Key Steps:
Regularly:
- Change your vacuum cleaner bag.
- Make sure the floorhead is not clogged with debris.
- Change or clean the vacuum filter.
Keeping your vacuum cleaner or hoover in working condition ensures it has a longer life and gives you better value for money. Expensive vacuum cleaner repairs can be avoided with a little regular inspection and care. So what maintenance and cleaning measures should you take to prevent your vacuum wearing out before its time?
General Use and Maintenance Tips for Your Vacuum Cleaner
When using your vacuum cleaner, try to stick to some basic guidelines, and you may not have to resort to time-consuming hoover repairs later on.
- Treat the vacuum cord with care. Avoid pulling out the plug with the cord, or using the automatic rewind when the cord is tangled or obstructed.
- Check bags regularly. Remember, a bag shouldn’t be full to the brim before it is changed, as vacuum cleaners can lose suction when bags are more than half full. Never re-use paper bags, as their pores become blocked after one use, which can cause the vacuum motor to overheat trying to circulate the air.
- Pick up any larger objects like children’s socks or coins that may accidentally slip up into the hose. Hoses can sometimes become blocked in this way, so if your vacuum is not performing as it should, try testing the hose by pushing something long and thin, like a broom handle through it.
Caring for Your Vacuum Cleaner Parts: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Check the floorhead for blockages. One of the key areas to focus on in vacuum maintenance is the floorhead, sometimes called the powerhead or beater bar. This is the flat attachment at the base of the hose that makes contact with the floor. By flipping the head upside down and looking underneath, it’s easy to tell if it’s clogged with debris and needs cleaning.
- Open up the floorhead. To do this, remove the bottom plate from the floorhead. It may unclip, or you might need to get a screwdriver – remembering to hold onto any screws that you take out! Carefully take out the brush roll at one end, making a note of which direction it needs to face when you replace it.
- Remove debris. Pull out any fluff, threads, or hair that may have become wrapped around the brush roll. You may need a small pair of scissors for any tangles.
- Check that the roll is spinning properly. If not, unscrew the end caps and check the bearings inside for any dirt build-up. This simple routine can save on hoover repairs, but you will need to replace the brush roll from time to time, depending on usage.
- Check the vacuum belt. This is located over the brush roll. You can check this while the bottom plate is removed by placing a finger under the belt and feeling to see if it is still taut. Any sagging, cracks, or visible wear may mean you need a replacement. It’s a good idea to buy a new belt once a year, again depending on how much you use your vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning Your Vacuum Cleaner Filters
Dirty filters mean a less-efficient machine, so an important vacuum maintenance tip is to make sure the filters are functioning properly on your hoover. Different models have different filtering systems and while some are washable, others will simply need replacing when used, so double-check your model’s instructions before going ahead.
Your vacuum may also have several filters, depending on whether it uses bags. Foam filters found on the exhaust air can often be rinsed under a tap to clean them, but make sure you allow them to fully dry before replacing them in the vacuum. Plastic filters can simply be dusted with a soft brush or cloth, preferably outside or over the bin.
Things to Watch Out for When Caring for Your Vacuum
- Always unplug the vacuum before you begin your maintenance regime. It sounds obvious, but even accidentally knocking a switch can cause vacuum cleaner parts to start working unexpectedly, which could result in physical or electrical injury.
- If your vacuum stops working abruptly, this may mean it has overheated. Switch off and unplug, waiting for at least half an hour for it to cool down before using again. This may be an indication that vacuum repairs are needed, so it may be wise to seek expert advice if the problem cannot be found.
- Monitor your vacuum for changes in noise and performance, in order to get an idea of how often it needs attention.
- Regardless of any issues, you can reduce the risk for vacuum repairs in the long-term by regularly checking the internal parts, bag and hose every few uses.
- Remember – this advice represents general care and maintenance, and you should always refer to the manufacturer’s handbook for specific instructions, especially before removing any hoover parts in order to clean them.
As you can see, just a little easy care and maintenance can ensure cleaning tools like vacuum cleaners remain effective. By bearing these tips in mind, you can extend the life of your vacuum and keep it working at its best for longer.