How to Fix a Vacuum Cleaner [Step-By-Step Guide]

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We’ve all been there before:

You have an hour set aside for cleaning, the vacuum is out, the room is prepped, and – boom – your vacuum just won’t turn on.

Fortunately, vacuums are among the simplest devices in our homes today.

Chances are that it’s easy to fix a vacuum on your own, whether it won’t turn on, won’t suck up debris, or is experiencing another problem.

Here are the most common vacuum problems and how to fix them.

Clean Your Vacuum!

Contents

1 Clean Your Vacuum!
2 Diagnose the Problem
3 Manufacturer-Specific Repairs
4 Three Common Problems – and Solutions
5 Find a Vacuum Repair Shop
6 Preventative Maintenance is Key!
7 Final Thoughts
- 7.1 Related Posts:

You can thwart the vast majority of vacuum problems by simply cleaning your vacuum on a regular basis.

We recommend that you perform a brief inspection after each use. Check the rollers as well as the brushes and tubes to ensure that they are free of pet hair and other debris. Some vacuum cleaners are designed to deal with pet hair, so if you keep pets make sure that your vacuum is up for the challenge.

Empty the filter or bag right when it’s full rather than putting off the task for another day.

Diagnose the Problem

The first step to fix a vacuum is diagnosing the problem. Knowing what the problem is will help you look for solutions.

The most common problems with vacuums include:

Loss of Suction –You feel the bottom of your vacuum (or the hose attachment) and there’s no suction power.
Not Picking Up –There’s still suction from the bottom of the vacuum (“beater bar”) or hose attachment but it’s still not picking anything up.
Broken Belt –If your vacuum is noisier than normal or emits a burning smell, then chances are you have a worn-out or even a broken belt.
No Power –Your vacuum won’t turn on, or turns off while it’s in normal use.

Manufacturer-Specific Repairs

Though most modern vacuums (those made in the last decade or so) work relatively the same way, it’s important to look at the manufacturer specifications before making repairs.

Consult your vacuum owner’s manual or look for a user’s guide online. Check your diagnosis against the manual to find the recommended repairs.

Your vacuum manufacturer’s guidebook can also help you diagnose and fix more specific or complex problems other than those we talk about today.

Three Common Problems – and Solutions

The vast majority of vacuum-related problems boil down to three main issues.

Chances are that, no matter the age or type of vacuum you have, your problem stems from one of these issues.

Here are the three most common vacuum problems and how to fix them:

Loss of Suction –Empty or replace your bag. Check hoses and filters for clogs and unclog them if necessary. The loss of suction is most likely from a clog.
Power Issues –Most new vacuums have a high-temperature shut-off switch. The majority of power issues are caused by this switch triggering from a buildup of dust or a clog in the filter.
Burning Smell –A burning smell or more noise than normal likely indicates a worn-out or broken belt. Replacing a belt is an easy DIY vacuum fix for most homeowners.

Find a Vacuum Repair Shop

Sometimes you just won’t be able to fix your vacuum on your own no matter how hard you try.

That’s when it’s time to take your vacuum to a repair shop. Though an appliance repair shop will be able to repair your device, it’s always best to opt for a dedicated vacuum repair shop if you have one in your local area.

If possible, take your vacuum to a repair shop with specific experience repairing the same brand and model of vacuum that you have.

Preventative Maintenance is Key!

The vast majority of vacuum problems and repairs can be prevented with preventative maintenance.

Here are the top ways to maintain your vacuum to prevent damages:

Clean Filter/Bag –Replace or empty your bag when it’s about 2/3 full. Take the time to inspect and clean out your filter while doing this.
Check Hoses/Belts –Inspect the hoses and belts after each use. Look for clogs in the hoses and any fraying or stretching in the belt.
Clean Rollers/Attachments –Take a minute to clean debris out the rollers, beater bar, and all attachments after each use.
Ensure Setup –Make sure that all of the vacuum components – especially the bag – are setup and attached properly.
Store Properly –Keep your vacuum stored somewhere out of the way where it won’t be bumped into or jostled.

Final Thoughts

The idea of fixing your vacuum by yourself might seem overwhelming at first.

But, in reality, the vast majority of vacuum repairs are simple and easy. In fact, most of the time, they simply relate to a worn-out part or even just an overly full, unemptied bag or clogged hose.

Utilize the tips and tricks above to diagnose and fix the vast majority of vacuum problems.