Your vacuum is an important weapon in the never-ending battle against, dirt, dust, debris, and pollutants. It helps keep your air free of allergens and irritants and keeps your carpets looking and smelling fresh. It’s worth investing in a good vacuum, as we all know. But few realize regular cleanings as part of maintenance are essential to keep your machine running smoothly and cleaning your home or business to its best ability.

All types of popular household and commercial vacuums need to be cleaned, including:

• Uprights
• Canisters
• Central Vacuums
• Backpacks
• Stick Models
• Handheld

Let’s delve into the typical parts of these vacuums that need regular attention.

Where to Start

Before you begin any sort of maintenance on your vacuum or any other electronic machine, be sure to check that the machine is unplugged and the switch is set to off. This will ensure that it is not accidentally engaged while you are working which could lead to a machine or personal body damage.

The main thing to do for regular maintenance of your vacuum cleaner is to change the bags when they are three-quarters of the way full. Do not wait for them to fill or become overfull as the dust and dirt can get into filters and motors which will cause damage to your machine or possibly break it.

If your vacuum is bagless, the same thing applies. Empty your cylinder or canister before it is full so that dust and debris do not get into places where they can do some damage. Make sure your vacuum cleaner bag, canister, or cylinder is connected securely to maintain maximum suction power.

Brush the Brushes

The next important parts of your vacuum to inspect and clean are the brushes. When you flip the vacuum over, the brushes should be evident because they are usually part of the beater bar. Remove the bottom plate by removing the screws or clips holding it on. Removing the plate gives you full access to the brush bar. Pull the brush bar out of the machine and you will note the belt attached to one end. Remove any debris caught in the bristles and around the roller itself. This is the mechanism that lifts and fluffs your carpet while the suction removes dust and dirt.

Strings, hair, and carpet fibers that have been wrapped around the roller need to be removed. You may need a seam ripper or a pair of scissors to cut the debris-free before unraveling it. Pay special attention to the ends, removing as much as possible from them. Anything on the ends can get caught in the bearings or belt and cause damage to your machine. Take time to inspect the bearings on the ends of the roller bar, cleaning and possibly lubricating them when needed. Bags, filters, and rollers can be ordered online at fabulous prices.

Belts and Filters

While you have the bottom plate off of the machine, check the belt for any signs of wear or tear. Stretch marks on the belt or thin spots indicate a need for replacement. The belt is an integral part of your entire machine and needs to be checked with care. Check to see the belt is in the correct place. If it is frayed, stretched, or seems loose, then replace it. Belts generally need to be replaced every six months to a year depending on the frequency with which you use your machine.

At this point, you can reassemble the roller and bottom cover. Wipe down any large spots of dust or grime from the housing and air shafts. Check each filter and clean or replace them, whichever the manufacturer of your vacuum cleaner instructs. TIP: Keep extra bags, filters, and a belt on hand so they will be there when you need them. This eliminates a trip to the store or waiting for one to arrive in the mail.

If your vacuum has a foam filter, wash it by hand and reuse it every few months. Let it air-dry overnight and make sure it is completely dry before reusing it. You may encourage the growth of mildew or mold if you use the filter before it is dry and this will make your vacuum smell musty and yucky. Cleaning and maintaining your vacuum regularly pays off in the long run.

Vacuums develop odors that are unpleasant and you should use a commercial or home-made product inside the bag or canister. This makes vacuuming more pleasant each time you clean the house. Clean-smelling products are found anywhere vacuums are for sale.

“Before you begin any sort of maintenance on your vacuum or any other electronic machine, be sure to check that the machine is unplugged and the switch is set to off.”

Hoses, Tools, and Accessories

Lastly, check your hoses for any blockages. You can use something long and narrow like a broom handle to gently prod inside of your hoses. Move slowly to prevent pushing existing blockages further into your system. It might take some ingenuity to pull out some blockages but doing so will save the integrity of your entire machine. Check your tools and accessories for blockages, debris on brushes, and other grime. Keeping your system clean overall will keep your appliance running in top running condition and help extend its life.

Clean and Sanitize the Outside Housing

Don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the housing, handle, and hose with a damp cloth and/or soapy water at least once each month. Do not use harsh cleansers or they may change the color of the vacuum with repeated use. Complete the job by sanitizing the parts you touch.

Let Think Vacuums.com be your one-stop shopping experience for vacuums, tools, attachments, accessories, and parts. Call us at 1.877.485.7208 if you have questions about any of our products or services.

Sources and References

• Clean And Maintain Your Vacuum