How to fix common vacuum cleaner problems

Keeping floors clean is no easy feat (especially if you have kids and pets roaming the house!). Vacuum cleaners are a godsend for tackling dirty floors, keeping them dust and dirt free. If your trusty vacuum cleaner bites the dust, don’t despair and spend big bucks on a new one. Try our simple fixes for common vacuum cleaner problems.

My vacuum cleaner won’t turn on

Check that your vacuum cleaner has power

First things first, do check to make sure your vacuum cleaner is plugged in and the switch is turned on. If it does not start, plug into a different power socket. This will quickly help you work out if the issue is with your appliance or your electrical connection.  Do check your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped and needs to be reset.

Inspect your power cord

Inspect your power cord for signs of wear or tear or damage.

When was the last time you emptied your dustbag or canister?

If your dustbag or canister is full, your vacuum cleaner may fail to turn on. Empty or replace your dustbag and check if that resolves the issue.

Give it a rest

If you have been using your vacuum cleaner for a lengthy period of time, your vacuum may have overheated and shut down. Give it a rest for around 30 minutes and try again.

My vacuum cleaner has lost suction

Check your dustbag

A full dustbag will result in a loss of suction. Keep an eye on the indicator light and replace the bag when required. Change your dust bag and test again to see if suction has improved. If you have a bagless vacuum, empty it after every use. If you have a cordless vacuum, you may need to empty it more than once during a vacuuming session. This will help maintain your vacuums cleaning performance.  

Give your filter a clean

A dirty or clogged filter will restrict air flow and result in a loss of suction. You can usually find exhaust filters at the back of the vacuum cleaner and replace them periodically. You can remove and wash washable filters under the tap. Before replacing, allow them to fully dry for at least 24 hours.  Check out our guide to cleaning your vacuum cleaner filter.

Check for blockages

Your vacuum cleaner’s suction power will significantly decrease if the airflow is blocked. Disconnect the hose, cleaning wand and suction head. Next inspect these tools to see if there are any visible obstructions. You may need a torch to have a thorough look. If you see any obstructions, you can use a thin rod or even bend a wire clothes hanger to gently push through (or pull out) any blockages.  Lastly, test your appliance again to make sure all blockages have been cleared.

Inspect the hose for tears or cracks

Any cracks or tears on your hose will cause air to seep through and impact your vacuum’s suction power. Thoroughly inspect for any damage.

Detangle the brush head

The brush head can stop spinning when hair, thread, dust and other objects can get all tangled up. These obstructions will limit your vacuums suction power.  Pull away any tangled mess (or use some scissors to gently snip away).

Check your attachments

Check that all parts such as hose, tube and floor tool are properly connected and secured tightly.

Adjust the lever on your floor tool

The lever can be raised accordingly to suit the floor you are vacuuming. Do lower it for hard floor vacuuming and raise it for carpets. You will find that the suction power can be impacted if it is not set to the right height.

My vacuum cleaner is not picking up dirt and debris

Work through our lost suction troubleshooting tips

If your vacuum cleaner is not picking up all traces of dirt and debris it could be a sign that it is losing suction power. Try the troubleshooting tips above to see if this helps the problem. You can also give your dustbag a quick check and make sure it isn’t full.

Fine tune your vacuuming technique

Did you know that your vacuuming technique can make a big difference to your floors? Start in the outer perimeter of your carpet. Push the vacuum forward in a straight line then pull the vacuum back towards you. This will help to thoroughly collect debris and dirt.  Go slowly – your vacuum needs time to suction up dirt. Continue to vacuum in rows in one direction. Once completed, you can turn your vacuum 90 degrees and then vacuum again in the other direction. This will help get your carpet extra clean.

We share more tips to make get you the best cleaning results on our blog.

My vacuum cleaner is noisy

Sure, all vacuum cleaners make noise. When you notice that yours is noisier than normal, it may be time to do some quick checks to solve the issue.

• Check for blockages and any damaged parts – if you hear a squeaking sound, it’s a sure sign that there is a blockage. Time to disconnect the hose, cleaning wand and suction head and take a good look.
• Remove and replace a full dustbag.
• Clean or replace a dirty filter. A clogged filter will cause it to sound louder as it exerts more power to suck up dirt and debris.
• A broken fan in the motor of your vacuum will cause it to run louder than usual. Inspect the fan to see if there is any damage or clogging. A broken fan can be replaced (or you can have a tech do the job).

To help prevent any further damage to your vacuum cleaner, replace faulty parts as soon as possible.

My battery doesn’t last

Li-ion batteries lose their charging capacity over time. If the battery life of your stick vacuum is losing power quickly, it could be time to buy a replacement.

Regular care and maintenance

Simple maintenance and care of your vacuum cleaner can greatly extend its lifespan.

• Clean your canister and wash your filter regularly. We recommend a monthly clean.
• Replace your filter every 3-6 months (refer manufacturer’s recommendation for filter life span). A clean filter ensures that your vacuum has powerful suction and performs at its peak.
• Check the dustbag frequently and replace either when full or when your indicator light turns on.
• Empty a bagless unit’s canister after each use.
• Inspect your vacuum cleaner belt. Belts connect to the brush roller and assist in collecting dirt and debris. Over time, the belt can stretch, lessening the tension on the brush roller. Subsequently, the rollers turn rate and speed is reduced.  Change the belt every 3-6 months.
• Check the hose periodically for cracks or signs of deterioration.

Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!

Find replacement spare parts for your vacuum cleaner at Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of spare parts and accessories for all your floor care including bags, batteries, filters and more. Shop today with Australia wide delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed.