Simple Problem Solvers for Your Vacuum Cleaner

When your vacuum cleaner breaks down it can become quite a problem, but before you feel like tossing it out with yesterday's garbage or calling a repairman to fix it, you will need to identify what is causing the problem. These are the most common problems you will find in a vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum problem #1: The vacuum motor will not turn on

Make sure that you unplug the vacuum cleaner and first check the wall outlet to be sure that it has power. Then after inspection and identifying the problem not being the outlet, check the vacuum's power cord to make sure it isn't damaged or frayed.

If the motor hums but will not turn on properly, you will need to take the vacuum cleaner apart and check to see if the fans are jammed with debris or foreign objects.

If the switch to the vacuum motor isn't working, it may be that the cord is damaged or broken. Most upright vacuums have a handle cord that is connected to the on and off switch.

Vacuum problem #2: The vacuum motor runs but there is no suction

If the vacuum cleaner has no suction there is most likely an obstruction in the air passage. You will need to clean out the hose or check to see if the bag is full. A lot of times the bag will be too full and this will cause the vacuum not to work properly. There also may be a leak in the hose or the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

If the vacuum fan is loose or obstructed, you will need to disassemble the vacuum and then clean out the fan or the shaft that controls the fans, the problem may be that they are not rotating properly.

If the vacuum motor seems to be binding, the culprit may be poor lubrication, worn out brushes, or a binding rotor or a dirt commutator. It may also be a shorted wire in the field.

Vacuum problem #3: The vacuum cleaner is blowing a fuse

The vacuum could be blowing a fuse because of a circuit overload. You will need to check to see if there are too many appliances on the same circuit.

If there is a short circuit in the power cord or plug, you will need to replace the cord or the plug, and if there is a short circuit in the switch to the motor cord, the best thing to do is to simply replace the cord.

Vacuum problem #4: The vacuum cleaner is shocking you

If the vacuum cleaner is shocking you, most likely the culprit will be a frayed power cord, the best thing to do for this problem is to replace it.

If there is a leakage current problem and you are getting a shock from a metal part of the vacuum cleaner, the best thing to do is take the vacuum cleaner to an authorized dealer to get it repaired or replaced.

Safety precautions

Unless the vacuum is specifically made for cleaning and picking up water, never pick up any liquid or moisture with a standard vacuum cleaner. Not only is this dangerous, but it will also cause rust to develop inside the vacuum cleaner and ruin the machine.

Handy Tips

You can use this little trick to keep your vacuum cleaner always smelling fresh. Try placing a small cotton ball with a few drops of vanilla inside the bag. Always remember not to fill the bag too full before discarding it or you may hurt the motor. Make sure that you change the filter regularly unless you have a vacuum cleaner with a filtered bag.

Always inspect the floor for objects that may get into the vacuum cleaner fan and cause a problem. When you are vacuuming and you do hear a strange sound, immediately turn off the vacuum cleaner and clean out the foreign object before continuing.

To increase the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner, regularly comb out the debris and hair that can get caught in the vacuum cleaners brushes. The hair will also work its way to the ends of the roller and get tangled around the end bearings and this causes the brush to slow down and will cause the motor to overload.

Sources: 5001 Handyman Secrets