer back to your user manual or if you no longer have it, a quick search on the internet using the name of your vacuum cleaner will help.
2. 2. Remove the bag. This can be the trickiest part of the process if you are not careful. The bag is typically attached at the top to the tube where the debris is sucked in. Lightly tap the bag at the opening before removing it to settle any excess debris or particles that may become dislodged when pulling it loose. Slowly and gently pull the bag away from the tube. Do not squeeze the bag as dust and grime will surely escape and cloud the air.
3. The bag type. Once you have determined where the bag is, you will need to replace it with the correct bag type. This will be printed on the bag itself. They range anywhere from A-Z and might even have different versions such as a Kirby G3 or a Oreck CC.
4. Attach the bag. Simply find the bag's opening and secure it to the tube. Make sure it is as far up on the tube as it will go and then replace the panel.

The next time you run the vacuum, be aware of any changes such as difficulty sucking or dust coming out of the panel where the bag is seated. This means that you may have attached the bag incorrectly. If this happens, open up the panel again and make sure the bag is secure.