Why has my vacuum cleaner lost suction? — The experts explain the possible causes and what you should do

When it comes to getting our floors dirt-free and spotless, we can always rely on our mighty vacuum cleaners to do a job well done.

But, if you notice that your vacuum cleaner has lost suction or isn’t picking up dirt or debris as well as it used to, it could be a cause for concern. This is especially the case if you want cut cleaning time in halfand keep up with these daily tasks.

Before you ditch the cleaner (and spend unnecessary money), there are a few quick fixes you can try first that can bring it back to life. We’ve got the floor experts on hand to answer your questions and share their best tips on what you can do to get your vacuum working like new again.

Why the vacuum cleaner has lost suction

1. Hose and/or nozzle blocked

A red canister vacuum cleaner used on a hard floor

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

It is always best to check if anything has obstructed the hose or nozzle to prevent its suction power.

“Vacuum cleaners can lose their suction for a number of reasons and it may not necessarily mean you need a new product,” says Liam Cleverdon, flooring trends expert at Pavement Rei. “By examining the vacuum, people can quickly identify root causes. First, I suggest checking the hose for possible blockages. Hair, dust, and dirt can quickly clog the hose, reducing the vacuum’s function , so it’s best to check here before you throw away the vacuum.”

While it may seem complicated to check for blockages, there are a couple of quick and easy solutions. “If you see a blockage near the ends, just go in and pull it out,” suggests Elizabeth Shields, COO of Super cleaning service Louisville. “But if it looks like dirt is stuck in there, take something long and flexible like a broom handle and gently poke it in to clean it out.

For the nozzle, use a thin tool or a straight hanger. Hopefully, it’s easy to prevent this from happening. Before you start vacuuming, take a quick look around for any stray socks or coins that could be clogging the machine. If you need to clean delicate areas or pick up very small objects, cover the nozzle with a piece of stocking and secure it with a rubber band.

2. Worn or clogged brush roll

Fur caught in the vacuum brush head

Fur caught in the vacuum brush head (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Depending on how long you’ve been vacuuming and how often you use it, this could have affected your brush roll. “The bristles of the brush can wear out after a while, especially if you have a lot of carpet to clean,” agrees Shields. “And if you have pets or long hair, it can get tangled and clogged. That’s when you know it’s time to clean or replace the brush roll to keep your vacuum running at its best.

If you’re still willing to put in the effort to fix it, take a pair of scissors or a seam ripper and carefully cut away any hair or thread that wraps around the brush roll. Look closely at the bristles to see if they are all worn. If they look pretty ruined, it’s probably time to think about getting a new one.”

3. Clogged filters

Dirty vacuum cleaner filter

Dirty vacuum cleaner filter (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Another common reason your cleaner may not be working well is clogged filters. These are essential for catching all the dust, dirt and grime, but if they get clogged, it can’t do its job properly. “Also, the problem can come from the vacuum cleaner’s filters, which again can become clogged with repeated use,” adds Cleverdon. “By routinely replacing clogged filters, people can avoid losing suction. A massive indicator that suction is being affected is the sound of the vacuum, it should normally maintain a consistent loud tone, but a suction problem may cause stuttering or whistling, indicating a problem.”

Shields also adds, “If you have washable filters, just rinse them in cold water and dry them completely before putting them back in. Try to check and clean them monthly. And if they’re disposable, change them— as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Damaged/loose seals

Black vacuum cleaner hose

Black vacuum cleaner hose (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Another thing we don’t always check for is worn or loose seals around the hose connections and motor housing. “I’ve found that the most common ones are that the canister or hose seal has loosened, your vacuum motor has started to fail, or something is caught in the hose (usually some kind of tissue or paper packaging /food), says Delah Gomasi, general manager and CEO of MaidForYou.

Also, it is important to check if a seal has come loose to prevent air from escaping and affecting suction power. “Over time, seals can wear, crack or even come loose,” adds Shields. “This is very important as it prevents air from escaping and interfering with the suction power.

Check around the bin, hose connections and motor housing. If you notice any of them are damaged, apply a light coat of a silicone-based lubricant to prevent them from hardening or cracking. If it still doesn’t work, replace them. Just make sure everything is properly aligned and sealed before using the vacuum again.

5. Trash can or full bag

Vacuum cleaner bin

Vacuum cleaner bin (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you don’t have the benefit of a self-emptying vacuum or even one of the best robot vacuum cleanersexperts advise that the bin or bag should be emptied after each use. If not, the airflow is being blocked if the bin or bag is full. “In general, I recommend emptying the vacuum’s dustbin after each use, monitoring the airway for possible blockages, and regularly checking and replacing damaged or clogged filters,” says Elverson. “Like any product, maintenance is necessary to ensure that it does not lose its function.”

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