Vacuum Maintenance Tips for Spring Cleaning (2024)

Are you ready to embark on the spring cleaning process? Although you’ve developed a thorough checklist that includes all the essential tasks that will freshen up your home, does it address vacuum maintenance? From tackling clutter to cleaning the baseboards, your list is extensive, and we have just the right vacuum tips and tricks for you.

Vacuuming is often a core component of a basic spring cleaning checklist, but the vacuum itself is frequently neglected. This can limit not only the results of your current spring cleaning initiatives, but also, your ability to maintain a clean home in the weeks, months, and even years to come. Poor maintenance makes your vacuum less effective and may eventually lead to costly repairs.

To encourage you to keep your vacuum in tip-top shape, we've highlighted a few of the most important components of regular maintenance, as well as spring cleaning tips to ensure that you make the most of this wonderful tool.

Clean Out Your Vacuum

Your vacuum may be crucial for spring cleaning, but it needs to be cleaned as well. The cleaning process looks different based on which areas of the vacuum you intend to address. When in doubt, follow these vacuum tips and tricks to keep it looking its best:

• Polish the Vacuum – Keep your vacuum looking pristine with a little help from aluminum polish. Rub the cleaning product with a towel and remove the excess with a microfiber cloth. This may take multiple passes if your vacuum has suffered a lot of oxidation.
• Wash the Vacuum's Outer Bag – This step can be completed with your washing machine. Simply remove the bag from the vacuum and unzip it to remove the inner bag. Finally, detach the fill tube and place the outer bag in the washing machine.
• Clean the Attachments – Some attachments are used more often than others, but all warrant occasional attention. Use a microfiber cloth to clear away any dust or debris your attachments may have gathered over time.

Check Vacuum Filters

Many vacuums rely on bags for handling filtration. Some models, however, add foam or screen filters to the mix. These should be checked regularly to ensure that they remain effective. Foam filters are typically washed every few months and should be replaced as soon as they show visible signs of wear. Disk filters or screens should also be checked and replaced regularly.

Inspect the Cleaning System

High-end vacuums can more accurately be thought of as all-encompassing cleaning systems that involve shampoo functions, brush rolls for polishing floors, and many other accessories. These should be inspected at least once every year to ensure that they still are up to the task.

During a basic inspection, you can determine whether:

• The brush roll is still spinning and has minimal debris.
• The vacuum belt and baffle strip fit properly.
• The vacuum bag has no tears.

Pay Attention to the Fan Blade

Observe your vacuum closely as you operate it this spring. Pay attention to noise levels. Did your previously functional vacuum suddenly become obnoxiously loud? Have you noticed an unexpected onset of vibration?

Both of these issues suggest that your fan blade needs attention. Do not operate your vacuum when you suspect that the fan blade is not functioning properly. This could overheat the motor and lead to a far more expensive repair. Blade replacement is beyond the average owner's maintenance capabilities but should be surprisingly affordable to take care of at a repair shop.

Use the Shampooing Function Properly

Spring carpet cleaning often involves shampooing, which many homeowners regard as a once-a-year task. No matter how often you shampoo your carpets, however, it's important to confirm that you're doing so correctly. This begins with correctly converting to shampoo mode. You'll need to turn the nozzle belt lifter clockwise and slide the belt over the brush roll to connect to the shampoo system. Press the belt up and use the handle to turn counterclockwise. The hook for the belt lifter should stretch the belt.

Once the shampoo system hooks are connected to the attaching bar, push it in and turn the lock clockwise. This should keep it secure. Likewise, the nozzle belt lifter will need to be turned clockwise. The tank needs to be filled with water and shampoo but resist the urge to use too much shampoo. After you've applied the ensuing foam to the carpet, pull the vacuum backward so that the brushes can deposit the excess in the tray.

Contact The Kirby Today

A little maintenance can make a major difference in your vacuum's long-term functionality. Whether you intend to shampoo your carpets this spring or stick with everyday vacuuming, you will feel far more confident when you know that this crucial piece of cleaning equipment is in excellent shape.

Contact our knowledgeable team with any questions today!