Some Creative and Effective Tips for Vacuum Cleaners

Imagine a world without vacuum cleaners. This world would be a much dirtier place to say the least. Vacuum cleaners are a must these days for keeping your home clean. Not just your floors and rugs but your windows, dressers, drapes, cars, and anywhere else you can think of using a vacuum cleaner, which has many uses. Here are some creative and effective ways to use your vacuum cleaner to get your home, car, or anyplace else that you desire, as clean as possible, and great tips for maintenance.

Using a vacuum cleaner on floors and rugs are the most common but you can also use your vacuum cleaner in other places, such as your drawers or on top of a bureau. These places can get dusty and dirty also. You can get these places clean by placing cheesecloth over the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner tube and securing it with a rubber band. Now you have a great tool to suck out all the dirt and dust without fearing that your valuables will get sucked up into the hose along with the dirt and dust. This is also an excellent way for you to find a lost contact lens or any other small objects without causing damage to them.

If you find that your vacuum cleaner is losing its suction, the most likely culprit may be that the vacuum bag is full. It may also be a clogged hose or secondary filter, or it may be a blocked exhaust port, which all of these problems can inhibit airflow as much as an obstructed vacuum hose.

Even though the drive belt on a vacuum cleaner is a minor problem, if this doesn't get fixed, your vacuum is virtually useless. Replacing the drive belt on a vacuum cleaner is very simple. First you need to unplug the vacuum cleaner and then remove the bottom plate, sliding the brush out of the housing. Then slip a new belt in its proper place on the brush and in the housing, making sure you are using a screwdriver to pull the belt over the drive pin. Then you can reinstall the plate and plug in the vacuum cleaner.

When you have sparks coming from your vacuum cleaner you will need to bend down and inspect the switch by hand. Most times the sparks and arcing from the on and off switch of a canister vacuum can go unnoticed. This is because the switch is covered by the operator's foot. The problem can be easily fixed by cleaning and tightening the switch's terminals.

When using a vacuum cleaner the way to get the best results is to slow down. The reason for this is that one leisurely stoke of the vacuum is better than four quick strokes. A vacuum needs time for the beater bar to loosen the dirt in the carpet and for the airflow to suck it up. So slower is better.

Maintenance of a vacuum cleaner is crucial. About every three months, lubricate hard-to-separate hose connections by rubbing the ends of the hose with wax paper, or you can spray them lightly with silicone spray or non-stick food spray. This will keep them from sticking so you can dissemble the hose easier for routine maintenance. Also use a dog's stiff-bristle grooming brush to help remove lint, hair, and string from the beater brush in the vacuum.

Use these creative and effective tips for your vacuum cleaner and you will not only keep it working properly but extend the life of your vacuum cleaner, omitting the need to buy a new one in the near future.

Resources: 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints & Tips