Your vacuum cleaner goes through a lot, with most people running it around at least once a week (even more if you have pets!). But when was the last time you gave the vacuum itself a good clean?
Even the very best equipment requires maintenance to keep working at its best. An inefficient vacuum will just push dirt around the house, creating more work for you, so if you've noticed yours has less sucking power than usual, now's the time to tick this chore off your list.
How to fix a vacuum cleaner with no suction
If your vacuum isn't doing it's job, don't fear — it might not be a goner just yet. The most common cause of loss of suction is blockages. This makes the machine slow to pick up and quick to overheat.
To keep this to a minimum, never reuse the bag as this is often part of the filter system. If this gets clogged with dust it will reduce the efficiency of the machine. Replace the bag when the indicator light has come on. If the machine doesn’t have a light you can always open up the body and visually inspect the bag.
Vacuum the right way
9 PLACES YOU'RE FORGETTING TO VACUUM
With a bagless machine, make sure to empty the canister after each use. On most bagless machines, there will be a maximum fill line indicating how much dust and debris can be held in the canister so check this if your machine’s suction is poor. You might be over-filling it.
To unblock a vacuum cleaner, always switch it off and unplug. As well as teasing out any blockages in the tube, undo the hose and check the entrance to the machine/top of the bag for further debris.
GHI Tip: If the tube blockage is immovable, soak the tube in warm, soapy water.
How to clean vacuum cleaner filter
Many vacuums have at least one washable filter. Check where your vacuum’s filters are located, then remove and tap against the bin to remove any clumps of dust. Make sure you do this outside or you’ll end up surrounded by a dust cloud!
If it is washable, run the filter under cool water and use your fingers to gently wipe away the residue. A soft-bristled brush can also be used to carefully scrub it clean. Let the water flow through both sides of filter and keep rinsing until it runs clear. Shake excess water away once you’re finished and leave the filter to dry standing up on a towel in a well-ventilated spot, such as in front of an open window. Make sure it’s completely dry before returning it to the vacuum, giving it at least 24 hours.
Additional filters in your machine may not be washable, so ensure you check the instruction manual. If they’re not washable, just tap against the bin to remove any clumps, then return it to your machine.
How to clean vacuum brushes
Make sure the brush on the head is free from hairs and threads. If it becomes jammed, cut - don't pull - any threads that prevent it from rotating. Be careful to avoid cutting the bristles!
Some brush heads have indents that run the length of the head, these are designed to allow scissors to guide through hair and threads without cutting the bristles. There are also hair-cutting tools you can purchase to make the task easier, such as the Pikk-it Hair Removal Tool.
Once all removed, if your brush head has no electrical elements, clean it in warm water, massaging the bristles to remove any embedded dust or fibres. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before refitting it to your machine.
Does your vacuum cleaner smell bad?
A bad odour while vacuuming is usually the result of not emptying your machine regularly enough or possibly sucking up something. Look in the bag first, then give the outside a wipe over with warm, soapy water and a cloth to keep it looking and smelling fresh.
Non-electrical attachments, such as the hose, crevice tool, and soft brush, are safe to wash in warm, soapy water for a thorough clean. Rinse afterwards, and leave to dry completely before refitting.
For bagless vacuums, wash the canister in soapy water after emptying and leave it to completely air dry before putting the machine together again.
A slow-drying filter can also cause a vacuum to smell bad. This is because bacteria has a chance to develop while the filter is still damp. Then once it’s dried and replaced, the air runs through it and vents the smell, making it more prominent. The key to avoiding this is making sure the filter is cleaned thoroughly and dries promptly. While most filters are washable nowadays, they will need replacing as often as recommended too.
If your machine still isn’t efficient after all this, it’s time to buy a new one! Here’s our vacuum cleaner buying guide to help you decide what’s right for you.
The Best Vacuums for Removing pet hair
SEBO Felix Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Score: 91/100
This upright vacuum is a smart investment for moulting season, picking up all the pet hair laid down in just one sweep. Plus, when we looked at the brush, we couldn't see any hair tangled up in the bristles.
It worked hard to lift dust and dirt on carpet, removing the majority with ease, and testers appreciated how smooth it was to manoeuvre. If you're going to battle with fluff every day, this is a smart buy.
Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum CH950UKT
Score: 95/100
Sometimes you just need a speedy handheld vacuum for quick tidy-ups before guests arrive, and this nifty Shark is just the thing. We loved the motorised pet tool, earning it full marks for its ability to grab pet hairs – after a single swipe our surfaces were fur-free. Car owners take note, it also scored well for its car cleaning prowess. Excellent news for anyone with fluff-filled backseats!
Hoover Bagless Pet Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner BR71BRO2
Score: 85/100
If you’re on a budget, this tried-and-tested cylinder option from Hoover should be at the top of your list. Despite its value price tag, it has a powerful pick-up on both laminate and carpet. True to its name, the mini-turbo brush is ideal for loosening those pesky stray hairs, and at just 4.1kg, it’s nice and light for quick, grab-and-go clean ups.
Dyson Gen5Detect Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Score: 97/100
It took just one sweep for this cordless vacuum to lift all the pet hair in its path. Thanks to its savvy anti-tangling technology, none of the hair got stuck or matted in the brush during cleaning, and the aptly named “Fluffy Optic” head even has a light for spotting stray hairs with ease. With up to 70 minutes running time, it’s just the thing for serious deep cleans during moult season, too.
This powerful Dyson is a worthy investment, but if you’re looking to spend less, opt for the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute. During testing, it also made quick work of pet hair removal with the mini motorhead brush.
Beko Beko Robot Cleaner
Score: 94/100
Spend more time snuggling your pet, and less time cleaning, with this robot vacuum. It thoroughly impressed our expert, lifting all the fur within two minutes and you can programme the robot to clean on a schedule so it can regularly tackle problem areas like around your pet's bed. Plus, who wouldn't want a robot to clean for them at such an affordable price?
