When it comes to the vacuum cleaner you use in your home, office, or other areas, you want to be confident it gets the job done. One key to successful vacuuming is to know how to replace the vacuum belt. Knowing how to change a vacuum belt and where you can buy one are both important for maintaining your appliance. So, will the maintenance you do over time on your vacuum keep it running to your satisfaction? Proper care and usage give you years out of your vacuum cleaner.
Replace the vacuum belt when needed
When replacing the vacuum belt in your canister or upright machine, the first step is to make sure you need a new one to begin with. There are certain signs you’ll see that the vacuum belt is in fact on its last leg or no longer useful.
You may notice the suction is less than ideal. Although there can be something stuck in the vacuum to prevent full suction, odds are the belt is the issue. Another telltale sign that the belt needs replacing is if you have notable dirt on your carpet or hardwood floor that remains after going over it many times. This means the vacuum isn’t working correctly and is simply running over the dirt instead of picking it up. Doing so can push dirt particles further into your carpet fibers.
Where to get a vacuum belt
Now that you must replace the belt, order one online or buy it at your local department or hardware store. Along with stores in your area that sell vacuum accessories, you can also shop online at places such as Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s when you need a replacement belt. Be sure to have the vacuum model number handy when getting a new belt, because belts vary and you can’t use one belt on all types of vacuums.
How to change a vacuum belt
With your new belt in hand, you’re ready to do what should be a quick and simple job. Here’s how to replace a vacuum belt.
Get the vacuum ready
When replacing a vacuum belt, you first want to unplug the vacuum and ensure you have easy access to the bottom of your appliance. Set the vacuum on a firm surface so it won’t move when you change the belt. Having the vacuum positioned tight and on its backside makes it easiest to work with.
Remove the bottom plate
From there, you want to access the brush roll on the bottom. If screws are holding the vacuum plate in place, use a screwdriver to take it off to get to the brush roll. Set the screws somewhere safe so you do not misplace them.
Take out the brush roll and belt
With the bottom cover off, you can now take off the brush roll and vacuum belt. This is a straightforward task, as you simply pull the brush roll from the vacuum and remove the belt from its shaft.
Replace the belt
Once the brush roll and belt are out, you can put the new belt in. Do this by maneuvering the new belt so that it fits around the motor shaft. As you place the belt on the shaft, position the brush roll to where it reaches the other end of the belt. Be sure the new belt is firmly in place before taking the next step. Your vacuum won’t work correctly if the belt isn’t secure.
Put the plate back on
Once everything is where it needs to be, you can put the plate back on. Again, remember where you placed those screws if the plate relies on them to keep it closed. Even one misplaced screw can leave you with a nonoperational vacuum if the plate isn’t secure.
Document steps as you go along
As with any project that involves disassembling an item and then putting it back together, document it. Use your cellphone to take pictures of each step of the vacuum belt replacement. This will make it easier for you when you reassemble your vacuum.
Care for your new vacuum belt and vacuum
It should not come as a surprise that caring for your new belt and vacuum makes your appliance last longer.
You want to clean the inside of your vacuum from time to time. Yes, this means more than dumping the bag or bin that fills with dirt. Turn the vacuum on its backside to remove any debris from the bottom surface. This is debris that accumulates and slows down the wheels from moving.
You might also want to order a spare vacuum belt when you’re replacing the one you have now. This saves you time down the road when you have to replace the belt again. You may also get a deal from the supplier by getting two belts at the same time.
Vacuum belt replacement is an easy project that takes little time and patience.
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