| + | [summary]Your vacuum cleaner is making more noise than usual. Perhaps it's a squeal, perhaps it's a whistle, perhaps it's a strong vibration. Here are several items to check and possible solutions. This page is mainly dealing with conventional upright and canister vacuums.[/summary] |
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| + | == The Hose Is Clogged == |
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| + | The easiest first check is to make sure the hose is not clogged. |
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| + | You need to detach it from the machine and try looking through it first. But... |
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| + | * Sometimes they don't show up fully when you look through the hose |
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| + | * You may find can't get the hose straight enough to look, especially if it is long, |
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| + | * There may be an angled fitting on the end of the hose, which prevents looking through it. |
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| + | * So follow up the visual inspection with a physical check. |
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| + | You can use a dowel or piece of stout wire also to make sure there is no clog in the hose, |
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| + | * A stout wire like a metal clothes hanger taken apart can be used as it has the right balance of rigidity and flexibility. |
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| + | * Make sure you bend the end over into a small loop, so that it can't puncture your hose, and it will slide through more easily. |
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| + | * If no clog is found, move on to the next cause. |
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| + | == Bag or Dirt Cup Is Too Full == |
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| + | Another common problem that leads to increased noise from your vacuum is an overfilled dirt bag or dirt cup. |
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| + | * The motor will spin faster as it tries to draw air through the clogged filter and can't do so. |
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| + | * Since it can't move the air (which takes work) it speeds up and becomes noisier. |
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| + | * The change is often gradual, and you will likely notice it when you have been using the vacuum for an extended period, shut it off and then come back and it seems much louder. |
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| + | * Get a new bag or empty the dirt cup. |
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| + | * Start it up again and check the sound, if better, you're done. |
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| + | * If not, go to the next cause. |
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| + | == Internal Filters May Be Clogged == |
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| + | Another frequent contributor to extra noise is clogged secondary or internal filters. |
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| + | * These are more commonly found on machines that use a dirt cup and cyclonic separation. |
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| + | ** These internal filters can become slowly clogged with very fine particles. |
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| + | ** Many are frequently washable with water or water and mild soap. |
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| + | ** If you wash them, make sure they have some time to dry before reinstalling them. |
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| + | ** You may find that replacing them is necessary after several cleanings. |
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| + | * Some should just have the dirt knocked off of them. |
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| + | ** You may need to replace, rather than clean that type of filter after a few cleanings. |
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| + | ** When cleaning this type, you should do it outdoors or at least not inside the living area, as it can be a bit messy. |
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