Vacuums

Ok, U would not believe how many of us call 4 help or just throw away r "old" vacuum cleaners b4 their time. My 21yo sister showed me her vac that a neighbor had returned 2 her "broken". I looked it over & decided we needed 2 run to Walmart. I showed her where to find the filter, belt, and bag size on the vac itself. We returned to her house, cleaned the vac up, and had it running in under and hour. I have 2 vacs. one is more portable than the other, but not a handheld. I've had both for 5 yrs and I love them. How long urs can live is just a matter of maintenance. I happen 2 not mind the maint. because I enjoy hands-on projects like that. If u do 2, here r some tips:

*U don't need the instruction sheet 1ce u can operate the vac. Anything that requires more in-depth work U SHOULDN'T DO.

*The bag size, filter size & belt size r somewhere on ur machine. It s really nice when its stamped n2 the plastic so u no u will never lose it.

* the easiest of the 3 2 change would probably b the filter. sometimes they can just b shaken out, some can even b washed by hand & air-dried. I clean 1 of mine w/ a wooden disposable BBQ skewer I buy @ the commissary. They're real handy: longer than a toothpick, disposable, and sharp @ 1 end, blunt @ the other. I just clear the lint/dust from between the folds of the filter & the put it back on. The 1st filter lasted over a yr. U may want 2 change urs more often if ur family deals w/ allergies.

*The belt can b a little tricky, but don't b intimidated. look @ how the old 1 is on there b4 removing it. The hardest part will b pushing the wheels back n2 their slots w/ the new belt n place. Don't b afraid 2 undo the screws in this area of the vac & take a look around. Get familiar w/ it.

*The brush should b cleaned weekly. I've found a seam ripper works best, but scissors or a craft knife will 2. Even a letter opener can do this if its 1 of those w/ the blade built in. Run the ripper along the brush breaking free all the hair & whatnot, then pull it out. This would b a good time 2 also clean the hose(s) & intake tubes. I like 2 use a metal hanger, unbent & run it thru all the tubes & hoses. If u have a wire cutter & use it, make sure 2 leave a little hook @ the end of ur hanger 2 catch debris. If u have a 2nd vac, u could use it to clear the tubes and hoses even betr. U can slide ur fingers n2 the hoses & tubes. There r no sharp edges n there. BUT, I've learned trying 2 wash out the tubes is not a good idea. What ever u don't get out, and the new stuff, sticks worse n there.

*If your cord has been chewed by your dog, it can be taped over with black electrical tape as long as the wires inside arent broken or over exposed. If the damage is worse, or the damage is at the junction between the plug and cord, your better off replacing it.

*As 4 the bag, if ur vac has 1, they r all different. & if u haven't figured out how 2 change urs yet, u probably shouldn't own a vac becuz that needs 2 b done almost every time u use it. Or @ least weekly. * if you live n the VaBch or surrounding areas, I'd b happy 2 come over & show u how 2 do the maint 1ce. Its no problem. Like i said, I enjoy this stuff.