The suction created from a fan drives the vacuum cleaner when it pulls dirt out of a hose or chamber and then dumps the waste into a bag or cup.
Some vacuum cleaners come with the ability to rotate a brush or beater bar on the end of the nozzle to aid in the agitation and cleaning of dirt out of the chamber of suction.
Each of these areas should be clear of obstructions and functioning effectively for a vacuum to function at a 100% level, or else you’ll slowly lose suction.
12 Main Causes of Vacuums Losing Suction
1. Clean the Filters
Modern vacuums usually have two filters. They could have filters to keep dust from the motor, a pre-motor filter, and an exhaust filter.
They could be made of an aluminum frame that is surrounded by the material, or it could be the form of a container, similar to a box, that contains the sponge-type high-efficiency particulate air filters.
Most filters can be washed, and after drying, they can be put in their place. If they’re damaged, they need to be replaced.
2. Check if the Filters Are Blocked.
Vacuum cleaners have a variety of mesh or foam filters. They could become blocked in time if they are not maintained or cleaned properly.
This could result in your vacuum losing suction. For general guidelines on maintaining your vacuum cleaner’s filters, look here.
3. Examine the Dustbin
If your vacuum isn’t suctioning, it’s time to empty the bin.
4. Change the Bag
The first thing you should look for is your vacuum cleaner bag. When the bag is filled, tear-free, or damaged, it will result in an associated decrease in suction.
If the bag appears good but has a suction loss, replace it with a brand-new one. This way, you’ll be certain that the bag isn’t the issue.
5. Make Sure the Hose Is Free of Obstruction.
A clogged hose can result in your vacuum losing suction. Remove the hose and its attachments apart and determine whether there is a foreign object, hairball, or dust preventing the flow of air. You can remove the blockage by using an extended stick or Broom handle.
6. Examine the Roller or Brush to See if There Is a Blockage
Flip the brush upside down, and then clean the roller or brush. In time, they could be blocked or stuck due to the accumulation of hair or dust, making your vacuum cleaner stop suctioning.
Certain brushes can be removed for simpler cleaning. If you have disassembled parts, check the user’s manual, as each model might have distinct instructions.
If you’re struggling to locate the manual you need, download it from here by entering the model number for your device.
7. Obstructions in the Vacuum Airflow
The vacuum airflow starts at the end of the hose on canister vacuum cleaners and ends at the opening in the middle of an upright cleaner. The hose should be stretched to its full length, then put a broom handle into it. The handle can push any obstruction to the point of. Examine the hose from the end to the other end.
Any crack, hole, or kink could result in a vacuum losing suction. If the hose becomes damaged, then it is time to replace it. In the opposite direction, turn an upright vacuum upside-down to look at the opening in the vacuum’s body.
Examine for paper pieces or hair pieces that may restrict the suction. If the upright is equipped with an adjustable brush, take it off it to allow more accessibility for the open. Also, examine your connections to the vacuum. An unsecured or weak connection could cause the vacuum’s airflow to be impeded, leading to a loss of suction.
8. Check the Rotating Brush
If the brush is rotating or the beater bar isn’t moving, it can appear as if there is a decrease in suction. The rotating brush can sweep dirt and debris into the vacuum’s suction airflow, making it more efficient for vacuums to scoop up dirt. If the rotating brush is not spinning, then there will be an equal reduction in cleaning power.
Most of the time, the rotating brush will be cleaned and removed to make it function and be used again. Sometimes, however, the drive belt that drives the brush could be damaged and requires replacement to restore proper vacuum suction.
9. The Motor
If the motor is wrong, the vacuum may be unable to suction. A motor that is not working properly could be erratic and smoke, or it could be erratic and start to run. Motors aren’t typically DIY tasks; if the motor is damaged, the vacuum must be replaced.
In some bags, nevertheless, it is the case that the motor utilizes the spinning of a plastic fan blade to produce suction. It is connected directly to the drive axle.
Dirt and other debris go through the blades before being pushed to the bag’s bottom. If any of the blades are damaged and the motor vibrates, it could be unable to turn, resulting in an interruption in suction. Replace the motor blade in the case.
10. Check That All Components Are Connected Correctly.
Loose connectors can make your vacuum cleaner lose suction. Check that the right hose, dust bin, tube, and brush are connected properly.
11. Make Sure the Hose Is Free of Tears or Cracks.
Also, examine the hose for problems, as the air leaking through a tear or crack could cause a loss of suction. If you find the tear, consult an authorized service representative.
12. Think About Technical Issues
If the issue persists, it is possible that your vacuum may be experiencing a technical issue. If you think this might happen, you should contact an authorized service representative.