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.