Archive for the ‘Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance’ Category

Need help changing your vacuum cleaner’s belt or filter?

Friday, June 19th, 2009

There’s nothing more frustrating than a broken belt or a dirty filter getting in the way of you and your clean carpet. What’s even more frustrating is buying a replacement for your vacuum cleaner and then having to hunt around for the instruction manual to find out how to fit it. And then once you find the manual the next job is to make sense of the instructions, which often only have a diagram or two to help you work out which way round everything goes. It can be a time consuming and fiddly task, especially for those of us who aren’t the most mechanically minded.

That is why some companies have started putting videos on their website or on YouTube designed to show customers how fit a new belt or filter.  It always makes so much more sense when you can see somebody else demonstrate the process in front of you, rather than following a set of written instructions.

 It’s worth searching on YouTube for your make and model of vacuum cleaner and see if there are any relevant videos that show you what to do. A quick search of ‘vacuum cleaner spares’ on YouTube will show you just how many help videos there are available these days.

Vax has their own YouTube channel where they host help videos, along with infomercials, video reviews and TV adverts. These can be a valuable source of information, both for vacuum cleaner owners needing help with changing spares and for shoppers who want to see exactly what a machine looks like in action before parting with their cash. You can, judge how loud it is, see how easy it is to push around the carpet, how well it picks up dirt and read other people’s opinions on how they think the vacuum cleaner performs.  All without leaving the comfort of your home!
 

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Using and Maintaining Your Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

What is the best way to clean carpeted stairs?

Turbo ToolA TurboTool, featured on a number of models of Vax vacuum cleaner,  is an excellent accessory for this purpose. These air-driven handtools contain a spinning brush which is specifically designed to clean deep in the pile of the carpet, so they are great at removing pet hair. Machines without a TurboTool will usually have a dusting brush and crevice tool that can also be used for stair cleaning. Simply attach them to the accessory hose of your machine.

What should the brushbar height adjustment be set at?

On Vax vacuum cleaners brushbar height settings correspond to carpet height with the lowest setting being best for use on low pile carpet and the highest setting best for a thick plush pile carpet. Based on the type of carpet you are vacuuming, pick a setting which corresponds. If the cleaner is difficult to push with that setting, try the next highest setting. The highest setting should always be used, or the brushbar turned off, when vacuuming lino.

Why will my cleaner not pick up?

There are several possible reasons for this:-

1) Brushbar

Check to see if the brushbar is rotating. There may be obstructions which are preventing this from operating correctly.

2) Belt

Check to make sure that the belt is not worn or broken. Vax user manuals almost always cover the procedure for checking and replacing the belt with diagrams and descriptions. This is a straightforward task and can normally be completed within a few minutes.

3) Blockages

Check that the air passage from the base of the cleaner through to the dirt container to see if there are any blockages that may be obstructing the suction. Blockages are likely to occur in the hose, therefore in some cases it may be necessary to use an implement such as a broomhandle to remove blockages.

4) Dirt Container

Check the dirt container to see if it is full and empty if necessary.

5) Filters

Check all filters on your machine and either clean or replace with new filters.

Why does my vacuum cleaner cut out?

Vacuum cleaners generally cut out due to the thermal cut out being activated, as a result of the motor becoming extremely hot due to reduced airflow. This is most commonly as a result of the filter being blocked, or there being an obstruction within the hose.

Once the thermal cut out is engaged it may take between 1-2 hours for the machine to operate again. Turn off your machine, and unplug from the mains supply and leave the machine to cool down.

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Using and Maintaining Your Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

What is the best way to clean carpeted stairs?

We recommend using the upholstery tool to vacuum stairs. Alternatively the Vax TurboTool will make the task quick and easy.

How do I clean the filters on my vacuum cleaner?

The filters should be removed from the unit and tapped on the edge of a bin repeatedly to remove any loose debris. The filters can then be washed by rinsing under cold running water – do not use any detergents. Allow filters to completely air dry before replacing (do not use your vacuum cleaner without filters).

Why will my cleaner not pick up?

There are three possible reasons for this:-

1) Blockages

Check the vacuuming head, extension tubes and tools for any blockages and remove the blockage if necessary. You may use the end of a broom handle to dislodge a blockage from the hose if needed.

2) Dirt Container

Check the dirt container to see if it is full, and empty if necessary.

3) Filters

Check all filters on your machine and either clean or replace with new filters.

Why does my vacuum cleaner cut out?

Vacuum cleaners generally cut out due to the thermal cut out being activated. The thermal cut out is activated as a result of the motor becoming extremely hot as a result of reduced airflow. This is most commonly as a result of the filter being blocked, or there being an obstruction within the air passage, i.e. hose.

Once the thermal cut out is engaged it may take between 1-2 hours for the machine to operate again. Turn off your machine, and unplug from the mains supply and leave the machine to cool down.

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Using and Maintaining Your Heated Carpet Washer

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

Will my carpets resoil quicker after using a carpet washer?

Choose an anti-resoiling cleaning agent, such as the range of solutions by Vax, to help prevent carpets getting dirty. Always follow the dosage recommended in the user guide appropriate to your machine (do not exceed this). Also make sure that you give your carpets sufficient time to dry – 2-3 hours drying time is recommended.

Will washing my carpets cause them to shrink?

Not if the machine is used as directed in the user guide. All Vax machines have powerful suction to quickly and effectively extract the liquid and dirt from the carpet pile. After washing, carpets are usually dry within 2-3 hours (depending on weather conditions).

Is it okay to use other manufacturer’s cleaning solutions in a Vax carpet washer?

Although other solutions may claim they can be used in Vax carpet washers, Vax recommends that only genuine Vax solutions be used. Other manufacturer’s solutions can foam up excessively in machines and use of such solutions will invalidate the guarantee.

My carpet washer does not appear to pick up dirty water from the carpet that well. What would you recommend?

Just like a vacuum cleaner, your carpet washer requires adequate suction to remove liquid from the surface you have cleaned.

Check the following:

1) Filters

Always check the filter inside the dirty water tank (where fitted) to ensure that it is not cloged with debris. If so, remove the filter and clean with running water under the tap and leave to dry, or replace.

2) Suction vent

Ensure that the suction vent where the point of extraction takes place is not damaged or worn; this may either be on the main cleaning head or on the upholstery wash tool. Make sure there is good contact between the suction vent and the carpet/upholstery area where cleaning is to take place.

3) Dirty water tank

Ensure that the recovery tank and its appropriate lid is correctly fitted into the housing with the tank lids properly secured. Also check that the dirty water tank is not full to capacity.

How does heated cleaning work?

Vax heated cleaning carpet washers use warm air from the motor and force it directly onto the carpet surface. The warm air works with the SpinScrub brushes and cleaning solution, raising the temperature of the cleaning path to help break down the dirt and grime. This method of heating also assists in drying the carpet during the solution recovery process.

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Posted in Carpet Washing, Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance | 1 Comment »