How To Fix A Vacuum Cleaner With No Suction? Quick DIY

Last Updated on September 3, 2022

It is impossible to imagine a cleaning session without vacuum cleaners during these busy days. These are known as the best cleaning partners. Which are widely used not only in general households. But also in professional workplaces. But like every other electronic device, you are more likely to face glitches after using cleaners for an extended time. The life and smooth working of vacuum cleaners depend on the workload and proper maintenance from time to time. But for some reason, if your vacuum does not suck that well, there are a few things you can try instead of worrying about purchasing a new one.

There can be many reasons your vacuum is sucking in less dirt than usual. Let’s have a look at a few of them quickly in detail.

The wrong height setting for the type of floor you have an affected suction power of vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners generally have a lever that you can adjust according to your comfort. You can either lower it or raise it according to your floor type. If you have tiles on wooden or bare floors, you should set the lower settings. However, if you have carpeted floor, you can adjust it on a higher adjustment. This way adjusting the lever can maximize or minimize the suction power.

With consistent usage, the filters present in vacuums can get clogged. If it is covered with dust or debris, it can lower the suction power making it difficult to clean the surface. Similarly, if you ignore the proper maintenance of the vacuum. You will find any large particles getting stuck in the hose. This also causes hindrance to negative air pressure making it slower. 

Whether you have a bagged or bagless vacuum, clean the dust holder more often. When there is no space left for more dirt, the vacuum’s performance becomes less efficient. It can be the reason for lower suction power.

When cleaning your room. It will not only collect dirt or other food particles. But also hairs and threads. Which can get stuck into rollers or brushes of the attachment head. You will notice little to no dirt is lifted by vacuum due to stuffed rollers.

Now that we know the most common reasons for less suction power, we can do various tasks accordingly to fix the problem. Following measurements do not require you to seek professional help or spend money repairing the vacuum.

This is the quickest thing you can do when you notice an upset vacuum cleaner. If your vacuum contains a dust collector bag, you have to detach it from the inside. So it will be easy to transfer the already collected dirt and debris to the trash. Clean it as usual. For vacuums with canisters, remove the canister and empty it in the bin. Wash it with soap and water if required. Leave it hanging for air drying before putting it back in the vacuum. Now check if it is working without issue.

If you have a hard floor like tile or wooden, you should adjust the lever lower to the bare floor setting. Because it ensures maximum pressure by sealing the attachment head to the ground. Do the opposite for carpeted floors. Adjust the lever to a higher for plush carpets and a medium for short or medium piled carpeting around the house. Try this simple adjustment for getting optimum cleaning and perfect suction power. 

Filters of your vacuum are essential parts as they cleanse the air that it throws out of a vacuum. When you ignore the filter cleaning, it can block the air coming from the attachment head. And when the air cycle gets compromised, the suction power lowers drastically. Most vacuums consist of foam filters. When it gets dirty, it leaves your room smelly. To clean the foam filter. Take out the dust bag to reveal the filter. Dip it in the water to release the dirt. Gently squeeze it. So it is free from dust. Let it air dry for some time. Put it in place when it is dry. 

Tip. Use essential oil drops on the filter before installing it. It will leave your room smell fresh after cleaning.

Similarly, the hose also needs cleaning because sometimes bigger particles can accumulate in one area that can block the air passage. Simply detach the hose from the appliance and check for any blockage. You have to use a torch to shed light from one end. So the shadow showing to the other end will show signs of blockage. 

Now take the hose to the sink. Remove the clumps from the inside and dip them in soapy water. You can use a bottle brush to clean the inside of the vacuum hose. Clean from the outside as well. Rinse it thoroughly and let the clean water flow through it. Finally, let it dry before installing it back.

If the vacuum is still not working properly after all the above methods. There might be something stuck on the rollers, which stops the negative pressure to lift dirt. Turn the attachment head upside down and check for any hairs or threads from clothes. If you have pets, you will find a bunch of pets hairs on them. This bunch of hair with other longer bits is sometimes hard to remove with hands. Use scissors to cut and lose them. Clean the whole area and turn on the vacuum to check.

Note. If the brush roller is not spinning even after cleaning. Make sure to check its belt. The old or damaged belt can make it difficult for the roller brush to rotate. This belt attaches the motor shaft and brush roll. Which is comparatively easy to replace. To replace the belt, you have to buy the one that matches the model perfectly. 

Now unscrew the nuts underneath the rollers to remove the plate. It will reveal the belt connecting the motor shaft to the brush roller. Remove the belt carefully and place the new one in. It may seem small at first. Attach the plate back in its place, and you are done.

Diagnosing the issue yourself can save you a lot of money and time. You can try the above techniques to inspect and resolve the no suction problem at home. It is easy to achieve the perfect suction through proper maintenance of this cleaning device from time to time. It will not only create fewer issues but also ensure its long life.