How to Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner

This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University.

There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

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Your vacuum cleaner doesn't need very much attention, but some simple maintenance can prevent it from breaking down. To save yourself from costly repairs, check the vacuum's filter or canister, hose, and brush roll every time you vacuum. Replace parts as needed and clean dust from the machine so filters don't become clogged. By checking your vacuum regularly, you'll keep it running smoothly for years.

Method 1 of 3:

Checking Filters and Cannisters

Empty the dust canister before and after each vacuuming session. If you have a bagless vacuum, remove the canister and dump out the dirt or debris that's in it before you vacuum. Then, dump it out again after you finish vacuuming. [1] X Expert Source

Over time, dirt may coat the inside of the cannister. To deep-clean it, rinse the canister with water. You can use a garden hose and clean the canister outside to minimize the mess.
This is especially important if you're using a stick vacuum, since it has a much smaller dust canister.

Replace your vacuum's dust bag once it's 3/4 full. If you have a canister vacuum or upright vacuum that stores the dirt and debris in a disposable bag, always check it before you vacuum. [3] X Expert Source

You might actually damage your vacuum if the bag is full and you continue to run the vacuum.

Tip: Some vacuums have a bag indicator light that will signal when it's time to replace the bag.

It takes about 24 hours for the foam filter to dry.
Your vacuum will suck up more dirt with a clean filter.

Some instruction manuals might direct you to shake or tap dirt out of disposable filters in between replacements.

Advertisement Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Roller Brush and Belt

Consider placing the screws in a small bag so you don't lose them.
You may need to snap off the side of the cover head to access the belt. This depends on your vacuum's make and model.

Tip: Read your owner's manual for more specific instructions about opening the cleaner head.

If the belt has slipped off of its track, it may be too loose and you should replace it.
Purchase a new belt from a vacuum repair store or online. Then, take the old belt off and slide the new one in place.

Your owner's manual may refer to the brush roll as the beater bar.

If the brush roll doesn't spin freely, you might need to replace the brush roll.
You can do this every time you clean debris out of the brush roller.

Wear gloves if you don't want to touch the dirt or debris with your bare hands.
Ensure that the drive belt is properly reconnected to the brush roll.

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Do this for stick, canister, or upright vacuums.

Advertisement Method 3 of 3:

Caring for the Outside of the Vacuum

If the cord is damaged, take the vacuum to a vacuum repair shop. They can inexpensively repair or replace the cord.

Step 2 Use a damp cloth to wipe dust off the outside of the vacuum." width="460" height="345" />

Ensure that you clean where pieces attach or connect. Removing dust and dirt from these areas can make a tighter seal so the vacuum works more efficiently.

For example, if hairs are caught in the turbo brush blade, take a pair of scissors and cut the hairs free from the bristles.

If the hose is clogged, you might notice a loss of suction when you vacuum.
Use caution when you insert the wire into the hose since you don't want to accidentally puncture the hose.

Tip: Since cleaning the hose can be messy work, consider cleaning it outside or in the garage.

Community Q&A

How do I get hair out of my vacuum cleaner's castor wheels? Community Answer

A seam ripper (like one from a craft/sewing store) should be able to slice the hairs. I'd suggest tweezers to pull on the hair clumps as well. Additionally, see if the wheels can be removed.

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Can a vacuum get damaged if it gets wet? Community Answer

Yes, depending on the type of vacuum that it is. Some vacuums will be fine if they get wet, while others will be damaged from the water.

Is there a hole in the back of the brush that gets clogged so dirt won't go into the bag? Community Answer

No. Anything you suck up will go into the bag. Pick up anything big enough to get stuck before you start.

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If your vacuum cleaner is making a strange noise or still isn't cleaning as well as it should, take the machine to a local vacuum repair store. These shops can usually sell you parts or repair your machine.

Avoid yanking the cord out of the outlet when you finish vacuuming since this can damage the prongs on the cord.

Always sweep up large debris or pick it up by hand instead of trying to suck it up. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Please provide your name and last initial Thanks for submitting a tip for review!