8 Maintenance Tips on Cleaning a Vacuum Cleaner

Your first step should always be reading the manual so that you can identify the different parts that we are talking about. This is a general guide – some tips will apply to your model, others won’t.

That is not so important right now, though. What is important is that you know exactly how to open up the machine to check everything and that you know where everything goes. You should not be ending up with excess parts at the end of this exercise.

Also, it pays to be prepared. Make sure that you have spares of consumables that may need to be changed out before you start.

Empty the Dirt Bags Consistently

To start off with, make sure that the bags that collect the dirt are cleaned out on a regular basis. Set yourself a schedule and do this at least weekly, depending on how often you use it and how much dirt has been hoovered.

If you have done some heavy-duty cleaning, empty the bag out just after you have used it. This prevents dirt getting in and clogging up the works. It also means that there is less chance of tiny dust particles being released back into the air while you are busy using the device.

This step really does not take long and can make a huge difference, so make it a habit.

Remove All Dirt and Dust

Every so often, again depending on how heavy the usage has been, take your device outside and make sure that the rollers are free of dirt and debris. This can be a pretty dirty job so be prepared.

It is an important part of vacuum cleaner maintenance because it helps the rollers stay clean and clear of debris, or things that could otherwise gum up the works. This is especially important if you have pets, as the hair can easily get tangled in the roller.

If you ignore this task, eventually the rollers will become so mired down that you won’t be able to get them moving.

Clean and Replace the Filters Regularly

Depending on how advanced your sweeper is, there could be a few different filters at different points in the machine. In some sweepers, these are in one central location. Check your owner’s guide and see what is true for your model.

This has got to be one of the top vacuum cleaner tips – check the filters. There is nothing that can quite impact the performance of the machine as badly as a clogged filter.

Do this at most, every fourth time you use it. Schedule time to take it outside. In some instances, you might be able to dislodge a lot of the dust, extending the useful life of each filter as well.

Check Vacuum Cleaner Brush

While you are there checking on the rollers, do also check the brush mechanism. Take a stiff bristled brush that you can fit into the “mouth” of the machine and use it to gently remove bits and pieces stuck in there.

This helps to improve cleaning ability – the more clogged the brushes are, the less effective they will be. And, like the rollers, if they get too much hair or gunk in them, they can also get stuck making your machine useless.

This is not as much of a mission if you clean out the dust and dirt on a regular basis. So, again, consider doing this after every fourth use at the least.

Clean the Vacuum Hose

It’s important that you clean your hose on a regular basis to improve the overall efficiency of the vacuum. There is always a possibility that large globs of dirt and dust get caught in the hose or the nozzles. Start by removing the nozzles or heads and making sure that they are clear and unclogged.

Then check the hose – this means taking it off gently and making it straight. You can look through to the other end to make sure that there are no obstructions. (Hold it down to the ground and look down into it – if you hold it up, you could end up with a mouthful of dust.)

Remove clogs by first trying to jostle the hose. If that doesn’t work, try using a coat hanger or dowel rod.

Check and Clean the Vent Covers

Vent covers form an extremely important function but are something that most people overlook. These covers are there to stop big bits of dirt from being blown out the back of your sweeper. They are also there to help keep the machine cooler.

If you ignore cleaning these out, you run the risk of overheating your machine over time. Dust build-up in this area can also have a serious impact on the overall efficiency and cleaning power.

It takes a few seconds to just check these quickly and can add years to the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner. Do this at least once a week.

Inspect the Belt

This is what keeps your brush rolling and in the proper position. Over time, it loses integrity and starts to stretch. This makes operations a lot less efficient as the brush no longer rolls properly. Inspect this area carefully to make sure that all is in order.

For starters, make sure that the belt sits flush against the brush roll. If it has started getting slack, it is time to get a replacement.

Next, you want to check it for damage. Debris and wear and tear can cause damage to the belt. If this is the case, it will need to be replaced.

The final thing to check is whether or not it has slipped off. If it has, put it back in place.

Seek a Professional

Getting professional advice is a good idea, especially when you are dealing with really expensive models. Find out from the manufacturer if they recommend regular servicing. It could be a good investment to have it checked out every six months to a year and get a professional check-up.

At the very least, do not attempt to repair anything yourself or you run the risk of making it a lot worse. If there is something wrong, follow the steps that we have outlined here to ensure that it is not an issue of something being blocked or something like that.

If that is not helping, or you find nothing, take it in.