Every household has its faithful helper in the fight against dust. Sometimes it's quiet, often a bit noisy, but always ready to work. And then there comes a day when your vacuum cleaner suddenly seems to stop pulling. You vacuum, but the floor remains just as littered with debris as it was two minutes ago. Your first impulse? "Is it time for a new vacuum cleaner?" But hold that thought.
Often the reason for poor performance is more banal than tragic – your vacuum cleaner is simply clogged. The answer lies inside, where everything you've vacuumed for the last six months accumulates. Instead of buying a new appliance, give it a home detox.
Operation: How to clean a vacuum cleaner
Let's face it - it's not an exciting afternoon, but believe me, the effect is surprisingly satisfying. Just like a general cleaning of the kitchen before the holidays or polishing the silverware - sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves to give the space (and the appliance) a breath of fresh air.
1. First of all – the pipe is not miraculously self-cleaning
Even if it looks clean, the pipe is often the number one cause of poor airflow. The connecting parts are a magnet for accumulated debris, trash, and, let’s face it, the occasional lost child’s toy. Take a long, thin stick—preferably something more sophisticated than a broom—and check to see what’s lurking inside. If necessary, rinse the pipe in the shower and let it dry completely.
2. Rubber: a detail that makes a difference
The contact between the bag and the lid is like a closed embrace – if there is no tight contact between them, some of the air takes a shortcut. This means that the vacuum cleaner does not pull through the tube, but just between the gaps. And then we wonder why nothing disappears from the floor.
Use a cloth and a little soap to wipe the rubber seal on the inside of the lid and also the edge of the bag. Dust acts as a micro-barrier that destroys the seal. The same applies to bagless models: the seals around the container should be perfectly clean.
3. Filters are not decoration – they are the lungs of the device
Don't underestimate the importance of filters. The inlet filter protects the engine, while the outlet filter protects you – and your air. Over time, they become clogged with microparticles that your eyes can't see, but your device can sense very well.
Washable filters deserve lukewarm water and a little mild detergent. No scrubbing with the rough side of a sponge. Then place them on a towel and let them dry for at least 24 hours. Top household standard, right?
If the filters are disposable, replace them. It's a small investment that makes a big difference.
4. Look at the brush – really look
The wheel that (supposedly) rolls happily across the floor is often the last place the eye goes. It's where hair, lint, sand, and occasionally even bits of food collect. And what's most ironic – it's the very thing that's supposed to be cleaning your surfaces.
Take scissors or an old comb and remove anything that is getting in the way of the rotation. If you have pets, this step will be especially familiar to you.
Small service, big difference
Once everything is cleaned, dried and reassembled, do a test run. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and let it do battle with everyday crumbs. If it pulls with enthusiasm again, then you've just saved between 100 and 400 euros – and earned the title of "tech whisperer" of your household.
And if it still doesn't work?
Well, sometimes even the best care isn't enough. If your vacuum cleaner still shows no signs of life after cleaning or is dragging like an asthmatic on a marathon, contact a service center. It could be a worn-out motor or age-related fatigue in the materials. And then, and only then, is it time to leave elegantly – in style.
Vacuum cleaner, which does not suck, does not need a psychologist – but cleaning. With three cloths, some soap and a pinch of patience, you can get your device working flawlessly again. You don't need a new one, just a little more love for the old one.