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Vacuum cleaners are common household appliances, but many users don't know how to use them effectively. Using them incorrectly can sometimes lead to motor fires. This article compiles usage tips and highlights common mistakes to avoid, preventing damage to the machine.
1. Using Your Vacuum Cleaner for Durability and Efficiency
Vacuum cleaners are widely used, but most users are unaware of how to use them effectively. Incorrect usage can easily lead to motor fires. This article provides tips on usage and identifies common mistakes to prevent damage to the machine.
1. Don't wait for the dust bag to be completely full before emptying it
Although some vacuum cleaners have a 'check dust bag' indicator, you should manually check and replace the dust bag (for bagged vacuum cleaners) or empty it (for bagless ones) when it's about 3/4 full. This helps the vacuum cleaner operate more efficiently, saves energy, and prolongs the machine's lifespan by avoiding strain on the motor. You can verify this: when the dust bag is too full, air circulation within the machine is impeded, causing it to overheat. Bagless vacuum cleaners are easier to clean than those with bags.
2. Regularly Clean Your Dust Filters
Efficiently removing dust particles and dirt is impossible if the dust filter is clogged. You don't need to change the filter often as with dust bags, but regular cleaning is essential.
Some vacuum cleaners use disposable filter membranes, meaning you'll need to replace them when dirty or torn. For reusable filter membranes, you can wash them with warm water mixed with a bit of dish soap to remove dirt and debris.
It's advisable to choose a vacuum cleaner that comes with HEPA or S-class filters. These filters have high antibacterial properties and excellent dust filtration quality, minimizing dust returning to the environment.
3. Use Different Nozzle Attachments for Different Areas
Typically, vacuum cleaners come with a set of various nozzles. You should switch nozzles according to the area you're vacuuming. Most vacuum cleaners have a combined floor nozzle, allowing you to vacuum on both hard floors and carpets. Use the foot-operated latch on the floor nozzle to select the appropriate vacuuming mode. Check the symbols on the floor nozzle to determine the required mode: when vacuuming hard floors, the bristles of the brush will extend at the back of the nozzle, and these will retract when vacuuming carpets.
The small brush-like nozzle is often used for dusting in corners and along walls, on items like bookshelves and TV stands. You can also use this attachment to vacuum dust clinging to the walls.
Another nozzle with a narrow tube shape can be used to vacuum crevices or tight spaces where the floor nozzle cannot reach. This nozzle can also be used to vacuum hard objects, but be cautious not to vacuum objects that are too large or sharp.
Note: Always turn off the machine before replacing the nozzle.
4. Wind the Power Cord Properly
Vacuum cleaners often have a fairly long power cord, allowing users to easily pull the machine far from the electrical outlet. When using the machine, you should unwind the entire cord. If left inside the machine, it can cause both the machine and the cord to overheat. When winding the cord back, pay attention to using your hand to hold each short section of the cord and press the button for the machine to retract the cord slowly to avoid tangling.
5. Avoid Using the Vacuum Cleaner for More Than 2 Hours
Each time you vacuum, only run the machine for about 3-4 minutes, turn it off for a while, and then turn it back on. Avoid continuous vacuuming as it can cause the machine's motor to overheat, leading to electrical issues. If you notice signs of the vacuum hose being clogged during vacuuming, disconnect the power, remove the hose, clean it thoroughly, and then resume machine operation.
6. Use the Vacuum Cleaner Correctly
Avoid misusing the features of the vacuum cleaner, such as using it to vacuum heavy objects like stones, wet gravel, which can clog the suction tube, render the machine inoperable, and even lead to motor damage. Don't use a vacuum cleaner to suck up mud or liquids.
Vacuum cleaners have limited power and can only cover a certain area. Some machines can only handle dry dust, so if you want to clean both dry and wet substances from your floor, you need to invest in a vacuum cleaner with the capability to handle both. While dry vacuum cleaners range from 1.5 to 3.5 million VND per unit, wet-dry vacuum cleaners can cost anywhere from 3.3 to 18 million VND per unit.
7. Choose a Vacuum Cleaner with High Suction Power
When purchasing a vacuum cleaner, pay attention to the suction power of the machine. Most appliance stores often only list the power consumption of the machine rather than its suction power. For average-sized homes used for regular vacuuming, consider machines with power ranging from 1000W to 1600W. For larger homes, opt for machines with power ranging from 1800W to 2200W. Test the machine's suction capability before buying. It's advisable to choose a machine with suction power of 300W or higher.
8. Minimize Dust Entry Into Your Home
To minimize dust entering your home, place a doormat at the entrance and regularly replace it. Use separate indoor slippers for each floor; avoid using the same pair throughout all floors to prevent dust and dirt transfer between areas. Vacuum furniture, curtains, and window sills regularly.
9. Schedule Regular Vacuuming
Establish a weekly vacuuming schedule for the entire house. Areas with frequent foot traffic and communal activities should be vacuumed more often. If you have pets like dogs or cats, daily vacuuming is essential. Combine the use of a handheld vacuum and a standard vacuum cleaner. The handheld vacuum quickly and easily tackles daily cleaning needs, preventing the hassle of bringing out the full-sized vacuum every time. Use the high-power vacuum on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to clean the entire house.
10. Deal with Stains Before Vacuuming; Avoid Vacuuming Small Objects
For stubborn stains, use a brush to loosen them before vacuuming. When vacuuming small, delicate items, avoid using a high-power machine as it may suck them in. Running the machine creates airflow, so when vacuuming dust on electrical circuits, computers, pianos, organs, etc., ensure the nozzle doesn't touch the items.
Common Issues with Vacuum Cleaners
- If the vacuum's suction power weakens, check the lubrication of the motor shaft, the motor's spindle, and the wear on the electric brush, as poor lubrication or worn brushes can reduce suction. Additionally, inspect the dust bag to see if it's full or torn because a full bag obstructs airflow, diminishing the vacuum's suction. Furthermore, hair, pet fur, or paper debris stuck in the hose or brush head can also impede suction.
- In case the dust brush doesn't rotate, check if it's entangled with hair or threads. If so, remove them. If the brush still doesn't rotate, it may be due to a loose or broken belt, which needs replacement. You can replace the belt yourself or consult a professional if unsure about your skills.
- When the vacuum cleaner is not operational, it could be running at an excessive load or has sucked in sharp objects, causing motor damage or a malfunction. Unplug the device, remove any hard obstructions, and wait at least 30 minutes for the device's thermal protection to cool the motor before restarting. If the machine still doesn't run, the motor is likely damaged and needs replacement.
- If the motor is running but the vacuum isn't suctioning, there's a possibility of foreign objects obstructing the machine's airflow. Check the hose and dust bag to ensure they are not clogged or overly full. Insufficient lubrication of the rotating shaft or worn brushes could also be reasons for the vacuum not suctioning.
Source: vnreview
