How to Perform a Vacuum Cleaner Tune-Up

Your vacuum cleaner is one of the most important appliances in your home. Without it, those who have carpet in their homes have no way to get the carpet truly clean unless hiring a professional. For those without carpeted flooring, a vacuum is a much quicker and more efficient method of cleaning floors than broom sweeping. For your vacuum to operate at its best, you do need to perform occasional maintenance and routine cleaning. A clean vacuum is an efficient vacuum. Take care of your vacuum cleaner, and it will take care of you! Here are a few essential tips for an at-home tune-up:

Empty the Canister or Change the Bag

For bagless vacuum cleaners, make sure you’re emptying the canister as it nears its fill line and remove any stubborn dust or debris from inside by hand. For bagged machines, replace the bag when the indicator light has come on (if your vacuum doesn’t have a light, check the bag manually). Never reuse bags, as this can clog up the filtration system. Change your vacuum’s bags every three months, four months, or six months, depending on how often you vacuum.

Clean or Change the Filter

Think of filters as the lungs of a vacuum. As your vacuum ‘breathes’ in air full of dirt, dust, pet hair, etc., the filter traps the fine particles that don’t collect in the bag or canister. In order for any filter to accomplish their job properly they need to be clean. Dirty filters cause dirty air to be redistributed back into your home, which can cause allergy & asthma problems for the occupants. Many vacuums have at least one washable filter. Check where your vacuum’s filters are located, then remove and tap against a hard surface (preferably outside) to remove any clumps of dust. Run the filter under lukewarm water and allow it to air dry thoroughly – at least 24 hours – before returning it to your machine. If, after washing, the filter is still dirty, then it should be replaced.

Clear the Brush Heads

Make sure the brush on the head is free from hairs and threads. If it becomes jammed, cut (don’t pull!) any threads that prevent it from rotating. Be careful to avoid cutting the bristles.

Some brush heads have indents that run the length of the head, these are designed to allow scissors to guide through hair and threads without cutting the bristles. Once all removed, if your brush head has no electrical elements, clean it in warm water, massaging the bristles to remove any embedded dust or fibres. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before refitting it to your machine.

Friendly Stitches Sew & Vac (Downers Grove, IL) are experts in vacuum and sewing machine repair in-house and in-house servicing. We’re a friendly, cheerful place to do business, offering high quality vacuums, sewing machines, and parts, in addition to sewing, embroidery or quilting classes and events. Stop in today so that together we can find the best solution for you, or call us at 630.541.8388. Visit our website and please follow us on Facebook!