Cleaning a vacuum cleaner's powerhead is an important maintenance task to ensure efficient and effective performance. Here is a step-by-step guide to clean a vacuum cleaner's powerhead:
- Unplug the vacuum cleaner: Before beginning any cleaning or maintenance, always ensure that the vacuum cleaner is unplugged from the power source to prevent accidents.
- Remove the powerhead/suction head: Depending on the model of your vacuum cleaner, you may need to detach the powerhead or suction head from the main vacuum body. This can usually be done by simply pressing a release or unlock button and pulling it out.
- Inspect for debris: Examine the powerhead for any visible debris or tangled hair. Use your fingers or a small brush to loosen and remove the debris. Be careful not to damage any delicate parts.
- Remove the brush roller: Locate the brush roller beneath the powerhead. In most cases, it can be easily accessed by flipping the powerhead over. Remove any screws or locking mechanisms that hold the brush roller in place. Once it is loose, carefully slide it out.
- Clean the brush roller: Use a pair of scissors, tweezers, or your fingers to remove any accumulated hair, threads, or debris from the brush roller. You can also use a brush with stiff bristles to scrub away any stubborn debris. Ensure it is thoroughly cleaned before moving to the next step.
- Clean the brush housing: The area where the brush roller sits is called the brush housing. Use a small brush or a toothbrush to clean this area, removing any dirt or debris that may have been trapped.
- Check and clean the belt: Examine the belt that drives the brush roller for any signs of wear or damage. Replace it if necessary. To clean the belt, remove it from the brush roller pulley and stretch it gently to remove any accumulated debris.
- Reassemble the powerhead: Once everything is clean and dry, slide the brush roller back into the brush housing and secure it with any previously removed screws or locking mechanisms.
- Reattach the powerhead/suction head: Align the powerhead or suction head with the main vacuum cleaner body and push it firmly until it clicks into place. Ensure that it is securely attached.
- Test and maintain: Plug the vacuum cleaner back in and run it for a few minutes to test if the powerhead is functioning correctly. If everything works fine, you can proceed with regular vacuuming. Remember to periodically check and clean the powerhead to maintain optimal performance.
By following these steps, you can easily clean and maintain the powerhead of your vacuum cleaner, which helps prolong its lifespan and ensure effective cleaning performance.
Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue
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POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
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LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
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ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
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PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
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SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
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BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
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LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.9-quart capacity for longer cleaning sessions. Easily remove dust cup to empty debris in seconds.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
BISSELL 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum with HEPA Filter Sealed System, Lift-Off Portable Pod, LED Headlights, Specialized Pet Tools, Easy Empty,Blue/ Black
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Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets
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Lift-Off Detachable Pod. 2-in-1 design with a detachable pod for convenient, portable cleaning
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Tangle-Free Brush Roll. Actively prevents hair wrap
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HEPA Sealed Allergen System. Traps 99.97% of dust and allergens. Tested per ASTM F1977 based on particles 0.3 microns and smaller
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Lightweight Design & Swivel Steering. Powerful cleaning performance without the heavy lifting
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One Touch Easy Empty. Pet hair gets spooled in the tank, keeping it out of your filters and off of your hands when it's time to empty
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Color and accessories included may vary
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Pet, Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, HEPA Media Filtration, For Carpet and Hard Floor, UH72625, Red
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Our Best Cleaning Bagless Upright*
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QuickPass Brushroll – 2X Faster Cleaning** - Clean surface debris without having to pass over the same area multiple times
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WindTunnel 3 Technology - Creates 3 channels of suction to lift and remove surface debris and deep down embedded dirt
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Brushroll On/Off Switch - Turn on/off brushroll for optimal cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
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Headlight - Spot hard to see debris in dim lighted areas for a better clean.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner, with Quick Release Wand, & Swivel Steering, 3198A, Color May Vary
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EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.Specific uses:pet hair on stairs, upholstery
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POWERFUL AND SEAMLESS PET HAIR PICKUP. Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology make cleaning pet hair anywhere quick and easy.
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QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION WAND. Always on so it's always ready to clean, giving you convenient above floor cleaning.
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SWIVEL STEERING & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN. Powerful cleaning performance without the heavy lifting.
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SPECIALIZED PET TOOLS. Reach dirt and pet hair on stairs, upholstery and other hard-to-reach places.
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EDGE-TO-EDGE CLEANING. Clean closer to edges and corners with each pass.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
DEVOAC N300 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 6 in 1 Ultra-Lightweight Stick Vacuum, 2200mAh Battery Up to 40mins Runtime, Powerful Handheld Vacuum for Hard Floor Carpet Pet Hair Home
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💎One Sentence Summary of Devoac N300 : A Low-cost cordless vacuum cleaner that has surprising performance. Fits most families for daily household cleaning.
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【Upgraded LED Motorized Floor Brush】- Compared to the old version, we have upgraded the roller of the floor brush for N300 cordless vacuum cleaner to extend its service life and reduce the possibility of floor brush blockage during use. Built-in LED headlights, the motorized brush head of this rechargeable vacuum cleaner is able to illuminate every dark corner and show out the dust. vacuum can maneuverable 180° swivels sideways and 90°up and down. Upgraded roller brush protects floors from scratches and delivers a thorough cleaning on both hard floors and rugs.
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【Surprising Powerful Suction with 2 Modes】- This cordless stick vacuum cleaner features a powerful 175W motor, which provides impressive powerful suction. It can be switched into two modes: Max Mode (20KPa for 25mins), and Standard Mode (15KPa for 40mins). So it can easily capture pet hair, dust, debris, crumbs, pet food, and other messes with ease. Suitable for tasks on the hardwood floor, low-pile carpet, stairs, curtains, furniture, car, etc.
