5 simple tricks to keep the vacuum in optimal conditions

The vacuum cleaner is one of the essential household appliances, since it allows maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for the whole family, in a practical way and without much effort on the part of the user. However, like any other device, it needs regular maintenance so that it can work properly for a long time.

It is true that the electric vacuum cleaner has come a long way since it was first patented in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth, an engineer born in Gloucester, England. More than 100 years have passed and the machines we know today have very advanced technologies. However, it is still important to take a few steps to keep your vacuum cleaner in good condition to get the most out of it while ensuring a longer life.

1. Don’t let the bag or reservoir get too full

This is a fundamental trick for the vacuum cleaner to work correctly, which is why you should check the condition of the bag from time to time according to its capacity. To facilitate the work, some very modern models incorporate an indicator light that changes color when the bag needs to be replaced, which is why it is very important to read the instructions of the device, since each piece of equipment can be different.

If the bag is too full, the vacuum cleaner will have to make a great effort to continue sucking up dirt and yet it will not be able to provide optimum performance, therefore the result will be poor and the useful life of the machine will be compromised.

On the other hand, even if you have the best broom vacuum cleaner (if you click here, you will find several products to choose from) without a bag, you should pay attention to the capacity of the tank and empty it frequently, since if it is too full it can affect not only the operation of the device, but the dirt could return to the air, thus contaminating the space you are cleaning. In this case, it is advisable to use gloves to carry out maintenance on the tank, in order to avoid direct contact with the powder.

2. Check the status of the rotating brush

If you have a broom vacuum cleaner or any other type of suction device with a rotating brush, then you must take into account the cleaning of this element. Most of the dirt that we are going to find on the brush of the machine is hair, which due to its size is trapped and does not pass into the container or the bag. In this case, the first thing you should do is locate both the brush and the opening mechanism to access it. This is of vital importance in order not to cause damage to the structure of the vacuum cleaner, so it is good to consult the manual.

In some cases, you will need a screwdriver to remove a few screws in order to access the brush, either to remove it or clean it directly on the machine. Other models have more practical opening systems, so you won’t have to use tools. Once you have access to the brush, you can use scissors to cut the hairs that are more tangled, taking care not to damage the bristles of the brush. Afterwards, it is possible to easily pull the hairs with your hands.

Once you’ve done this job, it’s good to check that the brush rotates smoothly. This is very easy because the rotating brushes have bearings at the ends. If you find it difficult to turn it, it means that the bearings are stuck due to excess dirt. Bearing caps are usually easy to remove because they are threaded, so just hold the opposite end and twist the cap by hand. Then you just have to remove the dirt, put a few drops of multipurpose oil and put the covers back on.

3. Change the strap periodically

Most vacuum cleaners have a belt that rotates the brush, but if it is in poor condition, the performance of the machine can decrease considerably, so you should check it every 6 months to check that it is working correctly. You just have to remove the strap and compare it with a new one, if the one you just took out has lost its elasticity or on the contrary is very elastic, then you should replace it.

The new belt must fit correctly in the corresponding slot, which you must check when installing the brush, otherwise the machine will not work optimally. It is worth remembering at this point that it is necessary to use a belt specially designed for your vacuum cleaner, it cannot be the belt of a different model.

4. Clean the filter frequently

So that your vacuum cleaner is always available for use, it is good to keep the filter in optimal conditions. Modern models incorporate a filter to prevent dirt particles from returning to the air, however, not all vacuum machines have this element, so it is necessary to first check if your device has this option.

Before cleaning the filter, it is good to check the material with which it is made, if it is paper or cloth it is very likely that you will have to replace it, but it is also possible to shake it while you buy a new one. On the contrary, if the filter is made of plastic or foam, then you can easily clean it under the tap, using a mild soap. However, it is important that you let it dry completely before reinstalling it.

5. Make sure the hoses are clear of obstacles

The typical problem we find in vacuum cleaners is the lack of force to suck up dirt, but the cause is not always a motor failure. Just as the bag, filters and brush can be full of dirt, this can happen with models that have hoses, causing the appliance to work harder trying to absorb dust.

You can insert an object that is thinner than the hose into the hose, such as a broomstick; in this way, it is possible to remove rolls of hair and other elements that are stuck in the middle of the flexible pipe.