Most of the time you don’t give much thought to your vacuum cleaner as long as it is doing a good job. When it stops working, however, you suddenly realize just how often you use it and how much you need it. A good vacuum cleaner can be an expensive purchase. It’s smart to keep to the little things that help keep it running smoothly and last for a long time.
Here are some simple tips on maintaining vacuum cleaners to keep yours running strong.
1. Check the bag regularly and replace it with the right size when needed.
If vacuum cleaner is leaving behind debris or not picking stuff up, check the bag first. Air has to circulate through the debris in the bag for the vacuum to work. If the bag is too full, the machine won’t work properly. There is a line on the bag to show you when it is full.
2. Empty the collector on bagless models often.
If you have a bagless model, you can usually see the container filling up. Empty the container often to keep your vacuum working at peak efficiency
3. Keep the brush roll clean.
The beater bar or brush roll is the spinning bar underneath the machine that sweeps dirt up into your vacuum. It is easy for the brushes to get tangled up with pet hair or thread. A lot of the time you can quickly clean off debris without removing it, but it is worthwhile to take it off and give it a thorough cleaning. While you’re doing your maintenance, you may want to replace the brush roll all together. If the bristles are worn down to nubs or there are cracks in the roll, it is time for a new one.
4. Lubricate and clean the brush roll bearings.
While you have the brush roll off take a look at the bearings on either end. Debris will often get wrapped around them keeping them from moving smoothly. Clean out any debris wrapped around them and lubricate. Check to see that they spin freely before replacing.
5. Look for signs of wear on the belt and replace it when needed.
Now that you have the brush roll off, take a look at the belt. Does it have worn or cracked spots? Is it sitting properly in the groove? Does it have too much give to it?
6. Check the hoses for cracks or blockages.
If your machine suddenly loses suction, take a look at your hose for any blockages. Sometimes it is as easy as giving the hose a good shake to work it free, but sometimes you will need to fish out whatever is causing the blockage. A wire coat hanger is a good tool for this, just be careful not to poke any holes in the hose. You might find a crack in your hose that is keeping it from working properly. You can do a quick fix with duct tape if you’re in the middle of a job, but the hose will need to be replaced to do a good job.
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