How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
Should the brush not rotate freely there may be debris tangled around the ends of the brush, carefully remove any obstructions or replace the brush with a new one. We recommend that you fit a new belt and brush once per year to keep your Reactive vacuum working efficiently.
`Tripped` reset systems are the most common reasons for a brushbar not turning, but there are some other less common reasons too. These include: If the bearings on the end of the brushbar have seized, you won`t be able to turn it at all. This will often result in a broken belt as well, so be aware of this.
The brush roll or its bearings may be clogged with hair, threads or dirt. Make sure they are clean and the roll spins. The belt may also have slipped because it was loose. Check the fit of the new belt when it is installed.
The powerful airflow from the vacuum can help shake dirt and debris loose and pull them into the vacuum. Without the fan, a vacuum couldn`t work at all. But the roller brush is critical, too. It`s necessary in dislodging deep dirt and stuck debris, and it helps clear a path for air to carry dirt into the vacuum.
If your vacuum cleaner has lost suction power, it`s time to empty the container. Vacuum cleaners come with various foam or mesh filters. These might get clogged over time if not cleaned or replaced properly. This will cause your vacuum to lose suction.
Most cases of a jammed or stuck brush bar are quick and easy to fix, simply pulling the debris gently from the brush bar. Alternatively, if you need to clear a problematic blockage, you can take the brush bar out of the housing easily, for quick maintenance.
If the roller brush is not spinning, it cannot pick up dust. One reason could be that the power button is not set to position II, which runs the roller brush. If the button does not work, here is the link to the power button replacement guide. Another reason is that the roller brush could be broken.
Roller brush is not spinning
Check to make sure the vacuum is switched to the correct mode. The switch should be in the Power and Brushroll mode to make the roller spin. If it is in just the power mode the roller will not move. The brushroll indicator light should be green when working.
Check that the vacuum cleaner is plugged into a working power outlet and that fuses and breakers don`t need resetting. An activated thermal cut-out due to a blockage is the next most likely cause of the problem. Check for blockages in the hose and filters, and remove any obstructions that you find.
You may have stalled the brush motor. To reset, turn off and unplug, then plug back in and turn on. The brush roll may have lodged debris or other entanglements keeping the brush from rotating.
Discovering the advantages of the on/off brush roll
Turning off the brush roll switches the vacuum to “suction-only” for quick and easy cleaning of hard floors. What`s more, the ability to switch between hard floors and carpets with the on/off brush roll means you only need one vacuum to clean your entire home.
Check for a plugged hose:
Plugged vacuum hoses are sometimes the reason for a loss in suction. Hoses can get clogged with hair, dust bunnies, string, or anything else that can`t pass through the other end of the hose. Airways inside the machine should be looked at as well. Wherever there is an air passage, check it.
The most common cause of loss of suction is that the filters have become blocked. They may require cleaning or replacing. Another cause could be that the vacuum cleaner hose is blocked.
Clog located in the vacuum hose
Turn the unit on and feel the suction at the end of the hose handle. If there is no or low suction, then the clog is in the hose. You can remove the clog by running a long, stiff object through the hose, such as a butter knife, starting at the wall end.
Inspecting the Vacuum Commutator for Motor Brush Problems
Test that by turning the motor off and pushing on the center shaft, the armature. If it has any play, besides spinning, then replace the motor. If solid then replace the brushes – motor brush replacement instructions.
Fill the Tank With Vinegar: Fill the water tank with distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit in the tank for at least 30 minutes (up to two hours is best) to help break apart the limescale and mineral deposits. Expel the Vinegar: Turn on the steamer and choose the highest heat setting.
If the product is not making steam please check that there is water in the tank fitted at the top. If the product is not making steam please check that there is water in the tank fitted at the top. Pull the tank up and fill it up with water. Please do not add any cleaning solutions to the water in the tank.
Mix 1 teaspoon mild dishwashing detergent in 1 cup warm water, dip a sponge in the liquid and dab at the stain, moving from the outside toward the middle. Do not overwet. Rinse with fresh water and dry with towels.
Rubbing alcohol is a great way to clean your carpets without leaving behind any residue. As it evaporates quickly, it won`t soak into the fibres of your carpet, which can potentially cause more trouble than the original stain!
In some models the vacuum head contains an electrically powered brush roller. In other models no brush roller or power is present. Canister vacuums have become a popular replacement for back pack style vacuums since they have similar components.
Use the dust brush attachment – close the blind slats so they lie flat and vacuum. Reverse the blinds so that the slats are lying the other way and repeat. Repeat monthly or as needed. Use the upholstery attachment on mattresses and fabric surfaces.
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on. Please note: In normal use, the Brush bar automatically turns off when the machine is upright and automatically turns on when the machine is in the vacuuming position.
A Dyson vacuum cleaner has a lifespan of around 10 years. This is considerably longer than most other vacuums. So, if you`re looking for a high-quality vacuum cleaner that will last you for a long time, a Dyson could be a good choice. However, remember that Dyson vacuums are expensive.
You can find the shark brush-bar reset button on the underside of the vacuum.