Don’t buy a new vacuum, take care of your existing one!
We know it’s a dirty job, but nobody else is going to do it! Clean out that old filter and change the bags regularly to save you from buying a new vacuum.
How do I know when it’s time to change the bag?
One of the most important things you can do to keep your vacuum running smoothly, is to make sure that you replace your bags regularly. If you let too much junk build up in your bags, this means that your vacuum has to work much harder and eventually your motor can burn out. Start by opening your vacuum and checking if your bag has a “fill line”, if it does, then great, this is the ideal time to change out your bag and put a new one in.
If your bag does not have a fill line on it, then you can simply squeeze the bag, letting you know how full it is. Another tell-tale sign that your vacuum needs changing is that if your vacuum has a harder time picking up dust and debris (we recommend not using this method, as it is not the most reliable way). One last note on this topic, make sure you buy the right bags for your vacuum, and that when you do replace them they are securely fastened in the vacuum.
How do I clean my vacuum if it’s bagless?
Instead of bags, bagless vacuums use “dirt cups” or canisters to hold all of the dust and debris. In order to keep your bagless vacuum working in good order it is a very good idea to empty your dirt cup after every use. Make sure you empty your dirt cups outside in the trash can, as they can be pretty messy. If your manual says it’s okay, you can even give your dirt cups a rinse, just make sure you let them dry out in the sun for a day or two afterward.
How often should I clean my filter?
Clean your filters every 2 weeks and make sure you totally replace them about every 6-12 months (we recommend buying them from amazon.com). To clean your filter, start by getting your filter out, and tap it clean into your trash can, just be sure you don’t do it so hard as to get dust and debris everywhere.
Next you can get a soft bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb and begin cleaning off some of the bigger/clumpier dust particles, just make sure this is done either outside or over a trash can as well. Finally, please check your manual about cleaning your filter. There are links at the bottom of this article with most of the major manufactures manuals. .
How do I clean the rollers and bristles?
The spinning brush underneath your vacuum is one of the most important items to keep clean on your vacuum. Turn your vacuum upside down and if there is a removable flap there, you can remove it to expose to roller. Once done, you should be able to remove the roller from the vacuum and clean any loose hairs, fur or dust from this with a brush or even your fingers. Make sure you even clean the sides of the roller where it connect into the vacuum, if you feel it needs it you may even lubricate these with some WD-40.
All of this is crucial to keeping your vacuum cleaner running strong for as long as possible. Just like your car, the best way to keep your vacuum from dying on you is to practice good preventative maintenance. Consult your owners manual if you have any problems with your vacuum. Here are some links to some major manufacture’s websites, where some manuals will be.
Major Manufacture’s manuals:
Hoover Manuals
Kenmore Manuals
Eureka Manuals
Dirt Devil Manuals
Dyson Online Information
Bissell Manuals