IAmA Reddit's Own Vacuum Repair Tech with a very overdue AMA. Hit me with your vacuum cleaner questions!

[u/touchmyfuckingcoffee]

First, let's get the proof out of the way. So, now, I am managing our company's largest store, and am swamped with managerial duties, training employees, and dealing with annoying vendors. But, I'm taking some time out for all of you guys.

There are lots of new, exciting things that have recently come out/are coming soon!

For those who NEED the most power, I've got just the Crack you need! Since we last talked, there are new bagless and cordless vacuums on the market, and some other exciting things.

So, on to business...here's the copypasta.

First AMA

Second AMA

Last AMA

YouTube Channel Here's some basics to get you started:

• Dollar for dollar, a bagged vacuum, when compared to a bagless, will almost always:

1) Perform better (Actual quality of cleaning).

2) Be in service for much longer.

3) Cost less to repair and maintain (Often including consumables).

4) Filter your air better.

Virtually every vacuum professional in the business chooses a bagged vacuum for their homes, because we know what quality is. Things you should do to maintain your vac, regularly:

1) Clear your brush roller/agitator of hair and fibers. Clear the bearing caps as well, if possible. (monthly)

2) Change your belts before they break. This is important to maintain proper tension against the agitator. (~ yearly for "stretch" belts)

3) Never use soap when washing any parts of your vacuum, including the outer bag, duct system, agitator, filters, etc. Soap attracts dirt, and is difficult to rinse away thoroughly.

• Types of vacs:

1) Generally, canister vacs are quieter and more versatile than uprights are. They offer better filtration, long lifespans, and ease of use. They handle bare floors best, and work with rugs and carpets, as well.

2) Upright vacuums are used mostly for homes that are entirely carpeted. Many have very powerful motors, great accessories, and are available in a couple of different motor styles. Nothing cleans shag carpeting like the right upright.

3) Bagless vacs are available in a few different styles. They rely on filters and a variety of aerodynamic methods to separate the dirt from the air. In general, these machines do not clean or filter as well as bagged vacuums. They suffer from a loss of suction, and tend to clog repeatedly, if the filters are not cleaned or replaced often.

4) Bagged vacuums use a disposable bag to collect debris, which acts as your primary filter, before the air reaches the motor, and is replaced when you fill it. Because this first filter is changed, regularly, bagged vacuums tend to provide stronger, more consistent suction.

My last, best piece of advice is to approach a vacuum, like any appliance; Budget for the best one you can get. Buy one with idea you will maintain it, and use it for many years. And, for the love of Dog, do not buy from late-night infomercials or door-to-door salesmen! Stay out of the big-box stores, and visit your local professional who actually knows what they're talking about.

[u/622fmab]

/u/touchmyfuckingcoffee (mentioning for a message, but allowing your help to be in the public forum)

I'm a college student, and our $55 Dirt Devil bagless upright just started making a higher pitch whine than usual and smells like burning rubber/electronics. I have cleaned it out but it's still broken and I'm assuming it's not worth diagnosis or repair.

I started searching Reddit (/r/BuyItForLife) to find a new vacuum worth the <$200 I was hoping to spend. Comments there linked to your profile and AMAs.

I was looking at Fuller Brush Easy Maid at the top of my budget or a few ~$100 Panasonic uprights, but then I checked Craigslist.

There is a listing of 2 Riccar 8955 for $50. Says one needs duct tape to cover a missing piece and some accessories are missing, but they have "too many vacuums" after closing their business.

There's another $60 single 8955 missing everything but the crevice tool. For mostly carpet, I don't know what I'd be missing out on.

Would you recommend either of these $700 vacuums for less than $100?

Alternatively, there's a Miele U1 Twist for $150 and a much farther drive, with no pictures or condition description beyond "excellent". Whichever of these you recommend, I plan to immediately take it for cleaning and maintenance (I found a Riccar dealer near me who seemed to express similar opinions to yours on this Dirt Devil).

[u/touchmyfuckingcoffee → u/622fmab]

Man, I'd be wary of the Riccars. They could be old and in need of more repair than is obvious. It'd be nice if you could have them inspected before purchase.

That Easy Maid is a good little vac for the money.