How to Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner

1. 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.Check to make sure your vacuum has a ground prong. If this is missing, DO NOT USE the vacuum. Contact your lead custodian for repair.

2. Check the bag regularly and replace it when it is full. 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. Look for a line on the bag and feel with your hand to determine about how full it is.

If a working vacuum cleaner misses debris on the carpet or leaves behind fuzz where there was none, that's also a cue to check the bag.

3. Replace any vacuum bag that is 2/3 full. Read the directions on the vacuum cleaner, the bag, or in the manual. Regardless of the procedure, make sure that the bag is on all the way and secure, and that any clips or holders are in place.

Image titled Maintain_vacuum_5 Use the correct bag size and type for your machine.

4. Empty the bin or tray on bagless models frequently. Most designs make it very easy to pop the bin out.

5. Clean the brush roll. Also called a beater bar, this is the spinning brush underneath that brushes dirt out of the carpets.

Image titled Maintain_vacuum_6 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.

6. 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).

7. Check the belt for signs of wear, and replace it if it is worn.

Remove any cover plates on the bottom, as you would to clean the brush roll. Pull on the belt with your fingers. It should be very taut.

Compare the belt to an unused belt. If it is stretched out or narrower than the new belt, replace it. Replace the belt every 6 months to 1 year, depending on how much use your vacuum cleaner sees.

8. Remove any large accumulations of debris from the air passages and the brush roll housing.

9. Replace the brush roll.

10. Replace or clean any filters on the vacuum cleaner. 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.

11. 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.