I use a bagless vacuum because of allergies. I can't have a bag full of pollen, dust and dirt or whatever is living in my carpet hanging around. I also wash the dirt container and all the plastic pieces after every vacuuming. My husband takes the paper filters outside and blows them out with the air compressor. I also clean the brush off that the hair and threads get wrapped around. It is also a very good idea to clean the hose out too. Hang it somewhere to thoroughly dry before the next use. Or dirt and others nasties get caught in the ribs of the hose.

Maybe you can put some baking soda in the bag each time you change it.

I read somewhere that a lady just left her vacuum suck up a dryer sheet and it was all good from that point.

Love the Febreeze and dryer sheet options. Next vacuum might be the plastic (no bag) kind, but can't go get it now. Vacuums have filters? ROFL Learn something new everyday. :o

I vacuumed up something a couple years ago and I can still smell it. I washed the filter (sponge like). I wonder if you could put a dryer sheet on top of the spongeish filter when you clean it and put it back in the vacuum? That way the air would go thru the dryer sheet and send out a nice fragrance? Think I will try it, (I really DO need to vacuum!)

That's what I wondered, too. We have a Rainbow vacuum. All the dirt, etc., goes into water which is then dumped. It's just amazing how much dirt is in that water. Whew! It has helped cut down on my allergic reactions inside our home, plus we only have carpet in the LR and hall.

I lift the lid and spray a squirt of Febreez into the hose area.....I also regularly clean the filter and change the bag, but other than that....nothing......it works...:)

I have always put a few drops of liquid air freshener, (yankee candle) right inside the bag. Works wonderfully.

I had an old "56" Kirby that finally bit the dust. I had it maintained every couple years. I used to take the bag off and just let it air out after use. I use to beat it to get the excess dirt out. I also used to keep baking soda sachets in the bag.. If you can't handle the scented sheets (I can't) Bounce carries the Febreeze free unscented dryer sheets. When I can, I open the windows when I vacuum. Even in winter!

I used to buy little sachets made esp to put in the bag---not sure if you can find them anymore.

This is why I buy an inexpensive vacuum and use it to death. When a vacuum gets that odor, it won't go away. It can be covered up but it's still there. I don't have carpet but do have large area rugs. The rugs start to get that odor when the vacuum does. The rugs get cleaned but the vacuum still has the odor.