Cleaning and Maintaining Your Central Vacuum System

Each year record numbers of homeowners all across the U.S install a central vacuum in their home. Cleaning and maintaining your central vacuum system will keep it operating efficiently and prolong its useful life. In this blog, we are introducing the basics of accomplishing this goal to help keep your home immaculately clean and reduce repair bills.

Cleaning and maintaining your system begin with becoming familiar with the manufacturer's manual that comes with the vacuum. Since not all brands are the same, you should never assume you know how to care for your vacuum by taking friend's advice. If you hire a contractor to install the vacuum, be sure to ask for cleaning tips regarding your specific brand and model.

Taking the Right Steps

To ensure you don’t neglect your vacuum, it is a good idea to create a cleaning and maintenance plan for your vacuum.Here are a few suggestions:

• Never abuse your vacuum by trying to pick up large pieces of debris, anything sharp, or liquid spills. You are asking for trouble if you do; instead, use some elbow grease to clean up these messes.
• Create a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule and post it in the same space where you store your vacuum.
• Empty the dirt when the canister or bag reaches half full.
• Replace the bag on schedule, if your unit has one.
• Check the hose, wand, and attachments regularly for clogs. Something sticky can cling to the hose walls and collect debris.

The power unit is virtually worry-free and should provide many years of service. However, once a month you should visually inspect it for any superficial damage such as dents. If it ever malfunctions, it’s time to call a repair technician. Additionally, the brushes must be checked each time you clean because items can become stuck in them that reduce operating efficiency. Roller brushes spin very fast and can be damaged when off balance due to clogs. Bearings and bushings can wear prematurely if you neglect their cleaning.  You may need tweezers to get hair, string, or heavy pet dander out.

You can virtually eliminate wear on your vacuum hoses by covering them with a sleeve or sock available from your dealer. The sleeve/sock also protects furniture, woodwork, and walls from damage.Additionally, you should always store your hoses off the floor, so household members don’t step on them. However, never store the hose attached to vacuum wands because this creates a stress fracture in the hose where it bends. Check all accessories and tools regularly to keep them free from debris and clogs.

These Cleaning Tips are Super

One of the main reasons homeowners purchase central vacuums is because they last so long – up to 20 years or more. Follow these additional cleaning tips for worry-free service.

• Purchase some soft cleaning clothes and a mild cleaning solution.
• Change the vacuum bag or empty the canister before each cleaning session.
• To remove clogs put your hand over the hose opening at each inlet, turn the vacuum on, and leave your hand on it for a few seconds. This added pressure helps suck out stubborn dirt or clogs. Again, do this at each inlet receptacle.
• Purchase specifically designed cleaning cloths from Think Vacuums to clean your vacuum's hoses and piping. Remove the cloth from the canister and repeat for every room inlet. Don't worry – the cloths construction prevents them from getting stuck in the pipes.
• If your filters are reusable, clean them with a solution of liquid soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before reinserting them.

What Should I Do If There is Little or No Suction in My Vacuum?

Occasionally a central vacuum will fail to suction properly. If this happens, try these troubleshooting techniques:

• Check the hose from one end to the other to see if something is stuck. One way to get stuck debris out is to run a clean garden hose through the vacuum hose.
• Make sure the dust bag is not full. If it is full, change it immediately and try the system again.
• Try the hose at each inlet to determine where the clog is located in the piping. As an example, if this occurs in the bedroom, use the cleaning cloth suction test already mentioned.
• Check the canister bucket to make sure it is closed and clamped properly.
• Try disconnecting the piping from the “IN” on the power unit. If there is suction, something is clogging the piping. If there’s no suction, the problem is the motor.

Check your owner’s manual for other troubleshooting ideas, and if this fails to resolve the issue, contact us at 954-341-2760 for help.

We Have the Accessories, Tools, and Parts for Your Central Vacuum.

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