10 Life-Changing Vacuum Cleaner Repair and Maintenance Tips

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."

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Clean the Attachments

Get the Golden Rules of Vacuuming

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.

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Know Where to Look for Blockages

Get Healthy Carpet and Rug Tips

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.

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Unclog Loose Fibers and Threads

Get Tips for Healthy Appliances and Electronics

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.

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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.

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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

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Clean the Bin

Kana Okada

Get How to Clean Your Cleaning Supplies

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.

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Always Use a Filter

Get an Owner's Guide to Rug and Carpet Care

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.

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Replace the Motor Belt

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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

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Store It in a Dry Space

Get Floor Cleaning Tips

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.

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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.

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10 Life-Changing Vacuum Cleaner Repair and Maintenance Tips

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Clean the Attachments

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Know Where to Look for Blockages

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Unclog Loose Fibers and Threads

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Check the Vacuum Bags

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Use a Bag to Empty the Bags

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Clean the Bin

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Always Use a Filter

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Replace the Motor Belt

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Store It in a Dry Space

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See a Professional

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10 Life-Changing Vacuum Cleaner Repair and Maintenance Tips

1 of 10

Clean the Attachments

1 of 10

2 of 10

Know Where to Look for Blockages

2 of 10

3 of 10

Unclog Loose Fibers and Threads

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Check the Vacuum Bags

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Use a Bag to Empty the Bags

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Clean the Bin

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Always Use a Filter

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Replace the Motor Belt

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Store It in a Dry Space

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See a Professional

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