10 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Vacuum Cleaner

Wednesday, 12th April 2023

1. All vacuum cleaners have a hard life and their power cables/cords and plugs seem to have it hardest. Damaged plugs and cords are one of the main reasons your vacuum cleaner may stop working without any warning. Power cables can easily get damaged when they rub against hard or sharp surfaces, such as the edges of furniture, or when they become tightly stretched or twisted. Power cords can also crack and break when they are frequently stepped on, therefore you need to take extra care while handling. Before each use it’s a good idea to check the plug and cord. Any power cables which have cuts, cracks or loose wires need replacing. When you’re finished vacuuming, remove the plug carefully, rather than simply jerking it out of the wall socket or by pulling the cord. This may not only damage the power cord and plug but also the electric socket. It will not be the case if you are using a cordless vacuum cleaner 😊.

2. By emptying vacuum bags and cleaning filters out regularly, you will ensure that your vacuum cleaner is never too full to run efficiently. Most vacuum cleaners have removable filters which should be cleaned weekly. Some are equipped with a dust canister and do not require bags. You just simply remove the canister from the vacuum cleaner casing and empty it into a bin bag.

3. Make sure you have a good range of attachments for those hard to reach areas and only use the original parts/accessories specific to you vacuum cleaner model/type.

4. If you are using upright vacuum cleaners, make sure you regularly inspect the brush bar/beater bar, which most of the upright vacuum cleaners have fitted in their cleaning head. When brushes in the bar are at half of their normal length it’s time to replace them.

5. DO NOT use your regular vacuum cleaner as a wet vac. They are not designed to take any liquids inside. The moisture trapped in the vacuum bag can not only cause odour but also can create corrosion and deterioration of internal parts.

6. Check for blockages in the pipes and hoses. DO NOT attempt to vacuum up things which are too large and may block the pipes or floor tool/brush head. Things like pieces of food or metal objects should be picked up by hand prior to vacuuming.

7. If your vacuum cleaner has lost suction or the suction is reduced, check for things wrapped around the brush head or beater bar. Long hair and frayed carpet fibres are the usual causes.

8. If cleaning the brushes has not resolved the suction problem, you will need to check filters. These will need to be cleaned or replaced as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure your vacuum cleaner is turned off and unplugged.

9. If your vacuum cleaner turns itself off, it could be that it’s overheating. You will need to check the obvious, such as filters, pipes and brushes for blockages and that the power cable isn’t damaged.

10. Immediately investigate any burning smells or strange noises which are coming out of your equipment. They might indicate something serious. You may need to consult with the manual or manufacturer’s website in order to find out what the problem is.

REMEMBER: Mistreatment, carelessness and lack of regular maintenance are all enemies of your vacuum cleaner.