How to Clear a Blockage in a Vacuum

Turn off your vacuum cleaner. Unplug it from the wall. Let the unit cool for 10 or 15 minutes if the blockage presented itself during use, since it's common for the parts to become overheated.

Lay the vacuum cleaner on its side, exposing the brush head and main intake. Manually turn the brush head. Look for clumps of hair, string or other large pieces of debris stuck behind the brushes or in the intake’s opening. Pull them out and discard them.

Return the vacuum cleaner to an upright position. Locate the joint where the hose attaches to the vacuum’s main body. Detach the hose at the joint. Look for and remove any visible blockages in the body of the vacuum at the joint. Insert a dowel or broomstick into the hose and push it through forcing out any blockages. Collect the blockage and discard it. Return the hose to its retainer.

Turn the vacuum cleaner so the backside is facing you. Locate the dust cup, which is a round plastic structure with rubber edging. Pop open the dust cup. Pull out any visible hairballs or other obstructions and discard them. Close the dust cup.

Test the vacuum after clearing the known blockages. Plug in the vacuum and turn on the power. Vacuum a tissue or other fragile, lightweight material into the machine. Turn off the machine. Open the canister to see if the tissue was sucked in, which indicates you have successfully removed the blockage.