We all have that noisy piece of machinery which helps us keep our habitats clean. Though, in spite of being the emblem of cleanliness, the hoover often finds itself fall prey to the inevitable dust bunnies. Vacuum cleaner are a pricy commodity and neglecting their well-being not only affects the tone of your abode’s hygiene, but also gives cramps to your wallet.
An ill-maintained vacuum cleaner will either do less cleaning or do the same amount of cleaning consuming extra power. It’s a costly gadget which is expected to last for years.
So to save those extra dollars on its repairs, service or replacement, here are some tips and hacks to keep that dust guzzler humming for years to come.
Clean the brush roller:
Every standard vacuum cleaner has a roller brush concealed within the floor head which guides over the floor. The brush, which pulls up hard bits strewn across the floor, is susceptible to be obstructed by hair, threads and similar bits getting entangled. These can reduce roller speed or stall the roller entirely.
The brush can be cleaned by running a finger or a pair of scissors horizontally across the roller.
Some rollers have a groove for a scissor to sweep through, cutting the thread-like debris. Some vacuums have a detachable brush which can be removed for a good old soapy wash.
Clean the filters:
The quality of indoor air majorly depends on dust particles floating in the air. They may be blamed for everything from a harmless occasional sneeze to full-blown allergic reactions. Nowadays, most of the commercial vacuum cleaners have dust filters which collect the fine dust particles and prevent them from re-entering your home.
The filters have air running through it constantly and if much dust is accumulated, the suction starts to fall again and results in less cleaning and more power consumption.
But cleaning the filters is not a frequent hassle to worry about. The vacuum filters can be removed for cleaning once every 2-3 months for intermittent users. There are different types of filters and you can access them on your device using a manual. If your device has a plastic filter, it can be rinsed thoroughly, dried for a day and put back in. If it’s a paper or fabric filter, it can be tapped or brushed to remove dust. Some vacuums have a HEPA filter for improving the air quality which doesn’t require any maintenance and usually comes with a long service warranty. You can buy vacuum filters and accessories from a hardware store or by doing online shopping.
Dust Containers / Vacuum bags:
This is the most important part of maintaining your hoover. Some devices may have bags to be attached while others may have a removable container. These bags or dust containers should be regularly replaced/emptied to get the best from your hoover. It is the least time-consuming activity you will perform on your device to get the most visible results.
Contrary to public belief, the bags should be replaced when they are filled 2/3 of its capacity as opposed to waiting for the bag to get full. This is because the air passing through the dust needs room and if the bag is full, the dust in the bag will stray away outside into your room. A full bag is often detrimental for the suction, causing around 10 to 30 percent drop in suction.
Signs that your bag needs a replacement include more dust seen on floor after cleaning than before and less suction strength.
Once you replace an almost full bag, you will literally feel the vacuum working with more force, almost like a new piece.
Occasionally, change the belt:
The brush belt is the piece holding the brush tightly in place and also the one rolling it. After sufficient usage, the belt can often be stretched out. This loosens its grip over the roller, preventing its efficient motion and making your Sunday afternoon furthermore stressful.
Along with its fit over the roller, the belt should also be checked for any damage. The wear and tear of the belt depends upon how frequently you happen to use the device and also the quality of the device. For a frequently used vacuum cleaner (more than 4 times a week) the belt should be ideally be replaced within 6 to 10 months.
Other tips and hacks:
Apart from the above practices, there are a few more things you may look out for while using your vacuum cleaner.
- Clean the air vents regularly and check for any dust accumulation there. The vents block dirt from going out the hoover and also help cooling it by ventilation.
- Check for overheating. Take a half an hour break if the device is overheated.
- See if the vacuum bag is properly connected before every use.