Are you baffled how your finest vacuum cleaner lasted only a couple of months, even after you spent so much money to buy it? In that case, you need to check the way you have been using it. How you use and maintain the vacuum has a great deal of impact on how long it’s going to last, regardless of how expensive it is.
How to Extend the Life of Vacuum Cleaner
Fortunately, you can extend the life of a vacuum cleaner with some simple tips and tricks. Those that don’t require any money but only a few extra minutes of care and watchfulness. Keep reading to find out those simple tips to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner. You might be surprised later on how long your vacuum lasted with just some careful usage. Below are the 5 tips on how to extend the life of a vacuum cleaner; follow them to keep your vacuum operating smoothly and for longer.
1. Change the Vacuum Bag Regularly
For the efficient running of the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum bag – see bagless vacuum from BISSELL – needs to be cleaned once it’s half full; it’s best to not let it full and dispose of it before it reaches there. That way, you can ensure the optimal performance of the vacuum and save it from damage. Using the vacuum cleaner with the bag full can cause a number of problems.
Using the vacuum with a full bag can cause the machine to overheat. It doesn’t leave enough space for the airflow, which performs as the coolant and prevents the machine from overheating. A full bag hinders that airflow, and the machine risks overheating. The performance of the vacuum cleaner is also affected.
The suction will not be as strong as it should be, and the dirt and dust will end up being spread and stirred around on the floor and pushed even deeper in the carpet. Besides the machine damage and the big mess, one other problem that can result from a dirt-filled bag is the vacuum odor.
When you vacuum over moist and damp areas on the carpets, odor causing bacteria can grow inside the bag. The dirt-filled bag thus will eventually give off a foul smell, so it’s best to keep the bags clean on a regular basis to avoid these inconveniences and for your vacuum to keep performing efficiently (see ‘How to Get Rid of Bad Smell in Vacuum Cleaner‘).
2. Keep the Filters and the Other Parts Clean
Keeping the filters clean is also important for the vacuum cleaner to keep performing effectively (see how to clean Bissell Crosswave vacuum). Clogged filters can also restrict the airflow in the machine, causing the above-mentioned problems. It’s always good to clean a vacuum cleaner – clean the filters weekly; most vacuums come with detachable filters; clean them with water and let air dry.
For an upright vacuum, check and clean the beater bar on a daily basis. The carpet fibers and pet hair (see Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro) can get stuck in the bar and needs to be removed. Not just these parts, you should check all the parts of the machine to see if your vacuum cleaner has built-up dirt anywhere. Inspect the vacuum head, rod, hose, and other tools and clean them if there’s any built-up dirt. Brushes need to be disinfected and cleaned. The brush roll is likely to have clumps of hair stuck into it if not cleaned regularly, which can damage the belts, burning them.
3. Check the Cords and Plugs
Careless handling of the plug and cord of the vacuum can result in those wearing down quickly hence decreased lifespan of the vacuum cleaner. Try to use the nearest power source to plug in the vacuum while using it; otherwise, the cord can be overstretched thus damaged. Other than that, pulling out the cord recklessly to unplug the vacuum can harm both cord and the plug. Unplug the vacuum gently; otherwise, bending of only one prong of the plug is enough to render it useless.
Also, keep an eye on the cord and the plug for any damage like loose wires or cuts; such damage can result in serious harm to you, that is if it is left unchecked. In this case, replace the cord and the plug. Inspect the belt as well for any signs of wear; replace it if needed.
4. See What You are Vacuuming
An extremely important detail to look out for is to see what your vacuuming is sucking up. It is highly recommended to inspect the area where you are to vacuum every time before you begin with the task. Items like coins, little toys, cigarette butts, pieces of cardboard can cause irreparable damage to your vacuum if they get inside.
You need to train and instruct your employees as well in this regard. Never allow them to be lazy or careless about it. Make sure that they are using the machine properly, not using it to suck up things that it is not meant to. Otherwise, keep some spare money for a new vacuum cleaner because you will need it.
5. Moisture is an Enemy
Don’t use your vacuum the same way as a wet vacuum cleaner. There are certain areas where you shouldn’t use your vacuum if you don’t want to shorten its lifespan, those that can potentially have moisture. The things that can have moisture, like food pieces, if trapped inside the vacuum bag, can cause odor, or worse, decrease the machine’s life by damaging its internal parts, creating corrosion, or burning the engine.
It’s best to keep certain areas out of the reservation from being vacuumed, areas which don’t get dirty enough, which don’t get enough traffic, like the nooks and corners. Rather, consider only those areas that need more cleaning, which gets used and accommodates more and for longer. That way, you can avoid damage to your vacuum and prolong its life span.
Related Vacuum Guides: How to extend Roomba’s Life & Battery | Types of vacuums
Final Words
The above tips are sure to give your vacuum cleaner some extra years if you follow these. Some of them might seem minor to you or not a serious issue, but they are, for your vacuum. Proper maintenance and treatment are extremely important for your vacuum cleaner to keep operating efficiently and for longer. Regardless of the money, you spend on the quality and reliability of the machine; it just won’t keep up with you for long if not treated the right way.
