My Vacuum Is Clogged

Dirt Collection

• Many vacuum cleaners use a dirt cup, container or bag to collect the debris that is vacuumed during use. Once this container gets full, it can clog the hose or nozzle and prevent the vacuum from suctioning. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and remove the dirt container. Empty out the dirt container over a waste bin and wipe it clean with a cloth. Return it to the vacuum and make sure it latches fully into place. If the vacuum cleaner uses a dirt bag, discard the used bag and replace it with a new bag.

Filter

• Vacuum cleaners typically use at least one filter, sometimes more, to filter the air and dirt that is brought into the device. Once these filters become clogged, the cleaner can no longer function properly. Unplug the vacuum and remove the filter, usually located inside the dirt compartment. Tap the filter over a waste bin to clean it. While some filters can be washed with soapy water and rinsed, others, such as HEPA filters, should not be washed. Look at the edges of the filter to see if it is marked "washable" or not.

Hose

• The hose is one of the first points of airflow in a vacuum cleaner. Pull up on the hose and examine inside of it to see if there are any blockages. Use a long handle, such as a broom handle, if necessary to push an obstruction through the hose. Shake the hose to see if anything falls out before reconnecting the hose to the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuums have an air blow-out port or are otherwise able to reverse the air flow from suction to blow. Connect the hose to this port and blow out any obstruction in the hose.

Nozzle

• Nozzles are another part on a vacuum cleaner that can get clogged. Disconnect power and look at the nozzle under the bottom plate, removing the soleplate if necessary to access the nozzle and clean it out. The nozzle on a hand tool also can become obstructed and must be cleaned before restoring to power and use. Use the air blowout port or reverse air flow function, if available, to blow out any obstruction in the nozzle as well as the hose.