Vacuum cleaners are one of the most important household items when it comes to cleaning and housekeeping. They can help in clearing away dust and small particles from the carpets and floor in a simple and easy manner. However, vacuums are machines too and they can develop faults at any time. Most of the time, the fault is caused because of improper maintenance on the part of the users. What happens is that the users start using the vacuum for scooping up each and everything that is present on the floor without realizing that the vacuum isn’t designed for that. The following are 4 important things that you must know about vacuum maintenance if you want to prolong its life.
Empty the Bag Regularly
Most users forget to empty the bag of the vacuum cleaner after using it. It is one of the major reasons why vacuums suddenly stop working. If the bag isn’t emptied regularly then the accumulation of the dust and other particles in the bag becomes too intensified and there is no room left in it for more. This causes the vacuum to stop cleaning the surface and you start having the feeling that it has developed some fault and isn’t working properly anymore.
Using a vacuum with a full bag can be harmful for the life of its motor as well since dust particles in the bag can stop the airflow, which is required for cooling the motor. Therefore, it is important that the bag of the vacuum is emptied immediately after use even if it isn’t totally filled to ensure that the airflow isn’t hampered and the motor remains cool all the time. This way you will be able to prolong the life of your vacuum and keep on using it for a long time to come.
Change the Filter from Time to Time
The vacuum filter is one of the most vital components of the vacuum cleaner. It is responsible for filtering the exhaust airand catching the dust particles that are present in it. If these filters are not cleaned regularly, then they become damaged and stop filtering the exhaust air which causes problems for other components of the vacuum cleaner. Therefore, it is important that you clean the filters of the vacuum when emptying its bag. To clean the filter properly, you will have to wash it with water and let it dry for a couple of hours before installing it back into its place.
The vacuum filters need to be changed from time to time as well since they become less effective at filtering after being in use for a considerable period of time. If a filter has lost its filtering efficiency it is going to hamper the working of the vacuum and stop the suctioning process. So, make sure that you change the filter immediately if you see that the suction of the vacuum isn’t working as it is supposed to. Vacuum filters can be bought online with consummate ease.
Inspect Other Parts
In addition to the bag and the filter, there are many other parts of the vacuum cleaner that need to be inspected and cleaned every now and then. For instance, the brushes located on the head of the vacuum need to be inspected and checked on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear. Clean them with disinfectant weekly and if you see that their length has significantly reduced then replace them instantly. Brush rollers, belts, plugs and cords are some of the other parts of the vacuum cleaner that must be checked periodically to ensure that they are working properly. Do remember to wipe all dust collecting parts of the vacuum with disinfectant on a weekly basis.
Not Everything can be Vacuumed
One of the most important aspects of vacuum maintenance is to understand that not everything can be vacuumed. People often try to use their vacuum cleaners on wet mats, which is extremely hazardous for the machine. The moisture which is sucked into the vacuum because of this can erode the things inside and also cause damage to its other components. Moreover, the moisture can cause the dust inside the vacuum cleaner to cling to the sides and clog the hoses too. Another downside of having moisture inside the vacuum cleaner is that it can lead to the creation of mildew and mold which gives rise to odor problems. Therefore, it is important that you avoid using your vacuum on wet mats and carpets.