Maintaining a Vacuum Cleaner
Your vacuum cleaner doesn’t need very much attention, but a little simple maintenance will keep it working and cleaning as efficiently as it can. Maintaining your vacuum cleaner properly can also head off more costly repairs or replacement..
Always Unplug your vacuum cleaner before performing any maintenance on it. A vacuum cleaner that turns on unexpectedly while you are working on it can injure you.
Clean all of the filters after each use
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.
Replace the collection bag often
When the bag is only half full, the efficiency of your vacuum is reduced by 60 – 80%. This means that you may be wasting your valuable time and getting a poor result. A vacuum cleaner bag that is only 1/3 full may be too full to clean efficiently. Remember that the air must pass through all the collected dust and debris, so a full vacuum cleaner bag means that the machine must work harder, or that it will not clean as well, or both.
Keep the rotating brush head clean
Keeping the brush clean and free of hair and other materials that may stop it from turning, putting strain on the motor. 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. Use scissors or just your fingers to clean the brushes. They don’t need to be spotless, but you should remove any hair or string that is wrapped around the brush. Pay special attention to the ends near the bearings and to the area around where the belt engages.
Make sure you adjust the brush head to the correct height for your carpet to maximise airflow and allow the brush to roll and gently agitate the carpet fibers
Do not use a vacuum cleaner outdoors or to vacuum liquids unless it is designed for this purpose.
Clean and lubricate the bearings on the brush roll
Spin the brush roll on its axle with your fingers, to verify that it spins freely. If it doesn’t, you may need to clean out the bearings more thoroughly, lubricate the bearings, replace the bearings, or replace the entire brush roll (in ascending order of expense).
Check the hoses for clogs and obstructions. It doesn’t happen very often, but if you have lost suction, try pushing a broomstick gently through the hoses to dislodge any larger clumps of debris that are stuck. A hook made from bent coat hanger wire can also be used to pull out or loosen clogs.
Check the Belt
If the belt is loose, has worn spots, tears/cracks or uneven lumps, you should probably replace your belt. A worn belt leads to an inefficient vacuum. Also, Make sure that you belt is on correctly. An off-kilter belt can cause undue wear on the engine and the belt.
