Vacuum Belt Buying Guide

Vacuum cleaner belts transfer power from a vacuum's motor to its brush roller.

-Brush rollers are also called "agitator brushes," and accordingly, vacuum belts are sometimes called "agitator belts."

-Even though a vacuum's brush roller does not have to be in operation for a vacuum to create suction, having a healthy, properly matched belt in a vacuum is very important to the vacuum's cleaning ability.

This is because agitator brush systems are responsible for the large majority of cleaning done by vacuums that include them in their design. Brush rollers literally beat dust and debris out of carpet so the vacuum can collect it with its suction.

-Self-propelled vacuum models use a second belt to power their drive systems.

-We explain vacuum belt type basics below and offer some suggestions for correctly matching replacement belts in any vacuum model.

Why Do Vacuum Belts Break?

-normal wear

-wrong belt installed

-improper belt installation

-an obstruction in the brush roller

Normal Vacuum Belt Wear

-Vacuum belts are wear parts, parts designed for regular replacement.

-The amount of time between vacuum belt replacements is mostly determined by the type of belt that the vacuum uses and by how much use the vacuum sees.

-Most vacuum belts are made of rubber that stretches and loses its elasticity during operation.

-As a belt stretches and become loose on its brush roller, the brush will begin to turn more slowly and eventually not at all, severely decreasing the cleaning power of the machine.

Other Causes for Vacuum Belt Breaks

-Vacuum belts can also break or wear rapidly for reasons other than normal wear.

-Installing the wrong size belt and improper installation of a correctly-matched belt are two common reasons for frequent breaks.

-An obstruction in the brush roller is the most common cause of preventable vacuum belt failures.

-An obstruction in the brush roller puts strain on the rubber belt, causes it to heat up, stretch, and make an awful smell before it finally snaps.

-Anything that restricts or stops the movement of a vacuum's brush roller can cause the belt to break.

The most common vacuum brush roller obstructions are:

-sucking up loose carpet, especially carpet corners

-a severely dirty agitator brush area

-hair, string, or and other debris that can wind around the brush

-Accurate belt replacement, installation, and careful vacuum use will help prevent belts from breaking prematurely so that they can be replaced at regular intervals.