Let’s face it – when it comes to things we love doing, vacuuming is rarely going to make the hit list! On the plus side, our home looks a lot better with a freshly-vacuumed floor, and a clean home tends to make us feel a whole lot better. And however much you may find it a chore, there are ways to ease the load.

But what happens when your vacuum cleaner won't turn on? Understanding how your vacuum cleaner works and how to fix common issues is a good first step. Here are some everyday problems and how best to address them, giving you some indication on how to fix a vacuum cleaner.

No suction

This is one of the most common issues you’re likely to experience mainly because there are several reasons why your vacuum cleaner is not working or might not be performing as it should.

  • A full bag. It’s the obvious one that we sometimes overlook. Check, empty and/or replace the bag if needed.
  • A blockage in the floor head, hose or neck. Look and feel for any objects or clumps of dirt and remove. If the obstruction is in the middle of the hose, detach it from the machine and use a broom handle to push it through.
  • A blocked filter. Vacuum cleaner filters do a fine job of catching particles of dust, dirt and pet hair to ensure they aren’t released back into the air. They do need to be cleaned however, and a dirty or clogged filter pad may also need replacing from time to time.
  • A dirty brush. Vacuum cleaner brushes may become clogged with hair or other items. Check and clean regularly.
  • The right setting. Cleaners often have different settings (that adjust the brush height) for floorboards, low-pile and high-pile carpet. Make sure you have it set correctly for the appropriate flooring.

Debris trail

It’s a little disheartening to say the least, to think you’ve finished the job only to turn around and find a trail of dirt behind you. This is most commonly caused by a full dust bag, dirty brush or sometimes a broken roller brush. A floor brush that isn’t spinning won’t pick up dirt, and the problem might be with the belt. It’s a common occurrence and easily fixed with a replacement.

Not staying on

A cleaner that starts but then loses power might be overheating, and the culprit could be something as simple as a small (and inexpensive) motor carbon brush. Turn off and unplug the cleaner and leave it until cool before restarting, check for obstructions, and check the manual for instructions specific to your machine. Once you’ve narrowed down the issue, you can give us a call for advice on the best vacuum replacement parts if needed.

Not turning on

This might be the most frustrating of vacuum cleaner problems. If your machine doesn’t start at all, it might need a new part or sometimes it may simply have come to the end of the road. First try the vacuum in a different power socket and/or with a different extension cord to make sure the problem is with the machine itself. Check for obstructions, have a look at the filter and run through troubleshooting options in the manual. If you’re still having no luck, we have a dedicated YouTube channel offering technical support to help you work out just what’s happened.

What next

In most cases, fixing a vacuum cleaner is an easy process, to get your vacuum cleaner back up and running. If you’re in need of a new part or a whole new machine however, you may need some help. We have an extensive range on hand, and experienced staff who can assist with your vacuum problems, small or large.