Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

Foam Filters: Usually circular, foam filters can be cleaned with soap and water. Pleated Paper or Synthetic Cartridges: These inexpensive filters are often not washable but you can clean them several times before replacing them.
Hoover recommend that you replace the filters once per year and you can purchase these from the spares section of our website. Twist the lid off to get to the filter and foam pad. For best results wash this filter in warm water and make sure it is thoroughly dry before you pop it back together.
Clogged up vacuum filters make a vacuum`s suction less effective. This means that the motor has to work harder, causing the vacuum to overheat, which reduces its lifespan. Not to mention, it won`t pick up as much dust or dirt, and your floors would remain dirty.
Over time, these can build up in the filter and reduce performance. By washing it once a month, you can help maintain suction power.
How to Tell If an Air Filter Is Washable. Your filter should indicate somewhere on it whether it`s washable. If you aren`t sure, get rid of the old filter when its time is up and buy a new filter you know is reusable. New filters should say on their packaging if you can wash them.
Check its label or user`s manual. If it says washable or permanent (these are two different types of filters and aren`t interchangeable), you can clean it. If your HEPA filter isn`t washable or permanent, then you should replace it. If your filter is labeled permanent, you`ll need to vacuum it.
HEPA filters are also not designed to be washed. Washing a true HEPA filter can easily damage it so that it can no longer filter properly. Plus, the amount of particles washing it will remove will be low anyway.
Rinse the filter

Any fine dust remaining in the filter can usually be removed with a gentle rinse under a cold tap – hold the filter under the running water until the water runs clear. You shouldn`t need to use any detergent – just water.

Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, get to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional for replacement. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems.
Vacuuming can release and re-introduce pollutants back into your air, while washing the filters could potentially cause mold to grow if the filters are not dried fully. The only way to keep your filters fresh is to replace them regularly.
Airflow is crucial to maintaining strong suction and allowing your vacuum to preform to the best of its ability. Even though these filters are washable, it is recommended that you replace the filter every six months for optimum performance.
It`s possible your washing machine does not have a filter at all. Most newer, high-efficiency washers rely on a filter in the pump that self-cleans, meaning that there`s no need for maintenance on your end.
Clean air filters are white or an off white color. While dirty air filters accumulate a lot of dirt and debris and become a dark color.
1) Your Air Filter Looks Dirty

If your air filter is clean, it should be white or off-white. Over time, as dust and dirt accumulate on it, the air filter will get darker and the dirt will be noticeable. When it starts looking dark and grimy, you might be due for a replacement.

Although it depends on the specific filter you have, as a rule of thumb, replaceable HEPA filters should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on air quality and environmental factors.
If your filter is not changed in time, it will be clogged with micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, and mold particles. It won`t be able to clean new ones and only capture them on the filter`s surface.
In a residential setting, the HEPA filter may last two or three years before it needs to be changed. In a commercial setting and used on a daily basis, it should be checked every six months. If heavily soiled it should be replaced; otherwise, it should be changed once per year.
If you own a bagless vacuum, do not put a wet filter back in the machine. This will hurt the motor, but even worse, it can cause mold to grow. A warm, damp, dirty place is the perfect combination to grow mold. Then when you turn the vacuum on it blows the mold around your house.
Reverse osmosis systems

Reverse osmosis works by moving water through a semipermeable membrane to filter out and flush away any contaminants. Reverse osmosis systems are best suited for domestic use and provide a highly efficient way to purify your drinking water at home.

You can test your water filter by conducting a water quality test on samples of water taken before and after your filtration system. If your filter has successfully reduced or removed the contaminants you test for, you know that the filter`s performance is good.
Do not use vacuum filtration to filter a solid from a liquid if it is the liquid that you want, and if the liquid is low boiling. Any solvent which boils at about 125 degrees or lower will boil off under the reduced pressure in the vacuum flask. To perform a vacuum filtration, clamp the flask securely to a ring stand.
A vacuum filter is an essential part of any vacuum cleaner. The filters prevent microscopic dust particles from escaping once they have been collected in the vacuum bag.
Almost all disposable oil filters will get clogged before they make it to the second change. They`re meant to be used only once. Reusing a disposable oil filter from the previous oil change may cause a lot of damage.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Filter I need to know if the filter is washable in a Hover Elite Auto Rewind Vacuum
ANSWER : I wouldnt, it usually soaks the dirt into the filter, try using a shop vac with a dust brush attachment that is the easist and cleanist way to do it.

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Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor,  not contacting the carpeting??  I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting.  Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.

