A vacuum cleaner that has lost suction no longer cleans efficiently. Common problems that cause a loss in suction power include dirty filters, a blocked hose, a tangled brush roll, or the bag or dust canister is full. In most cases, it’s straightforward to fix a vacuum that has poor suction. This article explores the many reasons why a modern vacuum cleaner can lose suction. You will also find some handy tips on fixing issues with reduced suction.
The best way to prevent a vacuum cleaner from experiencing suction loss is regular maintenance. Regularly cleaning the vacuum filters is the best way to ensure maximin suction power. However, there may be other reasons for the suction loss in an upright vacuum, canister vacuum, or stick vacuum.
How Do I Test My Vacuum Cleaner for Suction?
Testing a vacuum that has lost its cleaning power involves doing a few simple and routine checks. Likely, you will notice that your vacuum is not picking up debris like it used to. Even the most powerful bagless vacuum cleaners can suffer from blocked airways.
The first step to test for suction issues is to empty the dust canister or bag. Next, check the filters, hose attachments, and brush roll. It should be easy to determine if the suction problems are there. To restore vacuum power, you should remove the blockage. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a washable filter, wash and dry it before putting it back.
What if the problem still exists? In that case, you’ll need to test the motor. If you have an upright vacuum cleaner, it’s vital to check the brush roll to make sure it’s not jammed or tangled. If the brush roll is spinning too slow, the suction issue may be with the vacuum belt or motor.
Reasons Why a Vacuum Cleaner Might Lose Suction
Let’s look in detail at common reasons why vacuum cleaners lose power and no longer remove dust and debris from carpets and floors.
1. Reduced suction due to a full dust bag or canister
The first step is to check the dust container or bag. Vacuums with a full bag or container work at a reduced capacity of 30 percent. With some stick vacuums or handheld models, the dust capacity is low, and the canister fills quickly.
With bagless models, you can empty the dust cup after every clean. It’s also good to remember that most bagless vacuums start losing suction power when the canister is only one-third full.
If you experience poor vacuum suction after emptying the vacuum cleaner bag, check the air filters
2. Blocked filters cause poor suction
Clogged air filters are the top reason why vacuuming power disappears, or the motor cuts out. Typically, most vacuum cleaners have two filters — the motor filter and the allergen filter. Both filters should be easily accessible.
If the filters look dirty or blocked, then it vital to clean them. Cleaning filters depends on the type of filter in your vacuum.
- Replaceable filter—Many vacuums have replaceable filters. You will need to replace them regularly to maintain vacuum suction. This is also true of HEPA allergen filters. It helps to clean excess dust from the filters every month to maximize suction.
- Washable filter—Wash the filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Leave to dry before putting back in the vacuum cleaner.
After cleaning or replacing the filters, you should notice a marked improvement in suction.
3. Vacuum cleaner lost suction due to a blocked hose
Sometimes a clump of hair or large object can get lodged in the hose or vacuum airflow system. You may need to remove vacuum cleaning attachments and bag to locate the blockage. With a hair jam, it may take patience to remove the tangled hair ball altogether.
Also, check the hose for blockages. You can remove the obstruction by taking the hose outside and spinning it around as fast as possible. Or you could use a jet of warm water or a long stick to get rid of the obstacle from the vacuum cleaner hose.
4. The vacuum cleaner isn’t airtight
Another reason why the vacuum isn’t sucking up debris is that air is escaping from the unit or hose. So, it’s a good idea to check for holes in the hose attachments or canister. A hole or split in the hose is easy to repair with electrical tape.
5. The vacuum brush roll is clogged
Upright vacuums and some canister and stick vacuums have a motorized roller brush. If this doesn’t spin or is tangled with hair, there will be a loss of cleaning power. Check to see that the brush is spinning when the unit is switched on. However, be extra careful not to put your fingers in the rotating brush.
6. Cordless vacuum battery issues
Battery issues are a common reason why a cordless vacuum cleaner loses suction power. The problem with the battery could be that it needs recharging. But if suction is poor with a fully charged battery, the battery could be defective.
Vacuum Cleaner Lost Suction- How to Fix it
After identifying the underlying reason for a loss of vacuum power, it vital to resolve the issue.
Here is a summary of how to fix a vacuum that doesn’t suck well:
- Clogged air filters—Replace or clean the filters to improve power.
- Full bag or canister—Empty the dust receptacle to boost vacuuming efficiency.
- Blocked air flow—Locate the obstruction and remove it so that suction power is restored.
- A broken belt or bad motor—Check the manufacturer’s instructions on replacing the belt. If the motor is defective, you’ll need to replace the vacuum cleaner.
Ways to Improve a Vacuum Cleaners Suction
Regular maintenance is the key to achieve maximum suction efficiency in a vacuum cleaner. To do this, empty the dust canister regularly, keep the air filters clean, and remove tangled hair from the brush roll.
It’s also vital to use the correct settings. On hardwood or tiled flooring, the floor attachment should be at its lowest setting to ensure the most powerful suction. When vacuuming carpets, adjust the setting as necessary depending on the carpet pile.
Vacuum Cleaner Lost Suction — In Conclusion
It is usually straightforward to resolve issues with poor suction in a vacuum cleaner. The most common reason for a suction power loss is obstructions in the vacuum airflow—a full dust bag, dirty filters, or a blocked vacuum hose. To restore vacuum suction, ensure that airflow is at maximum to enjoy effortless cleaning around your home.
