How to Fix a Vacuum that won’t Pick Up

Various Methods on How to Fix a Vacuum that won’t Pick Up

The vacuum cleaner is the most commonly used domiciliary gadget nowadays, both beneficial and highly demanding. Though it is mainly used to clean your house, it has other household applications. For efficient cleaning, you have to know how to use most of your vacuum cleaners for a hassle-free homely issue.

Generally, you can fix a problem with a vacuum cleaner with a snap of your finger. You don’t need to know rocket science to fix it.  However, some of you might get stuck when it comes to fixing your vacuum that is not picking up effectively as it was before.

We have come to assist you in unraveling the question that comes to your mind “How to Fix a Vacuum that Won’t Pick Up?”

Various Steps to Find and Fix a Vacuum that won’t Pick Up

Since you are facing an issue with your vacuum cleaner not picking up correctly, look for the possible spots. You might need to focus on possible spots to sort out the problem.

But, before starting the search for the possible malady, double-check that your vacuum cleaner is unplugged and its power switch is turned off. As you know, “Safety First,” so always operate with gloved hands with no moisture in them.

Now let’s dive deep to look for the possible glitches, shall we?

Look for Problem in the Air Filter

The primary function of the air filter in the vacuum cleaner is to entrapment of dust particles, dirt, hair (human/pet). During operation, air passes through the vacuum cleaner, and the air filter does not let the entrapped material backflow into the interior environment of the house. If your vacuum is not picking up effectively, there might be a chance of air filter clogging by these entrapped materials over time. Unclog the air filter according to the instructions in the user’s manual. If you cannot clean the air filter, and there is a clear sign of damage to the air filter from prolonged use, replace it with a new one. Replace the filter pad too, so that your vacuum cleaner may operate efficiently.

Look for Problem in the Exhaust Filter

The featured function of the exhaust filter is almost the same as the air filter. However, if your vacuum cleaner is not picking up correctly, check for susceptible clogging of this filter by the entrapped materials. Remove the filter from the vacuum and unclog it by cleaning it with water and then air-drying it. Assemble it again in the vacuum cleaner after drying. Brush the filter for cleaning. You can also gently tap it to remove dust. Replace the exhaust filter if signs of wearing from prolonged use.

Look for Problem in the Vacuum Hose

If cleaning exhaust and air filter do not work out, then you can keep searching for problems in your vacuum cleaner’s hose. If your vacuum is running, and not picking up anything, check for any obstruction in the hose. To check for any blockade, first, detach the hose from the vacuum cleaner. Uncurl it to straighten up. Use a light source to inspect the whole length of the hose. You can palpate to its size for any possible lump of clogged material, too. If the blockage is in the middle of the whole length of the hose, use a blunt object to remove it. There might be a chance of jam in the base of the tube while the hose is functional. Check if the beater bar is working correctly or the belts are intact.

Look for Problem in the Brush Roll

Sometimes clogging of the brush roll is a prime cause of the vacuum cleaner not picking up. Check for the spinning of the brush roll. If it is not spinning, it might get the load of hair from its user having long hair or the user’s pet. If you are facing this issue with your vacuum cleaner, clean the clogged brush bristles. After that, try running it to see if your vacuum is picking up correctly.

Look for Problem in the Belt

If you see that your brush roll is clean but not spinning during operation, then the belt attached to the brush roll may be broken. It is one cause in which the vacuum will not pick up. Remove the belt by detaching it from the vacuum cleaner and replace it with a new one.

Look for Problem in the Blower Wheel and Blower Motor

There might be a problem with the blower wheel of a vacuum cleaner. It should be rotating unstintingly. If it is not spinning freely when you try to turn it by your hand, look for suspected obstructions. If any blocks are found, remove them. If no blocks are located in the blower wheel, but still it is not turning, then look for the problem in the blower motor. If you can find the fault in the blower motor, try replacing it.

Look for Problem in the Vacuum Bag or Barrel

You might be unaware of checking the fullness of the vacuum bag collecting dust, debris, and other things, and cleaning them on a regular basis. Replace the old bag with a new one. Some vacuum cleaners with no dust collecting bag attached might need regular cleaning so that the filter attached to the barrel does not get clogged by hair or lump of dirt.

Look for Problem in the Height Setting of the Vacuum Cleaner

Now it is a tricky thing to adjust the correct height with the surface, which requires cleaning. Various floor setting requires different adjustment according to the need. When you are trying to vacuum clean a tile or hardwood floor, it requires specific settings of brush roll height, so as for the floor with carpet. Ensure to adjust the correct height setting before you operate for better picking up of the vacuum.

Conclusion

By now, you already get to know how to fix a vacuum that won’t pick up. Regular checking and cleaning of the vital parts of the vacuum can increase the functionality of your vacuum cleaner and increase its longevity. For better performance, read the user’s manual provided by the manufacturer. Contact the service providers near you if you find it difficult to remove or replace any part of the vacuum cleaner.

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