Happy Friday: Frugal Vacuum Fix
Sent from reader, Rebecca:
My old vacuum seemed like it was on its last legs and I was saving up for a new one. But I thought I might as well try to replace the belt first just in case it helped. I was a little nervous about taking it off, but I found instructions on-line. Most hardware stores carry vacuum belts, but my local stores didn’t stock my particular model. It took a trip to a sewing machine and vacuum specialty store, but I bought a new belt for $2.40 and was able to replace it with no trouble. My vacuum was like new! I was amazed at the difference. Now it sucks in a good way! 🙂 While at the vacuum shop, the owner told me 80-90 percent of vacuums that are replaced could be fixed with an inexpensive belt and that manufacturers recommend changing the belt every 9 months. I figure mine hadn’t been changed in 10 years. You can see how stretched out it is compared to the new belt. I have a like-new vacuum for a couple bucks- yay!
HAPPY FRIDAY! 😀
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That is so funny the same thing happened to me. my mom suggested change the belt and it is working like brand new now. i couldn’t believe it, i hadn’t changed mine in the 9 years i had the vacuum, its a Bissell.
Thanks for sharing! We just bought a new vacuum and while reading the reviews, there were some models that people completed were designed to make it close to impossible to change the belt. Thats how I heard for the first time that changing the belt is a DYI way to fix many problems. I still had to buy a new vacuum but I made sure I got one that had a belt that could be replaced easily.
How cool…and less wasteful .,, pay the back!
“Pat”
That’s awesome!
I must over use my vacuum because I’ve had it 7 years and replace mine (because they snap) at least once a year haha.
Me too! I remember my mom doing so as well. What gives? I wish I could go 7-10 years lol
Never thought to do that! Would Home Depot carry vacuum belts? My vacuum isn’t too great, and I bet that’s my problem. Thank you!
check wal-mart thats where i get mine
We have 2 dogs and a cat, so I’m always doing this too. I actually replace the belt, brush, and filters about once a year. It’s a 10 year old bissell but runs like new every time I do this.
Whenever I have an appliance break, I google the problem to learn if it’s a DIY fix. For example, I had an old iPod with a power button that stopped working. Turns out there was a DIY fix for the problem using only a folded up business card! I’ve also learned when something can’t be fixed easily/cheaply and it’s time to replace it.
Thank you Rebecca for that information. I didn’t know that we should be getting the belts changed periodically.
Good to know!
My 5 yo Dyson wasn’t sucking and I cleaned it very well…..repair shop wanted $180 to fix it….I took it home, took everything apart, put it back together-worked like new!! Youtube came in very handy!! I was so proud of myself!
It’s also my understanding that there is a filter on the Dysons that should be cleaned periodically. . . . I think of it every time I start mine. BTW. I have two Dysons that were purchased rebuilt from Woot. They have been running great for years.
Wow I guess I should invest in a Bissell I normally buy a new vacuum every year from Walmart for myself.
Thanks for the tip!
Oh, yeah! Go Royals! I’m from Pittsburgh, so A) NOT rooting for the Giants since they knocked us out and B) I sympathize as a small-market team recovering from a long post-season drought. 👑⚾️ On topic, my sweeper occasionally makes a squeaking noise, could that be a sign that the belt needs replaced?
yes, go royals- i’m from southwest mo. and was hoping for an I-70 series but our cards didn’t do it ! so its cheer for the royals!!!!
Cleaning the filters with soap and water and letting them dry completely is also very important. I have a dyson that I bought 8 years ago and it still runs like new😊
Does the belt affect the suction power?
I think the belt is what turns the brush- the part the sweeps stuff into the suction. The cleanliness of the filter affects the suction.
The belts on my (very) old upright Hoover snap on a regular basis, so I keep them on hand. But getting the new one on isn’t easy. Almost gave me a hernia! Surprised you had no trouble, but good on ya!
Great info – thank you!
I know this is an old post but wanted to thank you Rebecca and Colin for posting this. My vacuum hasn’t been working well in a while – it’s seven years old and was considering purchasing a new one when I read this. I purchased a new belt and roller and cannot believe the difference! I have a new vacuum and cannot believe the amount of grossness that it picked up. So thank you again – love this blog!