|
Search
Archives
Categories
|
|
 The Vac Doctor is In
- Has this ever happened to you? You’re having visitors over later and you just need to vacuum the house – and then it happens: your vacuum clogs, breaks, or doesn’t turn on at all! (What’s that burning smell!?)
What to do? Pack up your vacuum cleaner ASAP and come on over to the nearest Brothers Sew & Vac location nearest you during our normal business hours. Our helpful, extremely knowledgable ”Brothers” love to solve your vac problems.
We can’t promise we can fix your vac immediately, but in most cases it can be fixed that day and sometimes even while you wait (we have a huge stock of all standard replacement parts for vacuum cleaners right in our shops).
If we can’t get to it immediately (or it’s the occasional, rare part we have to order), we will at least take a look at it and give you a free estimate right away and you can decide how to proceed. If you leave it with us to be repaired and you’re in a pinch, we can even loan you a vacuum cleaner so you can finish your vacuuming.
Brothers has been specialists in repairs for all makes and models of vacuum cleaners for over 50 years. So, don’t worry. When you come to the Vacuum Cleaner Emergency Room at Brothers, the doctor is in – and your vac’s ills will be cured asap.
Google Testimonial...“Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable I went to the Silver Spring store today with my 2 vacuums that needed service and left very impressed with Bryan. I called on the phone and explained my symptoms and he was very polite and said that I should bring them in and he would be happy to help. He was able to diagnose the problem immediately and even upon my request fix the problem on site within minutes! He showed me around the store and educated me about my machine and some others. Bryan was excellent with his knowledge of the products and his customer service skills were wonderful. He mentioned that it is a family owned/ run store and I think they should be proud. The store was clean and organized well. I will recommend this location to friends and family and I will return in the future. Thanks again and keep up the good work ! “
From Yelp…“These guys are great! I brought my vac in because it seemed to be overheating and the roller at the bottom wasn’t working….What had happened was that it overheated and melted a little plastic piece at the bottom which was impeding the roller. He said this overheating tended to be a problem with bagless vacs. They don’t make replacement parts for them and so the only thing to do was to buy a new one. …He took it in the back and a few minutes later came back and said he’d fixed it! He had scraped away the melted plastic with a knife, just enough to let the roller work again and the thing was fine!…Definitely going back here again next time!”
Posted in Brothers Sew & Vac, Repairs, Vacuum Cleaners
|
Tagged Bethesda, broken vacuum cleaner, clogged vac, emergency repair, Maryland, Rockville, Silver Spring, upright vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaner repairs, vacuum cleaner tips, Washington DC
|
If you’re looking for a gift that’s thoughtful and practical but will still bring a gleam to their eyes – Brothers Sew & Vac has some ideal ones for you. Take socks and gloves off the list this year and add one of these suggestions. Just be sure to prepare yourself for a big “thank you”:
 Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines  IQ Air Purifiers  Simplicity Freedom 8lb.Vacuum Cleaner
 Hoover Carpet Cleaner
 Simplicity Vacuum Cleaner  SAVE WITH SPECIALS!
For the Creative Hobbyist:
Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine. They can make amazing quilts, embroideries on linens, personalize tote bags, or make their own fabulous clothing. Complete the present with a fabulous sewing cabinet and organization accessories from Horn.
For the Pet-Lover: IQ Air Purifiers. Perfect for the allergy sufferer or animal aficionado who also wants cleaner air for themselves – and their pets. Quiet, HEPA Technology, Certified Performance.
For Their First Apartment: 8lb. Simplicity Freedom upright vacuum cleaner. Great for bare floor cleaning, light and powerful.
For the Busy Soccer Mom: Choose one of our floor cleaning machines for bare floors or carpets to keep their homes mud and pizza stain-free. Makes kids’ messes worry-free.
For the “I Hate Housework” Husband: One of our new vacuum cleaners from Simplicity®, SEBO®, Hoover®, Eureka®, Oreck®, Sanitaire®, Panasonic®, Fuller Brush®, Dust Care®. He can’t use the “vacuum doesn’t work” excuse any more. Today’s vacuum cleaners are powerful, easy to use, and made to last. If you do have a problem with your vacuum cleaner down the line – Brothers can repair it for you – over 50 years of experience!
