How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
The filter located in the dome can become clogged with debris which will lower the suction. Remove the dome. Pull the filter toward the spring which holds it in place until the filter comes loose. Check inside the filter and immediately inside the hose leading from the filter to the motor for debris.
Inspect the vacuum hose for any small holes, kinks, or cracks. Any cracks or holes will decrease the amount of suction in the hose and will not allow the carpet extractor to properly remove liquid from the floor. The hose will need to be replaced if there is damage.
Check the suction inlet on the body of the vacuum and clear it of debris if needed. Remove the hose from the base of the machine and remove any debris as needed. If necessary, you may use a broom handle to unclog the hose by pushing through both openings.
Vacuum your carpet first. Removing the surface layer of dirt and dust will help keep the machine filter stay cleaner, which maximizes the suction power of the Rug Doctor Deep Cleaner. Pre-treat spots and stains.
Can the Rug Doctor carpet cleaner be used to extract water – from a flood for instance? The machine should NEVER be used on a carpet or anywhere where standing water remains from a flood or from other situations. Only carpets and upholstery that are damp, NOT water laden or soggy are safe for extraction.
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.
Carpets that still look dirty or have stains reappear after cleaning is a result of something called wicking. This is due to over wetting the carpet, the backing, and pad which causes them to return back to the surface once dry.
Most cleaning methods simply can`t remove all the old hair, dust mites, dirt, soapy residues and chemicals. After the cleaning crew leaves, the gunk remaining in your carpeting acts like a magnet for a whole new layer of grime.
Reasons not to use baking soda to clean carpets:
Due to the small particle size of baking soda or freshener product, these can clog the pores of your vacuum`s bag or HEPA filter. This can drastically reduce suction resulting in poor cleaning performance and cause clogs to form.
With proper care and maintenance, the Rug Doctor Pro is designed to last a lifetime.
Don`t use bleach or vinegar in the carpet-cleaning machine.
The pH balance has a lot to do with the effectiveness of your cleaning. Too high or too low can void your warranty or discolor or damage the carpet fibers.
For best results, use the Oxy deep cleaner carpet solution in any Rug Doctor rental cleaner or carpet cleaning machine.
RugDoctor/Bissell machines do not have any source of heat. Shaw & Mohawk both recommend professional Hot Water Extraction. This means HOT water; not water from your faucet. Heat is what activates the cleaning agents in order to clean your carpet.
Yes, you should keep cleaning the carpet until the water is clear. This will ensure that your carpets are clean and free of dirt, dust, and other allergens. However, you should be careful not to scrub too hard or use too much water. Doing so can damage the carpet and lead to more stains in the future.
One of the easiest ways to increase vacuum cleaner suction is to empty the dust bag or container. Dust containers need to have enough space for airflow, otherwise, they could get clogged and have less suction power. Regularly check your dust compartment and empty or change it when it`s already 70-80% full.
Putting in the incorrect amount of oil, putting in the wrong type of oil, and oil contamination can all cause the pump to not reach full vacuum. For this reason, you must check the oil regularly to ensure that it is not only clean, but also properly filled.
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.
It is obtained by measuring how many inches up a tube the vacuum motor`s intake can pull up, or lift, the water. For the Water Lift test, there is no air moving through the motor. It is a sealed suction measurement to find the pure suction force of the motor.
Vacuuming every day, or even a few times a day, is not going to create any long term problems. `But,` you might be thinking, `doesn`t the brushes spinning over the carpet on a beater bar wear it out? ` Sure, but a very small amount.
Not really. Overall, carpets can stand to be vacuumed several times a week without sustaining damage. Leaving dirt in a carpet, however, actually breaks down underneath the carpet fibers. It also creates a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria.
Cleaning can sometimes remedy these situations, but it`s best for us to take a look and give advice from there. Age: If carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn`t been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely will need replacing.
You should clean your carpet at least every 12 months to remove dirt, grime, and allergens. However, this schedule can vary depending on several factors in your household. If you have children or pets, you might shampoo your carpets more regularly.
Cleaning a Heavily Soiled Carpet
Baking soda is an excellent choice for cleaning heavily soiled carpet, as it absorbs mud, grease, and other unsightly residues. To use baking soda over your entire carpet, sprinkle it heavily along the surface and then grind or push it into the fibers using a fresh, dry sponge mop.
Turn off your machine and check to see if the brush window is secure. Make sure you are holding the trigger continuously while using the machine – this makes the front window light up. The spray tips under the brush roll window may be clogged on your machine. Use a pin to clear the spray tips.