Don’t Let Dust Settle on Vacuum Upkeep

Whether it’s an upright or canister model, most home vacuum cleaners are true labor-saving workhorses that perform for years without a serious problem.

To ensure good service from your vacuum, never use it outdoors. Don’t vacuum wet or damp surfaces unless you have a wet-dry model. Avoid vacuuming sharp or hard objects, hot ashes and fine powder such as plaster dust.

If you get a shock when using a vacuum, disconnect it and take it to an authorized repair shop. The problem may be a worn or frayed power cord, a broken switch or something more serious.

If you’re having other problems, here are some things to check first:

Motor doesn’t run:

* Make sure the plug is inserted firmly in the outlet.

* Is the power off? Test the outlet by plugging in a lamp you know is working. If the power is off, replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker in your home’s main power supply panel. But first make sure that the circuit is not overloaded with too many appliances.

* The fan of an upright may be obstructed, especially if the motor hums but doesn’t run. Unplug the machine and lay it on its side. Unscrew the bottom plate to access the fan and clean out any obstruction. Have a bent or broken fan replaced by a repair shop.

Motor runs but cleaning is poor:

* Is the hose properly connected to the cleaner?

* Squeeze the dust bag. Replace it when it’s three-quarters full.

* Clean or replace a dirty filter. Check the filter often.

* Clear any obstruction in the hose or wand. With a canister cleaner, plug the hose into the exhaust port, if there is one. Run the other end into a paper bag and turn on the motor. Or push a broom handle through the hose or wand. If the wand is curved, use a straightened wire clothes hanger to poke out the clog.

* Check for a crack in the hose. You can make a temporary repair with duct tape, but it’s best to replace the hose.

* On an upright with a beater brush, cleaning may be poor if the belt that drives the beater is worn or broken. Remove the bottom plate and replace the belt with an identical one from an appliance or hardware store. Turn on the cleaner; the beater should rotate from front to back. If it doesn’t, reverse the twist in the belt.

* Lint, hair or thread on bristles can interfere with cleaning. Remove the attachment and use the vacuum’s hose to clean it. Clip or unravel threads that have wound around a beater bar.

* Adjust your upright or the power brush on your canister so that it is in close contact with the carpet pile. If it’s too low, it will be hard to push; if it’s too high, air will enter the cleaner above the carpet instead of through it.

To test a vacuum’s efficiency, see how well it picks up grains of sand or salt from a carpet. Check to make sure the grains have been picked up, not just pushed down under the carpet’s pile.