There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to push a vacuum around that simply won’t budge – especially when you’re in a hurry to get a room tidy! A vacuum that is hard to push is practically impossible to use so it’s a problem that needs to be fixed ASAP.
If your vacuum is hard to push it could be for many reasons. Sometimes there is a part that needs replacing, such as the brush belt or soleplate, and sometimes a setting needs to be changed, like the vacuum height or suction level. Regardless, it’s usually an easy fix.
Listed below are the 10 most common reasons why a vacuum cleaner becomes hard to push. Take a read to find out what could be impacting your vacuum!
1. The brush is jammed
One of the most common reasons for a vacuum being too hard to push is because the rotator brush is jammed. This usually happens when fibres get stuck around the brush, preventing it from rotating. These fibres are typically loose hairs, pieces of string or cotton, or particularly big pieces of lint.
Luckily, this is an easy fix and you shouldn’t need to replace the brush in order to get your vacuum’s brush turning again. Simply flip your vacuum over so that you can see the underneath and inspect the brush. It should be clear if there is something wrapped around it, causing it to be jammed. Once you’ve removed this, your vacuum should be back to normal.
2. You’re using the wrong height settings
Surprisingly few people know that their vacuum has various height settings that should be adjusted depending on the surface that is being vacuumed. For example, if you have a tall carpet then your vacuum should be on a taller setting to easily glide over it. Having the wrong height setting can greatly impact your vacuum’s ability to move over a surface.
The height controls are usually towards the foot of a vacuum and will vary from a hard floor setting (the lowest height) to a tall carpet setting (the tallest height). If you can’t find the settings on your hoover, you should be able to find a copy of the manual online by simply searching the model number.
It may take some trial and error to find the right height setting for your needs, but once you’ve found it you should notice a clear improvement!
3. The brush belt is broken
If you’ve cleaned your vacuum’s brush but it still isn’t rotating, this could be a sign that the brush belt needs replacing. The brush belt is a small rubber belt that connects the brush to the motor pulley, allowing the brush to rotate and collect dust.
A broken brush belt isn’t a reason to panic – they’re relatively cheap to buy (only a couple of pounds) and easy to replace yourself. Just make sure to buy a brush belt that fits your specific vacuum model and be careful not to change the belt whilst the vacuum is connected to the power.
It is good practice to routinely replace your vacuum’s brush belt before they actually fail, as once they become too stretched they can make a vacuum very difficult to push.
4. The filter bag/dirt container is full
Changing a vacuum’s filter bag or emptying the dirt container isn’t a pleasant job. That can lead to many of us delaying the change until the collectors are practically bursting. Unfortunately, this can impact the functionality of the vacuum.
Regardless of whether your vacuum uses filter bags or simply collects the dirt in a separate chamber, it needs to be emptied routinely for the vacuum to run efficiently. Once they become too full, the suction will be impaired and you may find your vacuum harder to push.
After you’ve changed the filter bag or emptied the container, you should notice that the suction is much more regular. This will make your vacuum easier to push once again.
5. The wheels are too small
If you’re trying to vacuum a particularly tall carpet, then your vacuum needs to have wheels that can easily manoeuvre over it. Larger wheels are ideal for tall carpets as they can push through the dense fibres, whereas small wheels will require more effort.
6. You’re vacuuming a new carpet
Whilst having a new carpet makes a room feel brand new, it will be difficult to vacuum it at first. Brand new carpets are generally taller than the same carpet that has been laid for a few years, simply because the fibres haven’t been worn down yet. This will provide a noticeable difference when it comes to vacuuming them.
Not only that, but if you upgrade your carpet to a more expensive, plush carpet then you will also notice a difference. More expensive carpets tend to have more fibres packed into the same area to give them a luxurious feel. Navigating a hoover over it for the first time can be quite a struggle.
Remember to readjust your vacuum’s height settings and adjust the suction levels if possible.
Also read: Should you vacuum a carpet after it is professionally cleaned?
7. The suction is too high
This is a problem that is cropping up more and more in recent years. Some new vacuums are simply too good at their job – their suction capabilities are too high for what is needed.
Some vacuums have methods for adjusting their suction levels which can be found in their manuals.
8. The vacuum is too heavy
Those of you with hard floors may find that your vacuum is too hard to push because it is too heavy.
Many newer vacuums are designed to be pushed on thick carpets. In these cases, having more weight on the vacuum allows for better suction and an easier glide whilst pushing.
For hard floors, however, a lot of weight isn’t needed to manoeuvre over the surface and can instead be a hindrance. Consider switching to a lighter model to improve your vacuuming experience.
9. The baseplate is broken
A vacuum’s baseplate, sometimes also called a soleplate, is located at the bottom of a vacuum. It is in contact with the floor when you hoover, and if it becomes damaged it can greatly impact the smoothness of your vacuum.
In the case of a damaged or cracked baseplate, the only solution is to replace it. A new baseplate can cost anywhere from £10 to £20, just be sure to buy one that fits your specific model.
10. The hose is damaged
Finally, your vacuum might be hard to push because the hose is damaged. A leak on the hose can lead to issues with a vacuum’s suction and will stop it from being smooth to push on surfaces.
It is better to replace the damaged hose with a new one, rather than trying to patch it yourself. A new hose can cost between £5 and £20 depending on your vacuum’s model.
Final Thoughts
Making your vacuum easy to push again could be as simple as cleaning the brush or emptying the filter bag. Remember that keeping your vacuum in good condition will benefit you in the long run.