How to Fix Loss of Suction in a Vacuum Cleaner

When it comes to vacuum cleaners, the most common reason for them to get thrown away is a lack of suction. However, of the five common reasons for vacuum cleaners to lose suction, all of them are actually repairable as long as you know how to identify the problem. That's why, in this article, we're going to show you how to fix loss of suction in a vacuum cleaner so you can get your appliance working properly again.

For this guide, we're using a Bosch vacuum cleaner, but these steps should still apply to most vacuum cleaner makes and models. However, we do have specific articles to fix the loss of suction in Henry, Dyson, Vax, Electrolux, Hoover and Bissell models.

Let's take a look! To learn how to fix vacuum cleaner suction problems, you can either watch our video or read our guide below.

Remember, you should always switch off and unplug your vacuum cleaner from the mains before carrying out any work, repairs or replacements.

This first cause of lack of suction might seem fairly obvious, but you should check your vacuum cleaner's bag or dust bin to see if it's full. If your bag or bin is full, this can result in a lack of suction, so you'll need to empty the bin or change the bag to get it back to its usual suction power. You should also check the dust bag for any rips or tears and replace it if you find any.

Next up, we have the vacuum cleaner's filters. Some vacuum cleaners have one filter but most have two. These are the pre-motor filter and the post-motor or exhaust filter.

First, you'll want to check the pre-motor filter to make sure it isn't too dirty or dusty, as a dirty filter will greatly reduce the suction in your vacuum cleaner. Some pre-motor filters are washable whereas some simply need replacing, but you can always refer to your vacuum cleaner's user manual to check whether or not yours should be cleaned or replaced. Some pre-motor filters will even have how regularly you need to clean them written on the filter itself. To clean your pre-motor filter, simply rinse it in warm water until the water runs clear then leave it to dry for 24 hours or until it's completely dry.

The same applies to post-motor filters. Some can be washed in the same manner whereas some will need replacing. Again, you can refer to your vacuum cleaner's user manual to make sure.

If your vacuum cleaner's bag or dust bin is empty and the filters are clean but there's still a lack of suction, the next thing to check for is blockages. It's easy for things to get stuck in your vacuum cleaner's hoses and other areas, so check inside the hosing for any blockages or obstructions. You can use an item like an unravelled coathanger to reach deep inside hoses and tubes to check for and remove blockages. Just be careful not to damage the hose when you do this.

If you have an upright vacuum cleaner, you should also check the brush roll and the area around it for blockages and remove any you might find. This includes hair and string that might be wrapped around the brush roll. If the brush roll is damaged at all, you can simply replace it.

If blockages aren't to blame for a lack of suction, you'll need to check for gaps in the airflow. Pictured below is an example of a new vacuum hose next to a very old one. While this is an extreme example, plastic hoses gradually degrade over time. This, paired with the fact that many people pull their vacuum along by the hose, often results in rips or tears, and even the smallest rips or holes can reduce the suction in your vacuum cleaner. If you spot any damage such as this, you'll need to replace your vacuum cleaner's hose.

For upright vacuum cleaners, most have a connection or handle between the hose and the base unit. You'll want to also make sure that this is a tight fit, as it's a common area for lack of suction in an upright vacuum cleaner.

Finally, if you've checked all of the above and are still experiencing a lack of suction, the problem likely lies with the motor. In this case, you will either need to replace the motor itself or replace the carbon brushes in the motor.

And there you have it! How to fix a vacuum cleaner that's lost suction. Hopefully, your appliance is now up and running properly once more!

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