Like many other home appliances, vacuums or vacuum cleaners need to be taken care of in order to maintain its optimum performance for many years to come. Even the best vacuums are prone to some failures especially if they’re not maintained. A vacuum requires only simple maintenance in order to remain in its top working condition.
Here are some tips on how to do proper maintenance on your vacuum:
If you clean the vacuum while it is still being plugged into an electrical outlet, some parts may turn on unexpectedly and may cause you injury.
If your vacuum’s bag is about 2/3 full of dirt and debris, empty it. The reason that the vacuum won’t work properly if the bag is completely stuffed with dirt is that it has no more space for what the vacuum picks up.
Fortunately, many bagless models have bins or trays that are easily removable. Even though many bagless models come with an indicator which alerts the user that the bin is now completely full, it is still better to empty the bin after every use so that the dirt won’t settle too long inside it. You may even need to wash and/or rinse the bin to make sure that it is totally devoid of dirt, but that depends on the model. It is also preferable that the attached filter should also be washed and cleaned or replaced periodically.
The brush roll underneath the vacuum is what does the cleaning action. This part shouldn’t be ignored as certain items such as accumulated fur, hair, thread from the carpet, etc. which have clung to the roll can prevent it from spinning as well as it should. If that’s the case, then it’s time to clean the brush roll.
You can remove the attached objects while the brush roll is still in place inside the vacuum, or you can remove the brush roll and clean it, which is more preferable (especially if you know how to re-attach it back to the vacuum) as you will be able to clean it more thoroughly. If you remove the brush roll, use scissors or just your fingers to gently remove the objects that cling around the brush.
You may also want to clean the roll’s caps, bearings, and the interior parts of your vacuum cleaner. Cleaning these parts doesn’t have to be meticulous, but just a quick clean with a damp cloth will be enough to remove trapped dirt and debris.
The belt should be in place and taut against the roller. If it isn’t, and moreover has signs of wear and tear, then it is time to replace it.
As a rule of thumb, the belt should be replaced after six months to one year of use. But still, it depends on the model and brand of the vacuum, as well as how frequently you use it. If you use the vacuum everyday (or almost everyday), then perhaps you should replace it every few months.
Filters are great (and even important) features in vacuums — particularly the newer models equipped with the HEPA Filter — as they help in cleaning the indoor air. If your vacuum cleaner has a filter, you should replace it regularly.
Never fail to check hoses, too, to see if there’s something that is blocked inside it. You may do this by peering into the hose or by inserting a stick or any object inside the hose and see if you hit something. Some of the usual items that are stuck inside the hose are socks and smaller toys.
If your vacuum is not working and you can’t figure out what’s the problem, you can take it to the vacuum shop for repairs. They may replace the problem parts for a small fee, but that still depends on the problem and how much the shop charges you.
If your vacuum is quite old and is failing by now and you cannot decide whether to have it repaired or buy a new one, it’s better to buy a new and more improved model. There is a wide range of new vacuums on the market, including canister vacuums and robot vacuums. Browse at the stores (online or physical appliance stores), and who knows, you’ll be surprised to find amazing vacuum discounts or vacuum deals.
Some vacuum reviews offer tips on how to take care of your machine. Like many other home appliances, vacuums also need maintenance to keep it working as efficiently as it should. These vacuum maintenance tips above are so easy and won’t take a long time to do.