Top News

Your vacuum cleaner is an invaluable tool in your home cleaning arsenal. In fact, it's one of the appliances that gets the most use when it comes to cleaning.

While many of us will admit we don't dust or deep clean as often as we probably should, we can all whizz the vacuum around our homes once a week to keep the floors clean.

If you have pets, you probably get even more use out of your vacuum cleaner. Dog or cat hair can quickly accumulate on carpets and other soft furnishings, and investing in a good vacuum that is designed to tackle hair can be a game-changer.

But did you know that your vacuum probably isn't working as effectively as it should because of one part? Although it's a tool for cleaning, it also requires regular cleaning itself, or it could break completely.

A woman on Reddit shared a picture of her vacuum cleaner after she had thoroughly cleaned the brush roller at the bottom of the device - which is an area most people forget to pay attention to.

The woman urged people not to "forget" about cleaning the rollers, as hairs and other debris can easily wrap around them and clog them up, making the vacuum less effective at cleaning your carpets.

She added: "Three months of buildup on this shark vacuum. Two-person household with two kitties. We have a lot of hair here!"

Commenters on the post were thankful for her helpful reminder, as many admitted they had completely forgotten that the rollers needed cleaning. Since they're on the bottom of your vacuum, you don't often see them so it's easy to neglect them.

Others shared tips on how to clear debris from the area. The top tip was to use a seam ripper to quickly cut the hairs away, which can be especially useful if you have a tangled mess attached to your rollers.

One person said: "A seam ripper, which would be sold with sewing supplies, is great for this!" Another added: "Came here to say exactly this. It's so clutch. The fine point really gets in under everything, and then a smooth, quick motion has it all cut loose."

How to maintain your vacuum cleaner

Always read the manual of your vacuum cleaner before getting to work - as instructions can vary depending on what specific product you have.

However, many guides advise the following...

1. Empty the Dustbin or Replace the Bag

• Bagless vacuums: Empty the dustbin after each use or when it's about two-thirds full.
• Bagged vacuums: Replace the bag when it feels about half to two-thirds full or if suction drops.

2. Clean or Replace Filters

• Most vacuums have one or more filters (HEPA, foam, or felt).
• Check the manufacturer's instructions for how often to clean or replace them (usually every 1-3 months).
• Wash washable filters with water and let them dry completely before reinserting.
• Replace non-washable filters as recommended.

3. Check and Clean the Brush Roll

• Remove hair, string, and debris wrapped around the brush roll.
• Use scissors or a seam ripper to cut away tangled material.
• Remove the brush roll (if possible) for thorough cleaning.

4. Inspect and Clean the Hose

• Detach the hose and check for clogs.
• Push a broomstick or flexible brush through to remove blockages.
• Rinse with water if needed and let it dry completely.

---