Don’t be surprised if you find a gift for yourself while shopping at Brothers Sew & Vac at any of our 4 locations in Maryland and Washington DC. (Always wanted a central vac? We sell and install those, too). SAVINGS FOR YOU, TOO…
Posted in Brothers Sew & Vac, Carpet Shampooers, Central Vacuum Systems, Hard Floor Polishers, Sewing Machines, Simplicity, Vacuum Cleaners
|
Tagged #1 air purifier, air purification, best vacuum cleaner, central vacuum systems, DC, gift guide, gifts, Horn cabinets, Maryland, sewing cabinets, upright vacuum cleaners, Washington DC
|
 Central Vac Repairs, Sales and Installation What is a central vacuum? A central vacuum cleaner (also known as built-in or ducted) is a type of vacuum cleaner appliance, installed into a building as a semi-permanent fixture. They send the dirt through a duct system in the walls to a container system. The power unit is usually installed in a basement, garage or storage room, along with the collection container. Inlets are installed in walls throughout the building that attach to power hoses and other central vacuum accessories to remove dust and particles from a room. Most power hoses typically have a power switch located on the handle.
Often times your central vacuum can break or clog, or have unit problems. When that happens you can turn to Brothers Sew & Vac, who has been repairing and installing central vac systems in DC Metro homes for over 50 years.
If you have any of these problems you should call Brothers for repairs:
Your system is acting odd, turning on and off or staying on continuously:
This is most likely a circuit board problem, but could also be your home’s internal low voltage wiring. When the power is turned on, a circuit is completed and the vacuum unit is turned on. If the vacuum is staying on all the time or randomly turning on and off then it is possible that this wiring is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Your suction isn’t as good as it used to be:
This could be from many things, but it’s usually due to a burnt out motor or a clog in your system. Figuring out which one it is can be done by isolating the closest inlet valve then using a suction gauge to measure the the CFM and inches of H20 (inches of suction) that the vacuum is providing. If it is a clog then our technicians will find it, remove it using a reverse suction machine, then make sure everything else is working. If your unit needs to be replaced or if the motor is bad, Brothers can make the repairs right in your home to get you up and cleaning again. Brothers carries all parts for every brand of vacuum.
Brothers Sew & Vac services: Simplicity, Beam, Black and Decker, Braun, Electrolux, Filtex, Hayden, Hoover, HP Vacflow, Nutone, Pullman, Singer, Vac-u-Queen and many other makers of central vacuum systems.
Your unit is old, gone bad and needs to be replaced:
Brother Sew & Vac carries the best manufacturer names like Simplicity, Hayden, NuTone & Hoover so you know you’re getting a quality central vac that will service your cleaning needs a long time. There’s a BSV near you and we want you to be a returning customer and therefore only sell central vacuums that will provide powerful suction and have a superior warranty. If your central vacuum needs to be replaced or repaired in Maryland or Washington, DC, Brothers will deliver and install the unit professionally – and you’ll be on your way to a cleaner, easier-to-maintain home in no time! Ask us about new accessories and HEPA filtering.
To contact Brothers Sew & Vac for central vacuum repair in our service area, just click here… or to schedule fast, reliable service in MD or DC: just call us at 301-657-8227 (ask for Paul) with your make and model and we can assist you.
 Brothers at the Smithsonian  Old Hoover Vac on Display at the Smithsonian Brothers Sew & Vac has been selling and repairing vacuums so long we’re in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. Well, at least one of the vacuums BSV serviced and/or sold over 50 years ago is.
The front label on the old Hoover shows the Brothers’ antique sticker with our original store address on New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, MD opened in 1956 still nicely displayed on the front. Note the seven digit phone number (still available back before DC was a booming megatropolis).
We’re still making history at our four locations around town selling new and fixing old vacs and sewing machines – just like in the good ‘ol days we believe in offering good products that last, and service that keeps them running like new.
 Horn 5280 Elite If you love to sew you’ll love Horn sewing furniture – available at Brothers Sew & Vac. Horn offers many smart features to fit the type of sewing that you do. All Horn furniture is quality made to last with sturdy construction and steel connectors with a Limited Lifetime Guarantee. See the Horn brochure for all the details.
 Horn 5278 Elite Table options:
- Traditional sewing tables for single sewing machines
- Tables for heavy sewing machines and sergers, or embroidery machines
- Large work surfaces
- Easy-glide drawers and storage cubes
- Extension platforms
- Airlifts and manual lifts
Plus, you can have the perfect setup with their deluxe sewing chairs, thread cubes, and cutting mats. Everything in its own place: easy to get to and organized. Professionals and hobbyists love sewing with Horn! Come by a Brothers Sew & Vac location in Maryland or Washington DC and see them for yourself.
