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When you spend $300 to $700 on a high-end vacuum cleaner, unless you didn’t need your $600 stimulus check on groceries or rent and cashed in on a high-class vacuum, you want that vacuum to last. And getting that vacuum to last means maintaining it properly.
And it’s generally not that difficult to do but it does take a bit of consistency.
Here are 10 tips the experts recommend:
#1. Read the manufacturer’s manual
This tip may be so innocuous that it hardly warrants mentioning but the sad truth is perhaps only around one out of every 20 people who buy a vacuum ever read the manual. Or if they crack it open, it’s only to see a diagram of how the vacuum is actually put together or taken apart.
However, virtually every vacuum manual contains all the necessary steps to maintain your vacuum.
It will tell you how to attach a bag if it has a bag or how to dispose of the dirt if it’s a bagless machine.
It will also contain important tips such as how to lubricate your vacuum, when and how often to change the filters, tips on keeping the cord functioning well, and more.
Not reading the manual on your vacuum is a bit like buying a new car and not bothering to read the manual. It’s your bible for keeping your vacuum humming.
#2, Take care of the electrical cord and the vacuum hose
It may surprise you but any number of vacuum problems can be avoided by being careful of how the electrical cord or the vacuum hose are taken care of.
Many people unplug their vacuum clearer from the wall by giving the cord a stiff pull from around two or feet from the wall electrical receptacle. Or alternatively, using the chord to hoist the vacuum cleaner up the steps.
And having to replace the electrical cord on your vacuum cleaner is not only expensive but not covered by your warranty.
That’s not the worst part though. The worst part is that if your vacuum cord becomes damaged, it can either electrocute you or one of your kids using the vacuum or far more likely, cause a fire.
You should inspect your vacuum cord at least monthly and in addition, careful of vacuums with automatic retractable cords. While handy, they actually often cause damage to the cord if the cord is hung up somewhere.
As to the vacuum hose, they are one of the weakest links in your vacuum. If you get creases in a vacuum hose they may kink almost permanently causing you to need a new hose.
In addition, sometimes dirt actually clogs up the vacuum hose, so it is important to disassemble the hose periodically to see if dirt is actually clogged into the hose.
#3. Discharge dirt when the bag or dirt canister is 2/3rds full
This is one of the most important principles of proper use of a vacuum. If the vacuum bag, or in the case of a bagless vacuum, the dirt container becomes too full, it will allow dirt to flow into the air passages of the vacuum.
Once dirt flows into the air passages, you are actually spraying fine mists of dirt into your living room.
Another thing about vacuum cleaners with bags is that tiny holes quickly develop into the vacuum bags so they should not be reused by eliminating dirt and then reattaching to your vacuum.
If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, be sure and periodically clean the canister completely.
#4. Replace the filters in your vacuum
Your vacuum cleaner has a number of filters inside, sometimes several, and the purpose of these filters is to keep the air hygienic in your home.
Remove the filter after using the vacuum around three times and lightly bang your filter against a wall covered with vinyl or an empty wastebasket to get rid of as much of the dirt as possible. Every 3 to 6 months or so, replace the filter.
Information about changing the filters, what size filters, and how often to change them will be found in your vacuum manual.
You should note that there are vacuums with reusable filters that can be cleaned with water and mild detergent. Note that if you clean a reusable filter, make sure it is completely dry before putting it back into your machine to avoid mold or mildew that can be sprayed into the air and produce disagreeable smells that are hard to get rid of.
#5. Lubricate all moving parts
Your vacuum cleaner has a number of moving parts that will need to be lubricated properly.
Ignoring this step will lead to the premature breakdown of your vacuum.
There are special oils and greases recommended by vacuum manufacturers and your manual should delineate every part of the vacuum that needs lubrication.
Your operator’s manual is your best source for lubrication and it will cover lubricating everything from swivel heads to rotating wheels.
As many people do not want to bother either with lubricating their vacuum deep cleaning it from head to toe many people take their vacuum to be serviced by a pro.
In most parts of the country, pros will service your vacuum cleaner for $50 or less, and it’s a great way to extend the life of your vacuum.
#6. Detangle hair from the brush
A tremendous amount of hair gets built up in the brush of your vacuum. Most often hair, parts of your carpet, and pet hair will combine in the brush roll of your vacuum, the part that deep cleans the most.
Quite often you may need to use scissors to detangle the entire area. Be sure to check the brush roll after each use of your vacuum.
#7. Check the vacuum belt
Your vacuum belt is what makes the entire vacuum work and if the belt gets loose or develops cracks you likely will need at a minimum tightening of the belt and often a replacement.
Most manufacturers and pros recommend replacing the belt every 6 months.
#8. Repair or replace any damaged parts
NO matter how large or small the damage may be, if you notice a part is damaged or you suspect damage, have it replaced immediately.
An ounce of prevention now is better than hundreds of dollars later in repair costs.
#9. Store your vacuum properly
Pay attention to your manual on how you store your vacuum. Your manual will have tips on how to store the cord and the hose in particular.
#10. Every few years buy a new vacuum
While the average vacuum will last around 8 years according to Consumer Reports, you just may find there is a newer and greater functioning model available and it may be worth it to pony up the costs.
Alternatively, if you just love your current vac, at least have it serviced once every 12 months.
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This content is brought to you by Davina Hamilton.
Photo: Shutterstock
