Archive for Maintenance

Confused about Vacuum Cleaners? Just Ask GoVacuum.

Can’t figure out how to fix the broken belt on your 80’s model Eureka vacuum? Looking for a new vacuum with super filtration to help your allergies? Want your vacuum to stop making that weird noise that drives you crazy?

There are many questions to be asked about vacuum cleaners. Whether you are curious about your old machine or are interested in finding a modern alternative, we are here to answer your questions. Last week, we introduced a new section on our site called “Ask GoVacuum.” In this section, we display all the questions that have been submitted to us, and the appropriate answers. Our team of vacuum experts does their best to answer your question, no matter how obscure. Many of the answers include links to schematics for your machines or pictures and videos illustrating how to do that impossible repair.

At the bottom of the page, you are able to submit your own question. Most questions will be answered within 24 hours.

As more questions come in, we will begin to organize the Ask GoVacuum section by brand and theme. We hope this helps.

Ask GoVacuum today!

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Faulty Vacuum Cord? Beware of the Consequences.

I generally try to be humorous in my approach towards writing about vacuum cleaners but today I came across an article that has changed my tone today, at least for this post. It appears that an unlucky family in Kannapolis, North Carolina suffered extensive damage to their house due to a faulty cord on their vacuum cleaner.

Although the machine was turned off, the faulty cord caught fire since it was still plugged into the wall. The electrical cords are scary parts of the machine to repair, simply because of the fact that messing it up can result in a vacuum on fire. We prefer our vacuums to be normal temperature and not burning the furniture in our houses.

Many times customers come into our store and ask if they can simply buy the cord for their machine, presumably to avoid paying the cost of the repair. We usually ask them if they have experience repairing vacuums, or other electronic devices because the repair is not as simple as it may seem. Generally, we offer customers to do the cord repair for free simply to avoid any disasters as seen in Kannapolis.

As a word of caution to all vacuum owners out there, make sure whoever is repairing your vacuum is skilled enough to risk an electrical fire!

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How Often Should You Service Your Vacuum?

As dirt, dust and lint passes through your vacuum cleaner you get a buildup in the bearing housings. This causes the bearings to slow down the brush roll causing wear on your vacuum motor and belt.

Over time, your brushes may also become soft and lose their effectiveness and need replacing.. A worn out brush may still look completely fine however, if not replaced, it will simply turn, hardly touching the carpet.

These are all maintenance problems that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. So how often should your vacuum cleaner be serviced?

If your vacuum cleaner is performing poorly then you know it is time to have it serviced. Otherwise, when in doubt; ask. Your vacuum cleaner professional is in the best position to advise you on how often to have it serviced.

Generally speaking, you should undertake regular inspections yourself cleaning any areas that are easily accessible. If your vacuum cleaner uses bags, change them regularly. Canister models need emptying on a regular basis, before they become full. You should also check tubing for any blockages such as paper or tissues.

To avoid any potential problems, you should have your vacuum cleaner professional service your vacuum every 12 to 18 months. This will ensure your vacuum cleaner performs at its maximum cleaning efficiency.

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Check Your Belts Regularly

Vacuum cleaner belts are one of those items that no one really wants to change. They are not exactly the most exciting item to go shopping for either. However, a little care and attention towards something as seemingly insignificant as a belt may extend the life of your vacuum’s motor.

Vacuums belts are generally used to drive the brush roll on your vacuum cleaner. As they are part of the airflow system, they can often collect dust, debris and fibrous material like pet hair, cotton or carpet fibers. After periodic use, these belts often become stretched. When stretched, they limit the ability of the brush roll to spin at high speeds and effectively kill the vacuum’s ability to pick up dirt and debris. Point being, that even if your belt doesn’t look broken, the mere fact that its stretched could limit your vacuum’s ability to clean and over time can cause the motor to overheat.

Plan on replacing the belt on a vacuum at least every 6 months. For repair tips, check out the two videos we have created below:

If a belt does break, take the broken belt along with your vacuum cleaners make and model along to your nearest vacuum cleaner specialist center. They can help identify the most appropriate belt for your cleaner.

To replace the belt, follow the instructions in the vacuum cleaners handbook. If the task appears to daunting, take the unit to your vacuum cleaner repair center where they can quickly install the belt for you.

Govacuum.com have a wide range of belts available and can help you find the right belt for your cleaner. Vacuum cleaner belts play an important role in the operation of your cleaner so it is essential you obtain the right belt for your cleaner.

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