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"  According to a recent report in The Wall Street Journal, d-i-y appliance repairs are on the rise as more consumer opt to fix broken vacuum cleaners and other household products rather than replace them. In response, manufacturers are staffing up their consumer call centers. Reading this report got me thinking. Here are my suggestions for some simple vacuum cleaner repairs you can do yourself along with some key maintenance tips to keep your vacuum in good working condition. Problem: Poor suction Repair: Start by putting in a fresh bag or emptying and cleaning out the dust collection chamber. If either of these chambers is too full, air can&amp;#039;t pass through the machine and suction is reduced. If this fix still doesn&amp;#039;t fully restore pickup, check for a clogged hose. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum cleaner, stretch it out and drop a quarter down into it. If the quarter doesn&amp;#039;t come out the other end, you&amp;#039;ve got a clog. Use a broom or mop handle to dislodge and push out the clog. If you can&amp;#039;t disconnect the hose on both ends, disconnect one end, stretch the hose out as far as it will go and turn on the vacuum to try to suck the clog into the vacuum. Reattach the hose. Problem: The brush roll isn&amp;#039;t turning Repair: Check the brush roll for any tangled strands of thread and hair. Snip with a scissors and remove them. If the brush roll still doesn&amp;#039;t turn, the belt may be stretched, cut, or broken. The belt can easily be replaced by simply removing the bottom plate. Check your manual or the company&amp;#039;s website for the exact directions for your model. Problem: Vacuum won&amp;#039;t operate Repair: The thermal protector, the feature that keeps the motor from overheating and burning out may have tripped. This happens when a clog or large item gets caught in the nozzle or opening of the bag. To reset it, turn the cleaner off and disconnect it from the outlet. Remove the obstruction and wait at least 30 minutes for the thermal protector to cool. Some models may require you to press a button to reset it, while others will reset automatically. For help with a repair you&amp;#039;d like to try yourself, consult your brand&amp;#039;s website or contact the manufacturer via their toll-free number. Virtually all websites will also direct you to a manufacturer-authorized servce center in your area once you type in your ZIP code.  To keep your vacuum cleaner operating it&amp;#039;s best, remember to:  Replace the bag or empty the canister regularly and always before it&amp;#039;s 3/4 full Replace or wash the filters as directed by the manufacturer Gently pull (not yank) the cord from the wall and carefully rewind it back in to keep it from tangling and falling off the track Keep the brushes clean and free of hair and debris Be alert when vacuuming stairs to keep the vacuum from tumbling down Carefully remove and replace attachments and adjust levers and dials to keep plastic parts from breaking   If you are in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, read our online review of the best HEPA vacuums. To see how we test vacuums and all the products we review, sign up for a tour of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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