While you’re here you can browse our new sewing machines models from Husqvarna and Singer! For the professional there’s Tacsew, Juki, and Consew – major manufacturers of commercial sewing machines.
Brothers services all makes and models of sewing machines – sewing machine specialists for over 50 years.
 Horn-2500
 
- Brothers Sew & Vac carries IQAir® air purifiers simply because they’re the best you can buy. Most highly noted is the HealthPro® Plus, with its advanced, high-performance filtering system for large rooms.
- Superior odor and chemical removal
- Effectively removes allergens
- Doesn’t emit ozone
- Endorsed by medical groups
Don’t take our word for it.
These respected organizations consistently rate it #1:
- ConsumerSearch.com
- Consumers Digest
- Consumers Guide
- Reviewboard Magazine
- AllergyBuyersClub.com
- Stiftung Warentest
Suffering from allergies or know someone who is?
Pass it on: HealthPro Plus from IQAir – Awarded Best Air Purifier over and over again – at all 4 Brother Sew & Vac locations.
 Gifts You'll Appreciate Every Day! Attention, brides-to-be, do you see a clean, well-maintained home in your future? A perfect place for both of you newlyweds to dream, relax, and entertain friends and family in?
When you register at Brothers Sew & Vac’s you will be choosing gifts designed to make you a star homemaker (even in your mother-in-law’s eyes)!
What can you choose from Brothers? Practical gifts that last -that you’ll really use:
- A quality vacuum cleaner – like Simplicity®, SEBO®, or Miele®.
- Wood floors? Add a floor polisher to keep the floors gleaming.
- Apartment carpeted? Keep it like new with a shampooer.
- Sewing machines for mending and creating stylish window treatments and pillows
- Air purifier to make the “living with your significant-other’s cat now” transition go smoothly
- Gift Certificates are always appreciated and can be used for future purchases and services.
To register at Brothers Sew & Vac you can either make an appointment to pick out your favorites with a “Brother” or just stop by during our regular hours. We will take the bride and groom’s name and contact information for shipping and keep it available in our system.
Tell your family and friends that you’ve registered at Brothers Sew & Vac. They can simply order over the phone or shop any of our 4 convenient locations. We’ll let them know what you’ve selected and the items left on your wish list. We can ship to the bride and groom or gift-giver if needed. It’s that simple.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage – you’ve made a smart choice starting out your new lives together by selecting Brothers Sew & Vac for your Bridal Registry.
Posted in Air Purification, Brothers Sew & Vac, Carpet Shampooers, Hard Floor Polishers, Sewing Machines, Vacuum Cleaners
|
Tagged bridal registry, DC, gifts.Simplicity, Maryland, MD, Miele, new vacuum cleaner, SEBO
|
 SEBO vacuums at the White House
Since 1978, when 2 engineers formed SEBO® in Germany, it has become the most important manufacturer of high-quality commercial vacuum cleaners in the world. Millions of SEBO® vacuums are in hotels, hospitals, schools…yes, even the White House and Buckingham Palace
Since 1997, SEBO® has been designing and manufacturing retail vacuums for households just like yours based on their reliable and high-performance commercial models.
Did you know that SEBO® was the world’s first vacuum manufacturer to introduce:
- an integrated suction hose on an upright vacuum
- a timing-belt-driven brush with clutch protection
- a dust bag that fills from the top, followed by a microfilter, and then the motor
- an electrostatic microfilter
- an electronic brush control and safety shut off
- a soft bumper on a canister vacuum, protecting walls and furniture from damage
- an electronically controlled automatic height adjustment, S-class*filtration, and a detail wand with telescopic hose.
What does all this mean to you? Brothers Sew & Vac’s showrooms in MD and NW-DC carry the most modern and innovative vacuum cleaners to keep you breezing through your vacuuming chores. SEBO® is one of our featured lines because they are practically maintenance free, excellent with pet hair, their deep cleaning extends carpet life, have innovative features like automatic shutoffs - and will last for years beyond a “disposable” model – even at the most important, demanding residence: your “House”.
