Bag issues are one of the most common problems our customers experience. Changing the vacuum bag properly and often is critical for proper maintenance.
Plan to change the vacuum bag monthly, more often if you have children or pets. Also, be sure to have the proper bag for your machine.
Prior to installing the bag, open the pleated filter paper and make sure the bag is properly positioned so that it seals with the connecting tube, allowing the free flow of dirt into the bag.
Did you know fine dust and debris will clog your bag much faster than ordinary dust and dirt? If your cleaning frequently encounters this type of debris, be sure to change your vacuum bag frequently.
You can find higher quality, disposable bags best suited for filtering fine dust, pollen and dust mites, at Al's Vacuum. We carry products to fit most brands.
Many of the newer model vacuums are protected by a thermal overload system. Therefore, if the machine's motor temperature rises significantly, (often caused by a clogged or overfilled bag) the overload protector is triggered, automatically stopping the machine. At this point, your machine's system must be re-set, plus you must correct the issue that triggered the overload protection to be activated.
To reset the system - read the step-by-step instructions in your manual. If you can not locate or correct the instigating problem, bring your vacuum to Al's for a no cost estimate.
Revolving Brushes
Most upright and canister vacuums have revolving brushes that are continually being exposed to dirt and debris. The most damaging debris is long thread and human hair. Both hair and thread have a natural tendency to be pulled into the moving parts which results in friction and causes the brush to jam. In some cases the friction caused by hair creates enough heat to actually melt the moving parts, causing the need for expensive repairs.
The best way to prevent this problem is to regularly check for it and if found, cut it off the brush before it has a chance to get pulled into the machine's moving parts.
What else might alert you to a problem – a roller that feels tight or doesn't spin freely. When this is the case, it might be necessary to take the machine apart, cleaning it to remove the accumulated hair or thread problem.
Routine vacuuming can be the most important step for prolonging the life and appearance of your carpet and wood floors.
For carpet – when soiled carpet is walked on, the dirt particles are deposited deep into the carpet fibers, causing matting and soil damage. For wood floors – small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked from outside can destroy the floor's finish. Frequent vacuuming can help prevent these problems.
For carpet – make sure your vacuum is at the correct height setting for each type of carpet. Also, occasionally changing the direction your machine is passing can help prevent carpet matting. For wood floors – be sure to use a soft bristle brush attachment. See Al's for their large selection of natural bristle brushes for your wood floor.