Tips on how to care for your sucky machine (a.k.a. The Vacuum!)

When you purchased your vacuum cleaner you like everyone else just looked at the basics on how to operate it.  Within those instructions there were tips on how to maintain it and trouble shoot when it fails to do its job at “sucking up”! You probably don’t even have the original instructions so here are a few links to some top manufacturers websites that can guide you on the proper maintenance of your vacuum cleaner.

HOOVER

ORECK

ELECTROLUX

DYSON

EUREKA

BISSELL

Here are our basic tips on simple things you can do to keep your vacuum working properly:

Before you start any maintenance on your vacuum cleaner PLEASE UNPLUG it.

1) Don’t let the bag or canister fill up completely – if you change or empty when it reaches that FILL LINE you eliminate the possibility that it could overfill and “explode” dirt that could reach parts of the vacuum it shouldn’t and cause it to malfunction.

2) Some vacuums have additional filters that need to be cleaned or replaced as well-and if you keep up on this maintenance you’ll eliminate that “stale sometimes pet smelly” air that spews out of your vacuum when you’re lax on this task.  HINT: put a small amount of baking soda in the canister or bag to absorb stinky odors that may linger if you don’t use your vacuums frequently.

3) Belt driven vacuums.  Belts should be changed every 6 months to a year depending on how much you use it.  I had a belt break once and that burning rubber smell stayed in my house for hours! Hint:  buy Two when you replace One!

4) Check and clean the carpet roller or beater brush.  String, hair, pieces of your carpet etc.  tend to “wrap” themselves around it so the brush can’t help in loosening up the dirt in deep piled carpets if it’s dirty.  It also could get stuck and not roll and seize up your machine and then you’re definetly going to smell some burning rubber in your home!

5) Check your hoses for cracks and clogs.  Take a broom handle and push through the hose to check for clogs and loosen them up if they are there.  Cracks usually can be found while your vacuuming so just take your hand and feel for any escaping air.  Replacing the hose is the best option, but for a quick fix you can use duct tape (they come in decorative colors now!)

Have any tips on vacuum maintenance you want to share?  Feel free to comment!

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