Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance Guide

A quality vacuum cleaner is an investment not only in a house-cleaning machine, but also in your family's health. Regular and thorough vacuuming goes a long way in reducing environmental allergens like dust mite allergen, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other dirt and debris.

Proper use and regular maintenance of your unit ensure that your vacuum cleaner is always working at peak performance. Your time is valuable so the effort you put into cleaning must be as productive as possible. Each time you vacuum make sure to follow these vacuum maintenance tips:

	If you have a bagged unit, make sure that the vacuum bag is no more than half full. Full bags mean that the pores of the bag are blocked - and this means poor suction.
	Take care of your vacuum's cord. Keep the cord plugged into an outlet that's not too far away so that you don't risk yanking it out of the wall by accident. Never use extension cords because these can overheat both the electrical cords and the motor. Don't run over the cord with your machine, and try not to get it pinched in doors or wrapped around furniture, as this will damage it.
	Remove larger objects such as coins, paper clips, nails, or thumbtacks from the floor before you vacuum. Getting these objects in the machine can damage internal components.
	Don't overwork the motor. Make sure the height on your brushroll is properly adjusted to suit the thickness of your carpet. And don't make your vacuum cleaner do “extra” work, like carry around a child who wants to ride on it.
	Check the brushroll for wound-on hair and remove it. Make sure the unit is unplugged when you are working on the vacuum cleaner. Clean smaller spaces and upholstery with vacuum accessories.
	Check your vacuum's filter. A clogged filter is not only inefficient at picking up dirt, but eventually it can contribute to motor burnout by placing undue strain on the motor. Make sure to purchase replacement vacuum filters and change them according to the manufacturer's directions.
	Mechanical maintenance to be performed once a year:
	Check your unit's belts (if any) and replace any belts that look frayed or worn.
	Inspect impeller blades or have them looked at by a professional. Chips in the blades are the most common form of damage. Replace any necessary parts.
	See if the brushroll is warped or otherwise damaged. A damaged brushroll can make for inefficient vacuuming or cause snags in carpeting. Remembering to take proper care of your vacuum cleaner will make it run the most efficiently. Yearly maintenance checks will enable your vacuum cleaner to serve you well for many years to come. In short, take care of your vacuum cleaner and it will take care of you!
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