If you’ve ever wondered why your vacuum’s performance seems to dip over time, it’s usually not the machine—it’s the maintenance. Whether you’re running a commercial cleaning operation or managing an office facility or maintaining a personal residence, keeping your vacuums in top condition saves time, energy, and money for both yourself, your business and your clients.
Here’s your ultimate guide to vacuum cleaner maintenance that’ll help you maintain suction, extend battery life, and improve air quality.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
1. Empty the dustbin or replace the bag
Never let the bin or bag overfill—it reduces suction and strains the motor.
2. Check and clean the brush roll
Remove hair, string, and debris that gets tangled. This is a major culprit for reduced performance.
3. Wipe down exterior and hose
Dust buildup can cause clogs and also looks unprofessional during commercial cleans.
Quarterly Maintenance Schedule
1. Wash or replace filters (especially HEPA)
HEPA filters trap micro-particles. A dirty filter kills airflow, stops filtering the nasties and puts strain on the motor.
2. Inspect cords, plugs, or battery connections
Look for fraying or loose connections. For cordless units, make sure battery terminals are clean. Damange to cords can short power to the property which may lead to more serious issues.
3. Check internal hoses for clogs
Remove the hose and run a flashlight through it to check for hidden obstructions. Items can, and will get stuck in here.
4. Deep clean the vacuum head
Remove the roller, wipe the underside, and clean around the suction inlet. Grime builds up, which can lead to poor performance, horrible smells and a bacteria breeding ground which can spread to carpets.
How to Clean HEPA Filter
- Remove the filter as per manufacturer instructions.
- Tap out dust gently…sometimes vigorously, especially for construction site cleans. TIP: be sure to wear a filtered mask.
- Wash with cool water (if washable). Don’t use soap unless specified.
- Let it dry fully—usually 24 hours—before reinserting. Having a second spare on hand is always handy.
- Not washable? Replace every 3–6 months.
Smelly Vacuum? Try This
Vacuum smell fix – If your vacuum gives off a bad odour:
- Check the dustbin for moist debris. Discard the bag if its wet. A wet bag is ruined and can be a breeding ground for germs
- Replace or clean the filter.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming.
- Drop a scented deodoriser pad into the dustbin. We recommend cotton pads with essential oils dropped onto them.
- Hot tip: clients love the smell of eucalyptus.
Pro Tips to Keep Suction High
- Don’t vacuum wet material unless your machine is wet/dry rated. Check out our blog for best wet/dry vacuum cleaners
- Unclog stick vacuum. Avoid vacuuming large pieces—always pre-sweep construction debris. Large opieces can get stuck in the hose blocking them or worse, damage the hose causing holes.
- Keep vacuum wheels and roller heads clean to prevent drag, or the wheels from falling off.
Infographic: Vacuum Maintenance Schedule
Related Resources
- [CleansePro Commercial Cleaning Services – Gold Coast]
- [Buy Hygiene & Vacuum Supplies from Our Store]
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