Vacuum Cleaner Fault Finder

Maintenance

To keep your vacuum in good condition, there are a few things you should check on a regular basis:

• Bags – if you have a vacuum that uses a disposable bag, you should keep a check to ensure that you don’t overfill it.  Not only will this have a wearing effect on the vacuum, as it will have to work harder than normal, but if you’ve ever overfilled one so much that it bursts, you know that it’s not fun.  Not only does it make it a very messy job to empty, it will probably have covered your house in the last three months’ worth of dust and debris!  Not only will you have wasted your time cleaning in the first place, you have the great pleasure of having to do it all over again – such fun.
• If your vacuum is one of the bag-free appliances, it is still necessary to ensure you don’t overfill the machine.  Although it won’t burst and cover your house in dust, it will certainly have an effect on the power of the vacuum, and will put more stress on the motor, thereby possibly causing the vacuum to wear out before its time.
• Filters – if your appliance is fitted with filters, you should check the condition on a regular basis.  These filters can get completely clogged overtime, not only willthis  reduce the cleaning power but, again, it can cause the vacuum to wear out early-
• Belts – this is definitely an area you should check.  Overtime these belts can stretch and become damaged and reduce the power of your appliance.  To ensure your vacuum is working as efficiently as possible, these belts should be changed as soon as they start to show wear.
• Brushes – the brush rolls are mainly located towards the front of the machine, at the base.  It stands to reason that the brush fibres will become softer and matted over time, resulting in poorer pick of dust and debris.  Also when the brushes start to show wear, they are more likely to pick up cottons etc. that can wrap themselves around the brush filters.

All of the above can easily be checked and replaced.  When buying your spares, please ensure you use a reliable supplier, and that you know the make and model of your vacuum so that you have the correct spares.  Getting the correct bag size is very important, otherwise your vacuum cleaner will not work to its optimum performance.

Common Faults

There is always the time when you run over something on the floor, and you hear that ominous sound as the motor desperately tries to suck it into the machine.  The resultant blockage will need to be cleared as soon as possible, otherwise it could cause further damage.  

If you are unsure how to tackle this problem, check through your manufacturer’s handbook, as it generally contains very useful diagrams to help you through this, or any other, problem.  If you have lost your handbook, there are sometimes diagrams displayed on the inside cover of your vacuum so it is worth having a look.  Failing that, have a check on line as sure you will find some helpful advice.

You should also be very careful if you notice that the flex has become damaged.  Do not use your vacuum if that is the case, as there is a high possibility of receiving a shock.  Flex is generally damaged by running over it with the vacuum – it is something we have all been guilty of, but it must be repaired or replaced as soon as you become aware of the damage.

you become aware of the damage.If the cleaner does not come on when you switch it on you should first of all check that the flex is undamaged, then check the fuse in the plug.  If both of these are fine, you may have a problem with the main switch, or possibly the electronic control board.

If you are at all unsure you may find it simpler and easier to contact a qualified engineer to help you resolve this problem.