Everyone thinks of doing a twenty-one-point inspection on a car during maintenance, but who thinks of doing a ten-point inspection on a vacuum? When you are looking at a unique vacuum make and model, like the Windsor Versamatic vacuum, you should be conducting a maintenance check once a year, unless you use your vacuum daily. Then do a maintenance check once a month or once every other month. If you need to replace any parts on your Windsor vacuum, be sure to use Windsor vacuum parts. Here is how you can DIY this inspection and what you should be checking.
Wheels
Make sure the wheels can move freely. Nothing should be broken or cracked. Nothing should be wound around the wheels either.
Belt
If your vacuum has a rubber belt (most do!), check that. If you cannot see it, remove the bottom protective plate to expose the belt. You will see it wrapped around the brush roller. Spin it once all the way around to check for cracks. Replace it when there are threads of rubber or splits occurring.
Dust/Dirt Bag
Dust/dirt bags fill very quickly. These should be checked and changed when they are half full, not all the way full, because then they may be spitting the dirt/dust back out of the vacuum. If you have a bag-less model, enter the canister after every couple of uses.
Cord
The cord should have no serious bends in it. It should not be split, and it should not be frayed. If the metal plug components are bent, you can safely bend them back with needle-nose pliers.
Hose
Many vacuums come equipped with a hose for cleaning upholstery, stairs, curtains, etc.. Check your hose for cracks and splits. Cracks and splits affect the amount of suction the hose has and, subsequently, affect how much suction the hose and hose attachments have.
On/Off Switch
Vacuum switches are all different. Some flip up and down. Others slide back and forth, while still others push down to start and push down again to stop. Regardless of which type of on/off switch you have, there should be no slippage and no delays in power.
Filters
Modern vacuums have filters. Filters collect a lot of allergens and trap dust inside the vacuum to prevent allergies. You absolutely have to change vacuum filters often (almost as often as you change furnace filters).
Light
Vacuums are equipped with lights on the front end so that you can see what you are vacuuming. The light helps prevent you from vacuuming up stuff you should not. However, because it is a light, it will burn out. Replace it when you notice that you cannot see a light on your vacuum.
Handle Release Switch
Upright vacuums have handle release switches. They may be activated by a foot pedal, or they just click down when you grab the handle at an angle. Either way, there should be no grinding or snapping, and the release should just release the handle.
Suction
If your vacuum loses suction, that is it. Something is wrong with the engine, or something is wrong internally. You will need to send it to the manufacturer to repair.
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