*S Class stands for “Schwebstoff”, which means “airborne particles. S-Class filtration is standard on all SEBO® vacuums, HEPA is an option on most models.
©image SEBO®
 Disco Polishing Attachment What’s the SEBO® Disco? Not the return of an old dance craze but innovative technology for your hardwood and tile floors that’s available at Brothers Sew & Vac showrooms.
What can it do for your dull floors? It both vacuums and polishes for a high-gloss finish. The systems works with a snap-on polishing head on compatible SEBO vacuum cleaner models – or with your central vac with an adapter. It’s easy to maneuver and lets you maintain the beauty and value of your floors longer.
Just vacuum, mop, apply floor maintenance product and let it dry. Then polish until your floor gleams!
Suitable for most hard floors that are not porous or cushioned. Ask Brothers Sew & Vac if SEBO®’s Disco will work with your floors. You’ll love the ease of use and you’ll take a new shine to floorcare!
Find out more about the Disco…
 Snaps right on to compatible models
 Vacuum Bags or Dirt Cups? Which will save you money over time? When you buy a new vacuum cleaner should you purchase one with a disposable vac bag or a dirt cup that you can just empty?
Vacuums with dirt cups
PROS:
- Save on paper bags
- You can see the dirt in the dust bin
- The dirt-cup vacuum could require 1, 2, or even 3 dirt filters
- How much are the filters? You will have to change them every 3-6 months or risk clogging your vacuum, requiring professional repair.
CONS:
The first time you will get 100% clean filtration. After that you will have a clogged filter from the first use and you’ll get less and less filtration, defeating the reason for a filter.
Vacuums with disposable paper or HEPA bags
PROS:
- Every single time you replace the vac bag you will have renewed factory-clean, high-efficiency filtration
Brothers Sew & Vac’s Recommendation: a new bag is less expensive than buying a new set of potentially costly filters so you will save money over time, have cleaner, filtered air, and a less-taxed vacuum that will run longer from not getting clogged.
Brothers Sew & Vacs is the place for vacuum bags for every make and model of machine, so stop by one of our locations and stock up. Be sure to check our specials. Right now, if you buy 2 packs, the third one is free! It’s a wiser choice for healthier air and more cost-efficient vacuuming. If it’s time to trade up for a new vacuum model that’s more maintenance-free (with bags!), we are happy to demo highly-rated models in our showrooms for you that fit your cleaning needs perfectly.
Simplicity Vacuums (and their sister company Riccar), a division of Tacony Corporation, are one of the only brands of upright vacuums Made in the USA. Simplicity‘s manufacturing facility is now located in St. James, Missouri. While most companies are sending their jobs overseas to save money, Simplicity is doing the opposite because they believe in producing American jobs & making superior products.
Simplicity is the only vacuum manufacturer that continually improves its current design instead of bringing out a different model every time it changes. No other company has been as committed to create and sell a better vacuum as Simplicity.
Simplicity: As their name implies, doesn’t believe that adding gadgets and gizmos is the way to design a better vacuum cleaner. Instead, engineers and structural designers scrutinize every detail of their vacuums to ensure each element is the best it can be.
Your vacuum should make chores quicker and easier not more complicated by breaking down all the time. You can count on superior performance every time you use your vacuum. Simplicity stands behind each of its vacuums with the best comprehensive warranties in the industry so you can buy American and be assured of a great product at the same time.
Let Brothers Sew & Vac show you the best Simplicity vacuum for your needs today.
Watch this video about Simplicity’s Made in the USA Philosophy:
Brothers carries a full range of sewing machines for the novice seamstress or tailor all the way through expert levels – but what if it malfunctions? We can repair it. Brothers Sew & Vac recently rejuvenated a 60 year old Swiss Elna sewing machine back to working condition…we’re proud our customer’s pleased:
“Paul Morris is a local treasure. He overhauled my mother’s 60-year old Swiss Elna sewing machine, put it in perfect working order. With his help, it should keep serving us well for another 60 years!” Peggy Dennis, Potomac, MD.
 We'll Cure Your Sewing Machine Ills! If you’re pulling your old sewing machine out of storage, let us give it a good tune-up. You’ll be enjoying your sewing endeavors again in no time.
