Did you know the most popular dog breeds in Australia are: Cavoodle, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd? While owning these pets is a dream, breeds like Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are known to have heavy shedding issues. The same struggle applies to people with long hair. To manage constant shedding, you will have to vacuum frequently to minimise allergens and improve air quality. However, hair can build up around the roller brush bristles over time, causing obstructions that reduce suction power. Thankfully, removing hair from your vacuum roller is simple with the right tools and proper techniques.
Why Does Hair Get Stuck in a Vacuum Roller?
A vacuum cleaner relies on vacuum roller brushes to lift dirt and debris from the floor. When cleaning carpets, the bristles comb through fibres as the roller spins, loosening particles for better suction. That being said, long human hair and pet hair are particularly easy to wrap around the roller instead of being picked up. Eventually, these strands tangle around the bristles and form obstructions.
Ignoring a tangled vacuum roller can lead to several issues:
● Reduced suction: A tangled roller brush won’t properly agitate and lift debris and thus reduce suction power
● Strain on the vacuum motor: A jammed roller brush can overheat the motor and stop working
● Incomplete cleaning: The vacuum may spread dirt around instead of removing it
● Unpleasant odours from trapped hair and debris: Bacteria and mould can develop over time and cause bad smells
● Potential damage to the roller or vacuum unit: Excess strain can burn out the belt or wear down the roller brush
How Do You Remove Hair from a Vacuum Roller?
Remove hair from a vacuum roller should be part of your maintenance routine. Start by turning off and unplug the vacuum for safety. Then, you can detach the roller and carefully cut off tangled hair with scissors, a knife or tweezers. Take the debris away and clean the roller thoroughly with a brush before putting it back to the vacuum. Follow this step-by-step guide that can be applied to most vacuum models with roller brushes.
Turn Off and Unplug the Vacuum
To ensure safety, always disconnecting and unplugging the vacuum cleaner first. Working with powered parts can pose safety risks as you may accidentally activate the roller, so make sure you turn off the vacuum and fully stop the roller from spinning before detaching it.
Remove the Vacuum Roller Brush
Roller brushes are detachable in most vacuum models. Check the vacuum’s manual for instructions specific to your model; generally speaking, you can do so by removing the panel or unlocking the side clips. Gently pull the roller out and be careful not to damage the bristles or internal components.
Remove and Cut Away Tangled Hair
Use scissors, a knife or tweezers to cut through the hair wrapped around the roller. Slide your tool carefully along the roller’s grooves to avoid cutting the bristles. Pull the loose strands off and clear any stubborn hair from the ends.
Clean the Roller
After clearing out the tangled hair, brush off any dust or wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Inspect the roller caps and bearings, too, as hair often winds around these parts and affects the rotation.
Reassemble and Test the Vacuum
Let everything dry properly and then reinsert the roller brush into the device. Plug it back in and turn it on to check if the roller spins freely. A clean, tangle-free roller should immediately restore suction power!
How Can You Prevent Hair from Tangling in the Vacuum Roller?
Preventative measures can save you time and effort by proactively reducing hair buildup on your vacuum roller. Adopting these tips into your daily routine can help avoid tangles and extend your vacuum’s lifespan.
● Buy Vacuums With Anti-Tangle Technology: The new models are better equipped with anti-tangle technology that avoid hair wrapping around the roller brush. DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI, for instance, is equipped with ZeroTangle Anti-tangle Technology: Its 21° flat bristles and outward-rotating angled bristles design prevent hair tangles and incorporate Dual Comb Teeth Arrays for hair removal.
● Remove Excessive Hair Before Vacuuming: If you live with heavy-shedding pets like Golden Retriever or people with long hair, sweeping or picking up visible clumps before vacuuming can reduce the amount of hair entering the roller brush.
● Regular Maintenance Routine: Set a weekly, monthly or quarterly maintenance schedule. Removing small tangles weekly can prevent major clogs later, and it is a good idea to perform deep cleans on a monthly or quarterly basis.
FAQ
Can you wash a vacuum brush roller with water?
Yes, you can wash a vacuum brush roller with water, but you should check if your vacuum’s manual confirms it. To do so, detach the roller and manually remove hair and debris, then rinse with water. Let it dry completely before putting it back to avoid water damage and mould buildup.
How often do I need to clean vacuum rollers?
Clean your vacuum roller every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on whether you live with pets or people with long hair. Regular maintenance prevents tangles and reduces the pressure on the motor, while keeping the suction power of your vacuum cleaner.
Why is my vacuum spitting out hair?
A clogged roller brush or full dustbin is often the cause of your vacuum spitting out dust and hair. When hair tangles and debris buildup block airflow, it forces dirt and hair back out. To solve this, remember to untangle the roller and empty the dustbin from time to time.
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