My dad has three dogs and four cats, and I made the mistake of trying out one of my new toys (an older German "Vorwerk") on his carpets and upholstery to see how well it would work in a really bad situation.

Now it has an awful stench when I use it... changing the bag hasn't helped at all.

Somebody PLEASE tell me there's a remedy, lol.

I have an elecrolux (Alex T.'s favorite model) that was used to clean out a kitty litter box. Whhheeewwww!!!! I have had the machine now 5 years and have tried all kinds of things, perfumes, Popuri oils on cottenballs and so on. Yes those work great but the when the machine warms up you can still smell kitty caca-duty. Yes it is not as bad as it once was and I am glad but wow that is so hard to get out of hard shell machine.

David

You might want to check with your local Pet Supplies Stores, to see what they can recommend. I know that they do have products for Carpet, Rugs and upholstered Furniture, but I'm not sure about products that could also be used on something like a Vacuum Cleaner housing.

My area has Pet Stores, besides Pet Smart and Petco as well. One of them is called The Western Feed Store and has not only Food for almost all types of Pet Animals, but a real good selection of other needs, pertaining to Pet care and house and yard care also. I hope that this helps you some with your inquiry.

Please let us all know what you find out "FYI" for future possible needs of others as well.

Kind Regards, Steve
Electrolux1960...

thoroughly encapsulates odor-causing enzymes and neutralizes them, leaving a pleasant bubblegum-y scent.

The trick is to get the odor thoroughly coated with the stuff. So getting into the innards and all the nooks and crannies of the interior of a vacuum cleaner may be tricky.

Kitty Scram is available in many vac shops, or look for it in large housewares departments, garden shops etc.

It's great stuff!

Another Great thing to use is "Sporicidin", which should be available at any Carpet Cleaning supply place. I work at Cain's Carpet Care, and we sell Sporicidin. Use it Straight. It helps for pet odors as well as mold and mildew. Again, as Charles Lester said, it would be a good idea to dis-assemble and clean your vacuum, including the motor and case. If you need assistance in regard to working on the motor of your Electrolux let me know, and I'll be glad to help.

Sincerely,
Nathan L. Thomas

I would try just wiping the vacuum out with white vinegar. It takes the smell out of everything that I have ever tried. Barb MacMillan

Might work. Had not thought of that. My mom used to boil a small saucepan of vinegar when she fried fish to keep the odor from permeating the entire house. I =hate= fried fish btw. YUCK.

perhaps Kirby Odorific?

I like how ozone works for killing odors. I have this "Living Air" air purifier thing that makes ozone, I use it mainly for deodorizing vacuums. It has worked well so far.

Try crumbling up a bunch of dried eucalyptus leaves and sucking them up into the bag a few consecutive times. and ditto on the white vinegar treatment. I keep that vercockte moth-gassing device on my Electrolux with eucalyptus in it for everyday use. Leaves the house smelling koala fresh.

It's one reason I love my old model E. Not only does it have the extinct front exhaust filter on it, but the moth thing fits easily on it. Also, it's blue.