Most ordinary problems with sewing are solved by:
- using the correct needle size
- replacing a damaged needle
- oiling the machine with a good quality oil
- leveling presser foot
- replacing poor quality or old thread
- clearing a jammed bobbin
- incorrect thread tension or threading
If you can’t solve your sewing machine problem at your home or office be sure to contact us. You can bring it by one of our 4 locations in Maryland or Washington DC for a free estimate and we’ll have it diagnosed in a few days in the “Sewing Machine Hospital”. If it’s a heavy commercial machine (Brothers Sew & Vac specializes in repair for the professional sewing industry) we will come to your location. We can repair any sewing machine that still has parts available.
If you are interested in upgrading your machine we can show you many modern dream machines for personal use from Husqvarna Viking® & Singer®. Brothers’ industrial sewing machine lineup includes: Tacsew, Juki, Consew, Singer, Segye…many more.
We also carry full line of versatile cabinets and accessories you’ll be needing once your machine is humming along smoothly again!
Brothers Sew & Vac will no longer be carrying or installing Miele appliances as of November 2010. BUT, it is a good opportunity for you…if you don’t mind minor cosmetic scratches or dings on your appliance because we have a limited number of washers, dryers, and dishwashers to clear out at our Washington, DC location only. Check with the BSV DC store today or stop on by – and make us an offer before they are all snapped up. Last chance on luxury appliances. (We are still selling/repairing Miele vacuum cleaners in all stores as usual). Phone: 202-686-9500
Vacuum cleaners typically can last 8 to 12 years, depending on their quality, frequency of use, and general maintenance. Many vacuum cleaners are investments in reducing labor and saving time. Maintain and repair your vacuum cleaner as needed and you’ll find that you can extend its service life. Unless you are an expert with small electronics (like Brothers) we suggest you bring it to us to get the job done safely and correctly.
Brothers repairs all makes and models of vacuum cleaners – including the two common types: upright and canister. The upright vacuum cleaner has the motor and beater bar in the same unit. A canister vacuum cleaner has the motor and storage bag in the canister and the beater bar in a separate power head, with the two units connected by a hose.
How Does An Upright Vacuum Cleaners Work?
 Upright Vacuum Cleaners An upright vacuum cleaner in its simplest form is an all-in-one appliance (although we have plenty of accessories for different usages at Brothers). It uses a motor and fan to pull dirt from a surface and deposits it in a bag. Dirt is loosened and swept into the vacuum with a rotating brush called the beater bar.
The upright vacuum cleaner is guided by the operator (or are self-propelled) using the handle on which the bag and controls are mounted. Operation is simple. There are many new models that are lighter in weight and easier to vacuum things like steps or carry to another level.
How Does A Canister Vacuum Cleaner Work?
 Canister Vacuum Cleaners A canister vacuum cleaner places most of its weight (vacuum motor, filters, bag, and cord winder) in a separate unit to make the power head lighter.
With a long hose, the canister can be placed in the middle of the room and the power head moved more easily and in tighter spots. This design allows larger and more powerful motors to be used.
As with the upright, the canister vacuum cleaner loosens dirt with the beater bar, located in the power head and driven by a smaller motor. (not all canisters have power heads but they are superior at loosening dirt). Dirt is pulled through the hose by the main motor in the canister. Wheels on the canister make it easy to pull about the space. Because the main moving parts of a canister vacuum are more isolated than in an upright vacuum, it is generally less apt to be damaged.
Tips for taking care of your vacuum cleaner at home:
DON’T: tinker around in your vacuum cleaner without unplugging from the outlet first.
DO: run a broom handle up a clogged hose to push it out the other end.
DON’T: vacuum up metal objects even if they’re small. Nails, coins, etc. can damage the fan or motor or clog up the hose.
DO: check to make sure the bag isn’t full if you aren’t getting much suction. If you have HEPA air filters check them at the same time to see if they need replacing.
DO: check your circuit breaker if it keeps tripping. If you’re running too many appliances turn some off. If you continue to have the problem, you may have a short circuit in the power cord. Bring it to Brothers immediately to avoid a fire hazard.
DO: use small scissors to cut hair, string and tangly objects off your beater brush.
DO: keep self-installable replacement parts for your vacuum like belts and bags handy in the closet. You never know when you’ll need them. We carry everything you need at Brothers Sew & Vac for your vacuum cleaner – stock up the next time you’re in the neighborhood.
DO: bring your vacuum cleaner to any of our four Brothers Sew & Vac locations for expert maintenance if you suspect it needs repairs or it’s just not cleaning like it used to.
|
