How To Maintain Your Vacuum Cleaner
The average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is five to seven years, but the life span can actually be stretched longer with regular maintenance. If you fail to maintain the vacuum, it may break sooner than usual. Here are some maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your vacuum.
Check the belt
Some vacuums have a variety of heads that can be attached at the nozzle, but most upright vacuums have a motorized brush roll inside the powerhead to assist with suction and controlling the pace of vacuuming. The belt system works by connecting a motor with a brush roll using a flat belt, which can become damaged over time. If you vacuum daily, you may have discovered that this belt can become damaged within months, since it’s exposed to so much wear and tear. Replacing the belt is not difficult to do, but it requires the right screwdrivers and about 20 minutes to complete.
Cleaning out the brush roll
Sometimes there is a buildup of debris that stops the brush roll from spinning freely; this build-up can be caused by:
- Long hair.
- Large objects like marbles, coins, toys, etc.
- Sticky spots.
Vacuum cleaner manufacturers design the brush roll to be easily removable while still stable enough not to become dislodged during vacuuming. You will also need a screwdriver to remove the covering and to slide the roll out in order to unravel clumps of hair and scrub off food stains.
Remove clogs immediately
If you have children who like to play with toys with small pieces, it’s tempting to just vacuum them up, instead of picking them up one at a time. However, objects lodged in the airways can quickly build into a serious blockage. If you think that an object is stuck in the hose, use a flashlight to look inside. Once you’ve identified the block, use a pair of pliers to free the object.
Protect the cord
The vacuum itself can be quite heavy, so it’s understandable to try and limit how much you’re picking up the machine and moving it between outlets, but electrical cords can only withstand so much tension. Practice good habits, such as:
- Unplugging cords at the plug.
- Holding the end of the plug for retractable cords.
- Carrying the vacuum by its handle.
These are some tips to help you maintain your vacuum cleaner; for more serious problems, it’s best to find an expert to help sort things out.