Your vacuum cleaner doesn’t need very much attention, but some simple maintenance can prevent it from breaking down and needing costly repairs. By cleaning your vacuum regularly, you’ll keep your vacuum running smoothly for years.
Below are six steps on how to maintain your vacuum cleaner:
1. Check & Replace The Vacuum Bag
Check the bag regularly and replace it when it is full. One of the quickest and easiest things you can do to maintain your vacuum cleaner is to replace the bag on a regular basis. A vacuum cleaner bag that is only 1/3 full may be too full to clean efficiently. The air must pass through all the collected dust and debris. A full vacuum cleaner bag means that the machine must work harder, or that it will not clean as well.
2. Empty Bagless Models Often
Empty the bin or tray on bagless models frequently. Most designs make it very easy to pop the bin out. Many bagless machines even have a marker indicating when to empty the receptacle. This is helpful, but even if the debris hasn’t reached this marker, it’s still wise to empty the receptacle anyway. We would suggest you empty it after every use. Don’t let the dirt and debris settle within the unit. And depending on the type of bagless unit you have, you may even want to rinse out the receptacle with water to ensure all of the dirt has been removed.
3. Clean The Vacuum Filters
After emptying your bin, you’ll also want to clean the attached filter. Many newer model vacuums have filters on the exhaust air to catch particles that remain in it. Read your manual to find out if yours has these, and clean or replace them periodically if it does.
You can gently knock the filter against the garbage to loosen any clinging debris or tiny particles that may be trapped inside. Then you can take your finger, or any other object that isn’t sharp, and remove dirt from in between the slats of the filter. It’s not necessary to remove every last bit, but doing a general cleaning of the filter can help it work properly. If the filter is made out of foam or plastic, you may be able to rinse it clean. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before replacing it in the vacuum cleaner. We can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your filter clean. This is especially relevant if you own a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, as that filter is designed to help improve your indoor air quality.
4. Clean Your Vacuum’s Brush Roll
The brush roll or also known as the beater bar is the spinning brush underneath that brushes the dirt out of the carpets. Look under the machine and locate the brush roll. Generally, it will be across the front of the bottom. If it is full of hair, thread, or other debris, it is time to clean it.
You can either remove these objects while the roll is in place, or you can remove it. We would only suggest removing the roll from the vacuum if you feel comfortable with doing so. You’ll be able to give it a deeper clean by removing it, but what’s the point of doing so if you can’t get it back on. Once you’ve identified objects wrapped around the roll, you can remove them with your fingers or with scissors. Then gently pull these objects from the roll until they come completely off. You may even consider washing it off with soap and water, just to ensure that it’s as clean as possible.
5. Check & Replace The Vacuum Belt
Whether you own a central vacuum or an upright, canister or another type of vacuum with a powered brush roll, your vacuum also has a belt. After checking the brush roll, you may want to check the belt, which keeps the roll in place. If the belt is stretched out, frayed or isn’t tight against the roll, it may be time to replace it. Also, make sure that the belt hasn’t slid out of place or become damaged in a particular spot. As a general rule of thumb, most belts need to be replaced every 6 months to one year. This solely depends on the frequency of which you use your vacuum cleaner, not to mention the brand and model you’re using.
If you don’t use your vacuum cleaner very often, let’s say once every two or three weeks, then you likely won’t need to replace the belt twice a year. However, if you use it every single day, then maybe you’ll need to replace the belt every few months. If you do replace the belt, you can do so by removing the roll, sliding the belt off, and then sliding the new belt on. It’s easy to do, and not something that you need to take to a special technician. In fact, in the Instruction Manual that came with your vacuum cleaner, there’s probably step-by-step instructions for replacing the belt.
6. Bring Your Vacuum to Our Vacuum Service Center
If you’ve noticed that your vacuum just isn’t picking things up as thoroughly as it used to, we here at AAA Sew & Vac can replace parts based on what’s causing the problem. Depending on how old your vacuum cleaner is, having us fix the problem for you may be the best route for you and your family. Oftentimes, however, it’ll just be easier to buy a new vacuum cleaner. Especially with so many models and new technologies available.