How to Unclog a Vacuum Cleaner
As dust, dirt, hair and other debris are sucked into your vacuum, clogs that diminish suction can form from materials sticking to surfaces or wrapping around parts such as the floor brush bar or brush bristles. Additionally, an article of clothing, clump of hair or other large debris may cause a clog. Whether you have a canister or upright model vacuum, unclogging your vacuum cleaner simply requires that you access the area that has the clog and remove it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn off and unplug your vacuum.
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2
Disassemble it to locate the clog or to reach the part--dustbin or bag, hose, elbow pipe, wand, attachment or filter--that you believe has a clog or is near the clog.
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3
Shake and pat the part over a trashcan to see if you can dislodge and dispose of the clog.
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4
Access the clog manually if you can't knock it free. If you're dealing with a part that has a cover or faceplate such as the floor brush, detach the plate and then pull out the clog by hand or suck it away using another vacuum. If you're dealing with a hose or elbow pipe that has an out-of-reach clog, run water through it until the clog dislodges; or straighten a clothes hanger, wrap the ends with duct tape and then insert the hanger into the hose to push the clog out.
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Reassemble your vacuum when you're finished removing the clog. Plug it in and turn it on to confirm that the suction has returned.
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