Vacuum cleaner manufacturers and dealers expect users to use their cleaning appliances only in the intended ways. When you vacuum up something that may be harmful or dangerous, you may damage a significant part of the machine, and these actions may void the vacuum’s warranty. Additionally, vacuuming items that have no business being inside your vacuum could cause delays in getting broken parts repaired or may harm the person repairing the issue.

You should always use reasonable caution when cleaning floors, stairways, under furniture, blinds, walls, cars, or anything else. Taking chances when vacuuming should always be avoided. Stay with us as we take a look at a few things you should never ask your vacuum to do.

Actions You Should Never Attempt at   Home or Work

We've all seen this phrase on television, “Do not attempt this at home,” and the same applies to vacuum cleaners. Study this list of vacuuming no-nos, and you will never be sorry:

• Never run the vacuum when it is overfilled – A full or overfull vacuum will lose suction power and may cause damage. Doing this repeatedly can overheat the motor and burn it out. Empty the bag or canister when it is between half and three fourths full.
• Don’t start vacuuming before checking the roller brush – The roller brush may be clogged with hair, string, a toy, or other debris from your last vacuuming session. Always check the bag or canister for fullness and the roller brush for issues before starting.
• Never run the vac over the cord – This may sound unnecessary, but running a strong spinning brush over an electrical cord can be a problem. Doing this too many times can fray or damage even the best ones. Once the cord is damaged enough, it can be a hazard to the user or anyone else in the room.

 

• Not watching the cord – Some cleaners have extra long cords that become tangled around furniture and other objects, and what’s worse is when you or I become entangled in it. Even younger people or those with quick reflexes can trip and hit their heads on a sharp object. Seniors can fall and break a limb or hip on hard floors by not being aware of where the cord is at all times.
• Don’t assume the vacuum is worn out because there is no suction – A lack of suction may indicate that the wand, hose, bag or collection container is stopped up or overfilled. Sometimes the full-bag indicator may be malfunctioning, or some part has come loose. Check the cord to see if it’s pulled loose from the outlet or the appliance. Also check where the hose goes into the vac, and don’t forget to clean the roller brush.

Here are three other actions to avoid – two are serious, and the other is not. Avoid pulling out items that are stuck in the roller brush when the vacuum is plugged in. You can cut or break a finger or hand by doing this. The second is: don’t let your hair get too close to the roller brush or vacuum attachments. Many people have had their hair sucked up and ended up losing some or cut their heads in the process. Avoid these actions and bypass a trip to the doctor. The third thing to avoid that’s not too serious is: Don’t pull the vacuum around by the cord as you may pull it loose from the outlet or the vacuum itself.

It’s Critical to Avoid Vacuuming Up These Items

So, there’s something on the floor you’ve never vacuumed up before – what do you do? It may be tempting to vacuum up coins or small rocks instead of sweeping them up because you have to take extra time to get the broom and dustpan. However, you should avoid vacuuming up the following items like the plague, or you may be sorry:

• Hard objects of any kind
• Liquids of any kind
• Wire, nails, or screws
• Toys, coins, or glass
• Long hair
• Coffee grounds
• Fireplace or wood stove ashes
• Shredded paper
• Pieces of plants

Picking up any of the above may not be a real issue after only one or two times, but the next time could be a problem because these items can become lodged somewhere in your vacuum cleaner, causing serious internal damage, or harm the user.

Most likely, you spent a lot of time and money shopping for your current home or business vacuum cleaner. Keep it running for years by practicing these don’ts and properly maintaining the machine. You will encounter fewer breakdowns and repair bills by using it the right way.

When You Need a Vacuum Cleaner, Contact Us

ThinkVacuums.com has one of America’s largest selections of upright, canister, backpack, and central vacuums. You’ll find high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and fabulous prices when you shop with us. Check out our website today or talk to one of our vacuum experts at 1.877.979.3004.

P.S. – We have a sale going on right now!