Is your vacuum cleaner not as efficient about picking up dust as before, or does the strange noises start to make from nowhere? Or even worse, does it smell strange every time you switch it on?
Well, if you have said yes to one of the problems above, your vacuum may try to tell you something!
Stick vacuum cleaners are super useful for fast cleaning, but because these are electronic devices, they can come across problems if you use them often and forget to clean or check them. Small problems such as weak suction, a stuck brush or even rapidly rotating batteries may not seem serious in the beginning, but if they are ignored, they can become larger and more expensive problems.
In our stick -vacuum cleaner maintenance guide we talk about the warning signals that you should never ignore and how you can repair them at home.
If your vacuum cleaner is irreparable, you might want to have a look at some of the best options available on Amazon. View them here to shop immediately.
Best Stick -Cleaning Cleaners
Signs your vacuum cleaner must be maintained
1. Weak or reduced suction power
Does your vacuum only slide over dust instead of actually tackling it? You clean the entire room, but the floor still looks the same? That is a clear sign that the suction power is weak. This often happens when the garbage bin overflows, the filters are suffocated with dirt, or there is a blockade somewhere along the air path, such as in the hose or mouthpiece.
How to repair the suction power in a vacuum cleaner: Empty the garbage bin after every few applications. Rinse or replace the filters according to the manual of your vacuum. Also inspect the hose and the mouthpiece on locked hair, paper pieces or crumbs. A fast struck can restore that powerful suction and you later save double the effort.
2. Overheating during use
Does your stick vacuum cleaners heat up too quickly or are you switched off during cleaning? That is a warning – it is overheated. This usually happens when the vacuum is clogged, is used too much in one go, or the engine is struggling due to garbage. Think of it as well cooked, because you forgot to cool it or give it a break.
How to repair vacuum cleaner overheating: Switch it off first and let it cool completely. Check for clogs in the ventilation openings, filters or tubes. Make debris or confused hair in the roles. If it continues to happen, don't avoid long sessions without breaks and keep the air stream path clean to help breathe in the engine.
3. Strange noises or rattling sounds
Does your vacuum start to growl suddenly? Rattling, rattling or even grinding sounds? That is not normal, and it can mean loose parts, a stuck brush or something deep inside (such as the LEGO block of your child or the hair of your pet perhaps).
How to repair a noisy vacuum cleaner: Switch off the vacuum and turn it over. Remove the brush and check for everything that is caught in it. Tighten any loose screws and look around the engine area or the mouthpiece for stuck debris.
4. Brush roll that doesn't run
You vacuum, but nothing is picked up. The lights are on, there is suction, but the brush roll is not running. That may be due to confused hair, thread or a worn belt.
How to repair the spinning of a vacuum cleaner: Disconnect the vacuum, turn it over and check the brush. Cut embraced hair or thread with scissors. If the belt seems loose, cracked or broken, replace it.
5. Battery does not hold a load or drain
Is your fully charged vacuum out of the battery in just a few minutes? That is a large battery problem. It can happen if the battery is old, often overloaded, or if the charger is defective.
How to repair the battery of a vacuum cleaner: If your vacuum has a reset function, try that first. Don't let it be connected at night or long hours. If the problem continues, the battery may have to be replaced. Also check that your charger is not damaged.
6. Vacuum smells bad or radiates a burning scent
Do you notice that a bad scent comes from your vacuum? Something like burned hair or even melted plastic? That is a red flag. It usually means that something is stuck in the engine area or the filters are much too late for cleaning. Sometimes electrical parts heat up too much, especially when the air flow is blocked.
How to repair a smelly vacuum cleaner: Disconnect the vacuum immediately. Clean or replace the filters. Check the brush roll and the engine area for burnt debris or confused junk. If the scent still lingers after cleaning, stop using it and let it check, this can be an internal error or a safety risk.
7. Loss of maneuverability or stiff movements
Is your vacuum suddenly difficult to push around? Do the wheels feel stuck or do it drag on the floor? That is not only annoying, it is a sign that the wheels, the base or a swivel joint may be clogged or held.
How to repair the movement of a vacuum cleaner: Turn your vacuum and clean around the wheels and the base. Remove all hair, dust or smurgel in the joints. If necessary, apply a small amount of lubricant to the wheel axles or pivot points.
When you have to repair versus replace your stick -vacuum cleaner
Are you not sure if you should repair your vacuum or throw a new one? Don't worry, you're not the only one! Here is how you can decide what makes more sense: repair or replace.
If your vacuum is still under the warranty, try not to solve it yourself. Contact the brand's service center. Most brands cover repairs for engines, batteries or production errors for 1-2 years.
If it is more than 4-5 years old and has had several problems, it might not be worth investing more money in repairs. Technology improves quick and newer models are often more efficient and easier to maintain.
Cost of repair versus replacement costs
A good rule of thumb, if the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new vacuum, it is time to replace. Why spend so much on repairing an old model if you can buy a better one with new functions?
More vacuum cleaners to buy
When do you call a professional to repair a vacuum cleaner?
Tried and tested all the above hacks, but does something still feel unsolved? It is time for you to call a professional.
If there is a burning scent, electric issue, motorcycle error or battery, it is not charging despite a new charger, book a maintenance. Do not try to open or repair something electric yourself. It is safer and can save your vacuum from more damage.
Trust your intestines at the end of the day. If it causes more stress than help, it might be time to let it go!
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