How to Care for Vacuum Parts

There are three main parts of a vacuum cleaner that require regular attention and maintenance: bags, filters, and belts.

If you have a bagged vacuum, failure to replace the bag will reduce the vacuum’s cleaning power and can strain the motor—or even short it out. In general, replace the bag every month or so if you vacuum regularly, or occasionally check the bag if you vacuum less often. Some machines include a light or meter to indicate when the bag needs changing, but these are almost always inaccurate. To limit exposure to dust when removing a vacuum bag, you may want to do it outside.

When replacing a bag, it’s essential to use the right bag for your specific vacuum model—check the bag model number indicated on the bag (often, bags have their own numbers that differ from the model number of the vacuum). You can find vacuum bags at hardware stores, from the manufacturer, or by searching online—www.vacuumbags.com is a great place to start.

If your vacuum has a filter, check its condition every time you change the bag. Replaceable filters can often be cleaned out and reused, but filters in especially poor condition—cracked, ripped, or very dirty—should be replaced with a new filter. HEPA filters often require special attention, so follow any specific instructions in the vacuum cleaner’s owner’s manual.

A vacuum cleaner’s motor usually has one main rubber belt that turns the machine’s moving parts. Over time, this belt can become brittle or crack, so check it for defects every time you change the vacuum’s bag—if you don’t have the time to check the belt this often, try to check it once every 2–3 months. If it looks especially dirty, wipe it down with a dry cloth (no water). If it’s frayed or broken, contact your machine’s manufacturer to order a new belt—often it’s easy to replace the belt yourself without having to bring the machine in for professional repair.

The vacuum belt isn’t usually exposed, so you’ll need to open a compartment or disassemble part of the vacuum to find it. Always be sure to unplug the vacuum before inspecting or changing the belt. On uprights, the belt is usually located within the base, just behind or to the side of the beater bar. Canister vacuums have one main belt within the canister and another in the beater bar attachment. In all vacuums, you’ll most likely have to unfasten screws or retaining clips to access the belts. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions.