My hoover is smelly! help!

[toomuchmonthatendofthemoney]

i have a Morphy Richards Premair, not sure how old it is as inherited it from parents about 2 years ago.

it seems to work fine, but just this week i've realised its smelly. the cupboard smelt funny for a few days and i've traced it to the hoover. we don't have pets and ds is toilet trained, i dont remember scooping up any small rodents recently, the hoover bag was changed fairly recently and isn't full, so am at a bit of a loss.

any suggestions to help? thanks!

is there a filter in it that may need changed? I have to change mine every 5 bag changes and wash it every other bag change.

I also stick cotton wool with a few drops of essential oil into the bag.

Has a small child stuck a fish finger in the air vents?

[helpful]

You can buy powder to put in th bags of Hoovers - or just use some washing powder!

put a few drops of lavender oil on a ball of cotton wool and pop it into the bag. Works a treat.

Soupy... you sound like you're speaking from experience!

If you vacuum bag has got wet, this can cause an odour.

thanks for your replies ladies, its very nice to get some help.

have checked the bits i can get to for any of ds' favourites but no sign of cheerios/raisins/peanut butter so far.

not sure about a filter, will check and will do the essential oil thing, sounds lovely. Do you think if i use lavender oil in my hoover i will induce a calm, serene and restful atmosphere in my home? well, its worth a try!