Most of the time I don’t think about the things I use to clean my house. They are always there, ready when I need them. Things like the washer, dryer and vacuum, I don’t give them much thought, until they don’t work.
A little maintenance goes a long way towards keeping things running well, and this is especially true for your vacuum. Just think about all the dirt your vacuum collects in a typical month and you will understand the need for a cleaning.
At least twice a year you should completely take your vacuum apart and clean it. Pay careful attention when you take it apart so you can put it back together. If you think you might forget, take pictures with a digital camera of each step.
Anything that is completely removable and water safe should be washed with soap and water. Make sure the hoses are free from clogs. Use scissors to cut hair and thread that is wrapped around the beater brushes. If the brushes are worn they can be replaced.
If you have filters on your vacuum now is the time to clean them, if they are washable, or replace them if they are not. With most bagless vacuums you can wash the dirt canister, this is helpful because of all the little dust particles that can clog things up.
Check your hoses and the cord for wear. If there is any wear, especially in the cord, it’s time to replace them. You can usually do that yourself but if you don’t feel confident you can take it to an appliance repair shop.
Once the vacuum is clean and dry, reassemble. Then take a damp cloth and wipe the vacuum down.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will not make you love vacuuming, but it will help your vacuum last longer.