Think about all of the messes that your vacuum cleaner takes care of each week. Show your machine some appreciation by tuning it up on a regular basis. Follow these steps on maintaining your vacuum cleaner so that it can last for many years.
1. Stay Power Safe
Always unplug your vacuum before performing any service on it. Electrical shocks can happen even if you’re not touching the vacuum at the time.
Examine the power plug and cord as a primary maintenance step. The plug should have three prongs that aren’t cracked or loose.
Because vacuum cords can be 10 feet or longer, it’s worth the time to look at each section with care. Examine it for any holes or tears.
These cords are insulated with thick material, but exposed wires can appear with enough use.
If you find any issues with the plug or cord, don’t power up the vacuum until they’re fixed. You’ll protect yourself and the vacuum from harm.
2. Look for the Bag
If you have a bag model, the vacuum has a snap-off feature for access. Find the access point and open it up.
Inspect the bag and its enclosure. A properly attached bag won’t allow any particles to escape into the vacuum’s interior spaces. Ideally, all of the dust should be in the bag.
Most bags have a fill line that’s easily visible from the exterior.
You may need to remove the bag to hold it up to the light.
Remember that a full bag will force the machine to work harder than it should. Check the fill line on a regular basis. Replacing the bag should be commonplace if you use the machine at least once a week.
3. Consider Bagless Models
The latest trend in vacuum styles are the bagless varieties. You must empty a container with no bag necessary.
This maintenance task is more akin to a weekly chore than replacing a bag every few months. There should be a simple latch that releases the contents when you’re ready to empty it.
Don’t forget that bagless models have unique needs. Debris might be stuck within the container.
It may be necessary to remove the debris by hand by wiping out the container’s interior.
Your vacuum’s bag or bagless style is determined by the manufacturer. It’s not possible to convert a machine from one style to the other. If you’re in the market for a new vacuum, carefully consider this feature before purchasing the next machine.
4. Replace the Bag With a Comparable Type
In general, replace a bag that’s about 2/3rd full. This level can vary by manufacturer, however. Be sure to check the vacuum’s instructions for any variations.
Additionally, every vacuum has a different size and shape to its bag. The manufacturers make identification easier by indicating the type of bag, such as:
- Type A
- Type Q
- Type C
- Type Y
Simply use the current bag as a reference point. The bag manufacturers remain consistent with the type descriptions and sizes. The new bag should just slide on without a fuss.
5. Access the Brush Roller
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One part that’s constantly being used on the vacuum is the brush roller.
It’s located along the vacuum’s head where the suction works its magic. Lay the vacuum on the floor. Turn it over so that the bottom of the brush housing is visible.
Look for latches along the base that lock the roller in place. They should pop to the side with just a thumb’s action.
Make a mental note of how the roller fits into the housing. It has only one orientation.
Use care when removing the roller because of the connected belt. Slide it off without damaging it with excessive stretching.
6. Clean the Roller
Aside from the bagged debris, the roller is one of the dirtiest parts of the vacuum. It beats the floor with its brush, which pulls debris into the suction and away from your carpets.
However, string and hair tend to wrap around the roller. Grab a pair of scissors, and cut these items away from the brushes. If large scissors don’t fit, consider manicure scissors for those smaller areas.
Focus on the roller’s tips where hair can wrap tightly around the connection point with the vacuum’s housing. You want all of the large debris to be removed.
By leaving any sections wrapped with hair or string, you’re reducing the vacuum’s ability to pick up particles. Neglect in this area leads to a strained motor and future breakdowns.
7. Inspect the Belt
Take a look at the belt that’s now loosened from the roller. You can inspect every inch of it by carefully rotating it through the housing.
Look for any excessive wear, cracks or tears in the belt. A replacement belt may be necessary after a few years of use.
The rubber is tough, but this area takes the brunt of the household’s cleaning duties. Replace the belt if it has damage or seems too loose around the roller.
When the belt is properly wrapped around the roller, it should have a tight grasp of the part. Loose belts won’t rotate the roller in the proper manner for optimal cleaning.
8. Clean the Roller Housing
Because you have the brush roller pulled from the vacuum, it’s a perfect time to clean its housing.
Debris and grease may build up within the housing that’s normally full of the roller-and-belt configuration.
Take a damp rag, and wipe out the housing.
Pull any hair or clogs that might stick to the seams or fasteners within. This step reduces any friction that might occur between the roller and housing.
A slow roller reduces the vacuum’s efficacy in the home and puts unnecessary forces on the motor itself.
9. Rinse or Replace the Filters
Every vacuum has at least one filter to keep dust at bay during operation. Be sure to access the filters and inspect them.
Clogged filters don’t allow air to move as readily as it should otherwise. The vacuum’s suction is an immediate issue.
Take a look at your vacuum’s instructions when it comes to filter maintenance. Some products must be discarded and replaced.
Many manufacturers opt for more environmentally friendly filters that can be rinsed. Clean these filters as often as possible. The vacuum will feel like it’s brand new with proper filtration.
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10. Examine the Hoses and Attachments for Clogs
The vacuum may have a clean bill of health, but the attachments and hoses are often overlooked. Pull the hoses away from the vacuum. Detach them if your model allows this function.
Use a flashlight to shine a light down the hoses’ lengths. There may be dust down their lengths, but clogs shouldn’t remain. Clear any clogs that you might find.
The attachments are easier to clean. They’re typically small pieces that can be cleaned with toothpicks or soaked in a sink of water.
Take care of every piece so that suction can move freely throughout the vacuum system.
Many of today’s most popular vacuums have available replacement parts for when real breakdowns occur.
Replace declining parts when necessary as you keep up with regular maintenance. Your vacuum cleaner contributes to your well-being and the home’s value over time.
If you decide to replace the vacuum cleaner, then you need to think about recycling it. In this case, we have prepared tips for recycling vacuum cleaners. Also, if there is a need to purchase a new vacuum cleaner. Take a look at our list of best electric brooms.
