Nothing can be more frustrating than using a vacuum cleaner that sucks at sucking dirt and debris.
After all, we make use of these machines to help speed up the cleaning process and if it doesn’t do its job well, it’s really pointless.
While a lot of commercials say that the only solution you can try if you have units that do not have a good sucking power is to buy a more expensive machine, it isn’t always true.
Here are really effective ways on how you can improve your vacuum cleaner suction without having to spend for an expensive unit.Â
These solutions do not even require you to send it for repair which usually costs so much more than a brand new unit.
It really takes very simple knowledge on how these units work to figure out why they aren’t working the way they are supposed to. And, when we already know the main reasons why they are bad at sucking, it becomes easier to find a way to fix it.
Step 1: Use the right setting
One of the most basic reasons why vacuum cleaners do not suck dirt as effectively as they should is because people use the wrong setting for the type of floor that they are vacuuming.Â
For example, floors made from tiles, wood or other hard flooring material should use the lowest setting in order to seal the vacuum cleaner closest to the floor, delivering the most powerful vacuum cleaner suction.
The main rule is that the lower the carpet, the closer the setting should be to bare floor setting. If your vacuum cleaner does not work the way it should, try to adjust the settings and see if that will help solve the problem.
Step 2: Change the bag and filter
If changing the settings does not work, the next possible reason for the loss of suction power is a full bag or a dirty filter.Â
Bagless vacuums usually have a fill line at the front which will help determine when the dirty contents should be emptied out. Upright and canister vacuums also have these indicators.Â
Making sure that dirt and debris do not go beyond these lines will assure you that your machine will work the way they should and that they will continue to pick up stuff from the floor.
Step 3: Unclog the hose
If that still does not work, then the problem could lie in your unit’s hose. Maybe the bag and filter are not clogged but the hose is.
A clogged hose obviously will not any additional dirt and debris in, no matter how hard you try to let it. To fix this issue, check out the hose and see if it has hairs or dirt clogged somewhere.
You can use a broom handle to push out the trapped dirt or you can also use tweezers for the job.
Step 4: Make sure it is airtight
Another reason why your vacuum cleaner is not sucking dirt the way they should is that it probably isn’t airtight. From the name itself, vacuums need to make sure that no air escapes the system so that it is able to function properly.Â
This usually happens when the hose or attachments are not attached as tightly as they should to the base.
Also check out other pieces that are joined together to see if they are installed correctly. Push them into their proper place and make sure that they do not easily fall off.
Step 5: Change the rubber belt
Upright vacuum cleaners use a rubber belt to help rotate the brushes, which in turn collect the dirt.
Due to constant use, the belt could eventually wear and break thus resulting to a loss of suction power. To fix this, simply change the rubber belt with a new one.
If you have to use the machine immediately and a new one cannot be obtained, you can also turn the belt inside out and use it until you replace it with a new one.
Step 6: Clean the rollers
Your vacuum’s rollers are the first thing that dirt comes in contact with. If they cannot get in from there, then there is certainly no way that your whole machine could clean up your floors. Flip your unit and check the underside.
Why do the rollers not turn properly? Why do they not pick up dirt properly? Rollers can easily get clogged so make sure to clean them up on a regular basis.
Conclusion
If your machine still fails to work and results in a loss of suction power, it may be high time to bring them to a vacuum repair shop. Otherwise, it may be a more practical choice to get a newer and better model instead.
Last Updated on February 18, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
