Cleaning & Organizing 10 Life-Changing Vacuum Cleaner Repair and Maintenance Tips By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Published on October 6, 2015 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos A good, properly maintained vacuum cleaner can last for up to 20 years. To keep yours in tip-top shape, follow our maintenance and repair tips, excerpted from "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook." 01 of 10 Clean the Attachments Make sure the vacuum cleaner is unplugged before cleaning it. Once a month, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to wipe off any dirt from the casing, hoses, and attachments. After each use, vacuum the rug/floor attachment with the crevice tool or hose before putting away the machine. Get the Golden Rules of Vacuuming 02 of 10 Know Where to Look for Blockages When blockages occur, unplug the unit and inspect the wand, hose, and beater bar, as well as the intake and exhaust ports to ensure that they are free of obstructions. Get Healthy Carpet and Rug Tips 03 of 10 Unclog Loose Fibers and Threads If the roller on the beater bar gets wound tightly with threads or clogged with fibers, cut them away with scissors or a seam ripper. Again, ensure the unit is unplugged before removing any obstruction. Get Tips for Healthy Appliances and Electronics 04 of 10 Check the Vacuum Bags Empty or change vacuum bags every week or as often as needed. Air travels through the bag, and as it fills, airflow and suction are significantly reduced. Do not trust a bag-full indicator light. Check the bag frequently and do not let it get more than three-quarters full. 05 of 10 Use a Bag to Empty the Bags Change and empty cloth bags outdoors, or inside a large garbage bag if you must do it indoors. To minimize the spread of dust, you can place the vacuum bag inside of a large garbage bag, then hold the garbage bag closed with one hand while you shake the vacuum bag clean with your other hand. Get Tips to Vacuum Any Surface 06 of 10 Clean the Bin Kana Okada If your vacuum has a bin, empty it and then rinse it with plain water only (never add detergent) and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. The inner cyclone, shroud, and cone should never get damp or wet. To remove lint buildup on the shroud, clean it with a dry cloth or brush. Get How to Clean Your Cleaning Supplies 07 of 10 Always Use a Filter If your vacuum uses a replaceable paper filter, check it every week when you check the bag. Many filters can be rinsed clean, dried, and reused. A filter that is torn or very dirty should be replaced. A blocked filter will also prevent the free flow of air through the vacuum. Never use the vacuum without the filter. For HEPA filters, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Get an Owner's Guide to Rug and Carpet Care 08 of 10 Replace the Motor Belt Shout When you notice that you need to go over the same area two or three times, it may be because the motor's belt has stretched. With most models, you can replace it yourself by buying a new belt from your vacuum's manufacturer and following the instructions on the package. Get How to Revive Your Rug 09 of 10 Store It in a Dry Space To maintain the belt, wipe it with a paper towel or cloth. Because it could shrink, the belt should never be near water. Always store your vacuum in a temperate place so the belt doesn't become brittle and crack. Get Floor Cleaning Tips 10 of 10 See a Professional Once every two to three years, take your vacuum to a dealership or reliable repair shop for a professional cleaning and to have damaged parts replaced. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit