A vacuum cleaner is a vital appliance in any home, frequently relied upon to keep floors and furnishings tidy. While many people routinely vacuum once a week, it’s easy to overlook the maintenance this hardworking device itself requires to function optimally.
If you have pets, you’re likely using your vacuum even more, battling pet hair and dander that quickly accumulate on carpets and upholstery. Investing in a vacuum designed for handling pet hair can make a significant difference. However, there’s a key part of the vacuum many owners neglect— the brush roller at the base of the machine.
A recent post on Reddit highlights this often forgotten component. A woman shared a photo of the brush roller from her Shark vacuum after she gave it a thorough cleaning. The roller was wrapped with months of pet hair and debris from just a two-person household with two cats.
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She urged others not to neglect cleaning the rollers, explaining how tangled hair and dirt reduce their effectiveness and can eventually cause the vacuum to underperform or even break down. Positioned underneath the vacuum where it’s not easily visible, these rollers accumulate mess unnoticed.
Many commenters expressed gratitude for the reminder, admitting they had never cleaned this part before. Some shared practical tips for removing debris—one particularly helpful tip was to use a seam ripper, a tool typically found with sewing supplies, to carefully cut hair wrapped around the roller.
“A seam ripper’s fine point can get under the hair tangles and make removing them quick and easy,” one commenter explained. Another added, “A smooth, swift motion with the ripper gets everything cut loose, and saves so much hassle.”
If you decide to clean your vacuum’s brush roller, be sure to consult your vacuum’s manual first, as instructions can vary between models. Generally, proper vacuum maintenance includes:
- Emptying the dustbin or replacing the bag
- Cleaning or replacing filters
- Checking and cleaning the brush roll thoroughly
- Inspecting and clearing the hose
By regularly caring for these parts, especially the brush roller, you’ll keep your vacuum running efficiently and extend its lifespan.