5 Fast, Easy Fixes for Common Commercial Upright Vacuum Problems

Looking for ways to trouble-shoot and save money on vacuum equipment maintenance to keep your vacuum cleaner running longer?

Here are some easy, low-cost fixes for common upright vacuum cleaner problems.

Vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and particles effectively.

Possible fix #1: Your collection filter bag may be full, and this can reduce air flow which can cause the motor to overheat. Open the front lid/housing to see if your collection bag is full, and if it appears more than three quarters full, try replacing the collection bag with a brand new one. More than likely, the unit will resume its normal cleaning effectiveness. ($2 – $3 per bag)

Possible Fix #2: As a general rule of thumb, you should change the HEPA filter on your vacuum every 6 months, unless it appears dirty or clogged upon inspection. You can use Day Light saving time as a reminder, as it is the perfect time to change your HEPA cartridge, however, if your vacuum is not performing well this can be a proactive, preventative measure to take to ensure top performance. A clogged HEPA filter cartridge can negatively impact vacuum performance, not to mention indoor air quality. ($25)

Possible Fix #3: Check all of the hoses for a clog. What often happens is the hose and wand assembly are removed and checked/cleared, but the bottom hose that connects with the brush head is not checked. This often can be the source of the clog. The bottom hose must be removed from the back housing and straightened out. If you cannot see the brush roller through the hose, it is clogged. In most cases, you will find a paper clip or some object that has created the blockage. Once all hoses are cleared, the unit should return to its normal service. ($0)

Possible Fix #4: Check your beater bar. It is common for hair and string to get wrapped around the beater bar, which can impact the vacuum’s ability to clean. Flip the vacuum over to inspect the beater bar, and if needed, use a pair of scissors or sharp object to cut out all of the hair and string that is tangled around the bar. This will help to improve cleaning productivity. ($0)

Possible Fix #5:Check the carpet height setting. If you have recently vacuumed high-pile shag carpeting, you will need to lower the vacuum height for shorter commercial grade carpeting to ensure that you vacuum at maximum capacity. ($0)