How to Extend the Life of your Vacuum Cleaner
When you buy a new vacuum cleaner, the main thing you are looking for is that it does a proper job and lasts as long as possible. Following are several excellent ways that you can extend the life of your vacuum cleaner.
Have a plan before you start – Planning your vacuuming task will not only save time but will also reduce wear and tear on your cleaner. Vacuum those areas of your home regularly where there is plenty of traffic, and only vacuum other areas when it is necessary.
Avoid moisture – While this is obvious to many people, there are those who don’t realise just how damaging moisture can be to a vacuum cleaner. Do not vacuum anywhere in your home where there is moisture, because this will reduce the life of your cleaner significantly!
Change the bag and filter – Check the condition of your vacuum cleaners’ bag and filter and replace them immediately if necessary. Only regular care and attention will prevent them from clogging up and damaging your cleaner.
Examine your cleaner’s plug and cord – Damaged plugs and cords are one of the main reasons why people must replace their vacuum cleaners. See that the cord of your cleaner doesn’t rub against hard or sharp surfaces and doesn’t become tightly stretched or twisted, as these can be damaging to your cleaner.
When you’re finished vacuuming, remove the plug carefully, rather than simply jerking it out of the wall socket.
Use the attachments provided – Most vacuum cleaners on the market come with a variety of attachments, all of which help you get the job done easier, faster, and more efficiently. For instance, your cleaner will more than likely have special attachments for cleaning stairs, furniture, curtains, and so forth.
Using these special attachments will not only save time and do a great job, but it will also prevent your cleaner from possible damage as well.
Avoid picking up large or heavy items – If you use your vacuum cleaner to pick up heavy items, like coins, for instance, they will probably damage your cleaner’s pipes. So, before you start vacuuming, check the floor for any items that might be too large or heavy for your cleaner to suck up, and remove them.
Ensure that the bag is attached properly – This might seem easy, but many people find this difficult to do. Check the instructions that come with your cleaner, and make sure that all holders, clips, and hooks are attached correctly. Failing to do this means that the dirt sucked up by the cleaner will fill the inside of your cleaner, instead of the bag.
Bagless models should be emptied frequently – If your cleaner is a bagless model, then make sure to empty it often. Although these cleaners usually have a marker indicating when it should be emptied, it is best to do this after each use. You could even take it a step further and rinse the receptacle out after every use.
Check the brush roll – Things like string, floss, and hair, often become wrapped around the brush roll and stop it from working as it should. Make sure to check the roll and remove any of these items that are wrapped around it. Again, check the instructions that come with your cleaner, and see if you can do this when the roll is still attached, or if you can take it off to remove the items. You should always unplug your vacuum when undertaking any kind of maintenance work due to the risk of injury, in addition all repair work should be carried out by a qualified professional.
Check the belt – You might want to check the belt after you’ve examined the brush roll, because it is right there, keeping the belt in place. Make sure that the belt is undamaged, narrow, or frayed in places, stretched out, or slid out of place. Depending on the model of your appliance and how often you use it, it’s a good idea to replace the belt every six months or so.
Have your cleaner serviced at least once a year – A Vacuum Service is essential if you want your cleaner to work efficiently and last as long as possible. The servicing of your vacuum cleaner should only be carried out by a company that specialises in vacuum cleaner servicing, that will do the following:
• A service technician will disassemble your appliance entirely, and clear away any blockages that could potentially damage your cleaner.
• Examine every part carefully for any defects.
• Make a list of any necessary replacements and explain to you, in detail, which parts need to be replaced and the reason why they should be replaced. The Service Technician will then wait for you to give them go-ahead, before replacing any parts.
• If you do give the Service Technician permission to go ahead, he will then replace damaged parts with new parts, clean all other parts and components thoroughly, and put your appliance back together again.
• Your cleaner will be as good as new again, and ready to give you the effective, efficient service you expect from it, for another whole year.
In conclusion
Like all other appliances, it is essential to keep your vacuum cleaner well maintained. In doing so, your investment will do the job properly every time, and last for many years to come.
Please note for safety! You should always unplug your vacuum when undertaking any kind of maintenance work due to the risk of injury, in addition all repair work should be carried out by a qualified professional vacuum service technician.