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【Large Battery Capacity & Long Runtime】- Our cordless vacuum cleaner adopts a 2200mAh 6-cell rechargeable battery, delivers up to 40 minutes uninterrupted runtime in min mode and 25 minutes runtime in standard mode. It performs well in cleaning stairs, rooms, dorms and all around your house.
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【Ultra-Lightweight】- Our Devoac N300 cordless vacuum cleaner weighs less then 3.9lbs. The main motor of the vacuum cleaner weighs only 2.2lbs! You can easily pick it up to clean your house. With a labor-saving battery vacuum cleaner, you can get more out of your time and your arms won't be sore anymore.
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【High-Efficiency Filtration System】- With 5-stage cyclone technology and high-density meshing, the cordless stick vacuum cleaner can capture 99.99% of microscopic dust particles as small as 0.1 microns. Thus, it effectively makes the exhaust air cleaner, prevents secondary air pollution, and brings cleaner air to the family. The "One-Button Dust Dumping" design makes emptying simple.
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【6 in 1 Multi-function Vacuum】- With an upgraded motorized floor brush, long crevice, and 2-in-1 brush, the pet hair vacuum cleaner can be quickly converted into a portable handheld vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum lightweight. These accessories help clean up debris in the hard-to-reach place. The retractable metal tube is perfect for cleaning pet hair on the curtains or ceiling. The wall mount effectively holds the cordless vacuum cleaner and saves space.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering, Gray/Orange
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Never loses suction or power.Specific uses:Stairs,Furnitures.Amperage : 4.2 amps
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Cleans carpets and bare floors
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Lightweight - only 7 pounds. Amps- 4.2. Wattage- 500
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Versatile floor to ceiling cleaning
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Never Loses Suction or Power
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Cleans Bare Floors and Deep Cleans Carpets
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Lightweight
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Versatile Floor to Ceiling Cleaning
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Swivel Steering
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner, with Quick Release Wand, Swivel Steering and Automatic Cord Rewind, 3197A (Color may vary),Black
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Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets
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Powerful and Seamless Pet Hair Pickup. TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology make cleaning pet hair anywhere quick and easy.
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Automatic Cord Rewind. 27’ Power Cord automatically rewinds for quick and easy storage.
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Quick Release Extension Wand. Always on so it's always ready to clean, giving you convenient above floor cleaning.
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Swivel Steering & Lightweight Design. Powerful cleaning performance without the heavy lifting.
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Color may vary.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender
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LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and more.
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ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
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POWERFUL & LIGHTWEIGHT : Powerful suction to deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with a lightweight design for effortless portability.
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BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
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SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
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PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the wide upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
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CREVICE TOOL: Access corners, baseboards, tight spaces, and ceilings for versatile cleaning.
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5-year limited warranty.
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Made in USA or Imported.
How often should you clean a vacuum cleaner's powerhead?
It is recommended to clean a vacuum cleaner's powerhead every 1-3 months or as needed, depending on how frequently you use your vacuum and the amount of hair, debris, or dust that accumulates in the powerhead. Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal performance and prevents clogs or blockages in the brushroll or suction path.
What is the proper maintenance routine for a vacuum cleaner's powerhead?
Maintaining a vacuum cleaner's powerhead is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here is a proper maintenance routine for a vacuum cleaner's powerhead:
- Regularly inspect the powerhead: Check the powerhead for any visible signs of damage or wear. Look for loose or broken parts, fraying wires, or excessive debris accumulation.
- Clean the brushroll and bearings: The brushroll is the rotating brush located at the bottom of the powerhead. Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing any maintenance. Remove any hair, thread, or debris tangled in the brushroll. Use scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove entangled fibers. Inspect the bearings and clean them using a soft cloth or brush, removing any dirt or debris that may impair their movement.
- Empty or replace the dust bag or canister: Depending on your vacuum cleaner's type, either empty the dust bag or canister or replace it when it's full. A full dust bag or canister can negatively impact the vacuum's suction power and overall performance.
- Clear blockages: If the powerhead isn't functioning properly, verify that there are no clogs or blockages obstructing the airflow. Remove any debris or obstructions from the hose, wand, or connections.
- Check the power cord: Ensure that the power cord is undamaged and properly connected. Examine the cord for any cuts, loose connections, or exposed wires. If you notice any faults, have a professional repair or replace it to prevent potential electrical hazards.
- Replace worn components: Over time, the powerhead's components may wear out, such as belts, hoses, or brushes. Check these parts regularly and replace them as needed to maintain effective performance.
- Lubricate moving parts (if applicable): If your vacuum cleaner's powerhead has moving parts that require lubrication, consult the user manual for instructions on the proper lubrication technique. Use the recommended lubricant and apply it sparingly to ensure smooth operation.
- Keep the powerhead clean: Wipe the exterior of the powerhead with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that may damage the surface finish.
Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific maintenance instructions and guidelines tailored to your vacuum cleaner model.
How to clean the motor of a vacuum cleaner's powerhead?
Cleaning the motor of a vacuum cleaner's powerhead is not recommended, as it involves disassembling and accessing the internal parts, which can be complex and may void any warranty. However, you can follow these steps to clean the external parts of the powerhead:
- Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner before starting the cleaning process to avoid any accidents.
- Use a cloth or brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the exterior of the powerhead.
- Check the brush roll or brush bar for any tangled hair, threads, or fibers. Use a pair of scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove any obstructions.
- If the brush roll can be removed easily from the powerhead, carefully detach it and clean it separately using warm soapy water.
- Gently wipe down the external parts of the powerhead using a damp cloth. Do not soak it in water or use excessive moisture, as it may damage the internal motor components.
- Allow the powerhead to dry completely before plugging it back in and using it again.
Remember that for any significant motor or internal cleaning issues, it is best to consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact a professional technician for assistance.