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I purchased a brand new Eureka Pet vacuum, sorry don’t know exact name but it the one that has the self cleaning duster on it. Last night I used the vacuum on my carpet, it was working fine until I accidently sucked up the corner of a scarf that was hanging off a couch. I shut the vacuum off, pulled out the scarf and and resumed vacuuming. Much to my dismay the suction on the vacuum had ceased. Can you tell me if there is a reset button on the vacuum? The vacuum does not appear to be damage
ANSWER : If the motor is running, there should be suction. Possible problems depend on whether it’s a canister or upright and are:
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
.
.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.

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HEPA Filter My vacuum came with a sponge over the filter and the directions said I could wash the filter. Do the directions mean to wash the black sponge or the actual filter? Is the sponge part of the filter or is it trash? Filter F27 Dirt Devil Purpose Cleaner for Pets Upright Bagless Vacuum Model #1LY2108-000
ANSWER : Http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=618630&thid=730623
.HEPA Filter
.Posted by jenski66 on Jul 02, 2008
.My vacuum came with a sponge over the filter and the directions said I could wash the filter. Do the directions mean to wash the black sponge or the actual filter? Is the sponge part of the filter or is it trash?
Filter F27
Dirt Devil Purpose Cleaner for Pets
Upright Bagless Vacuum
Model #1LY2108-000

.
.Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. Typically the top filter of which is the sponge is washable but the HEPA filter is not, it can be brushed off and vacuum off with another vacuum, but the best filtration is to replace the HEPA filter and to wash the sponge filter, if the sponge filter get to bad then replace the sponge filter as well. Or, you can check with your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or to contact the manufacturer’s website and or phone #. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.

.http://royalvacuums.com/ Customer Service 1-800-321-1134
.Hours are: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (EST)
.Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

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I do not have my users manual and have never vacuumed wet with this vacuum. How do I change it from a dry to wet vacuum.
Can’t find my manual and I need to use the shop vac for water in basement, do I have to change the filter or what
lost my user manual never used it to pick up water. need to know how to puit it in wet mode i want to clean the dirty water out of my pool.
ANSWER : .Vacuuming Liquids
.1. When picking up small amounts of liquid
.the filter may be left in place.
.2. When picking up large amounts of liquid
.we recommend that the filter be
.removed. If the filter is not removed, it
.will become saturated and misting
.may appear in the exhaust.
.3. After using the vac to pick up liquids,
.the filter must be dried to reduce the
.risk of possible mildew and damage to
.the filter.
.4. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
.predetermined level, the float mechanism
.will rise automatically to cut off
.airflow. When this happens, turn off
.the vac, unplug the power cord, and
.empty the drum. You will know that the
.float has risen because vac airflow
.ceases and the motor noise will
.become higher in pitch, due to
.increased motor speed.
.IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of damage
.to the vac do not run motor with float
.in raised position

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Unbeknownst to me, someone took the bag out of my Kenmore Progressive vacuum and failed to replace it. I have been vacuuming without a bag for months, and today the vacuum stopped sucking. When I opened up the front to replace the bag, tons of dirt and dust came pouring out. I thoroughly cleaned the vacuum, put in a new bag, but still no sucking power. Just dust coming from the rear vents where one of the filters is. Is the vacuum ruined, or is it a simple solution of buying a new filter?
ANSWER : Sounds like you need to buy a new motor. All that grit and dust will ruin a motor and I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did.
.This is where a vacuum that won’t run without a bag would have been nice. (Aerus for one)

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OUR DYSON 07 SWEEPER HAS VERY LITTLE Vacuum, have cleaned all filters and hoses, on line troubleshooting has said to check soleplate being on correctly, we have done this, still does not have good vacuum, belts are covered by a housing, the video that shows the changing of the belt is not the same, I need to know how to remove the cover to check both belts and any help in gaining the vacuum
ANSWER : This video shows you everything you need to know

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I have a Dyson Animal DC 28. It vacuums fine on floor mode, but, when locked in the upright position it releases pressure though the little valve behind filter a. I have only had it for 2 weeks so I’m hoping the filters don’t need to be cleaned this often! I would like to finish vacuuming without waiting 24hrs for the filters to dry.
ANSWER : Unfortunately with any bagless vacuum the filters do need to be cleaned or replaced very frequently for the vacuum to perform. But the good news is it sounds like you have a clog in the hose. remove the attachment hose as you would be using it and unclip it from the bottom of the vacuum. there is a plastic lever that will release it. use a broom stick or wooden dowel to remove the clog. Be careful not to puncture the hose while doing this.

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