caring for your home before the cleaners come

What To Do When Your Bagless Vacuum Doesn't Want To Suck Dirt Anymore

If you are like most people, then you likely have a love-hate relationship with your vacuum cleaner. When you first brought it home from the store it would nearly suck the carpeting right off of the floor, but now that it is older it struggles to remove dirt and pet hair from even a bare floor. 

The good news is that you can fix the problem with your vacuum's lack of suction, even if you do not have any small appliance repair experience. Here's how:

Step 1: Ensure that your vacuum is unplugged from the wall. If your vacuum is plugged in while you are working on it, then there is a risk that you could be shocked or electrocuted.

Step 2: Remove the collection canister from the vacuum. Dump out any dirt into the trash and then soak the canister in a bath of dish soap and warm water. If there is an inner part of the canister that comes out, take that part out and soak it as well.

Step 3: Located directly below the detachable canister is your vacuum's motor. Above the motor is a removable filter that prevents dust and dirt from entering the motor and damaging it. When this hidden filter is clogged with dirt your vacuum will lose its suction. Remove this filter and replace it with a new one. You can purchase filters for your vacuum cleaner at the store you purchased your vacuum cleaner from or at your local home improvement store.

Step 4: Along the back side of your vacuum you will find a removable HEPA filter. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate arrestance. HEPA filters trap any particulate matter that is leaving your vacuum in its motor's exhaust. This important filter keeps you from recycling dust through your vacuum back into your living space. You should also replace the HEPA filter with a new one. A clogged HEPA filter will also affect your vacuum's suction.

Step 5: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut any hair and string that has become wrapped around your vacuum's roller brush. This will help the brush to spin freely and this action helps to loosen dirt in your carpet's fibers.

Step 6: Remove all of the hoses from your vacuum and check to verify that there isn't anything stuck in any of the hoses. Sometimes you accidentally suck up a piece of plastic or paper that gets trapped in the hose and this can greatly reduce your vacuum's suction capability.

Step 7: Finally, replace all of the parts of your vacuum and turn it on to check and see how well it now runs!

If you are not comfortable working on your own vacuum cleaner, then you should contact a small appliance repair company in your local area for assistance.