Why Your Vacuum Is Not Spinning? (& How to Fix)

Inside a vacuum cleaner, there are components that serve different functions. One of them is the brush, which is designed to agitate and loosen dirt and dust from surfaces such as hardwood and upholstery. It is also used to gather and collect debris by sweeping it towards the suction area of the vacuum cleaner, making it easier to be picked up. Furthermore, vacuum brushes can help in straightening and aligning the carpet fiber, giving the carpets and rugs a more uniform and groomed look.

Why Isn’t My Vacuum Spinning?

Various issues can prevent your vacuum brush from spinning, such as a faulty motor with worn-out components, loose or damaged wiring, or a tripped circuit breaker. Other causes include inappropriate pile height, a clogged brush roll, or a broken belt. Inspect these areas to resolve the problem.

Hard floor mode

Vacuums have hard floor modes to protect the delicate surface of hardwood flooring.  This setting adjusts the suction power to a lower setting and disables the brush roll in order to prevent the appliance from scratching and damaging the floor. When it is on, the brush will not spin even if there are no obstacles around.

Inappropriate pile height

Vacuum cleaners can adjust pile height in order to climb over obstacles like door steps. If the brush is set at an incorrect pile height, i.e. being too low for high-pile carpets or too high for low-pile carpets, chances are it won’t rotate properly.

Clogged brush roll

Accumulated debris, hair, and string-like fibers can wrap around the brush, leading to it getting stuck and unable to spin freely. This often happens in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room, or in parts of a home used frequently by pets and children.

Broken belt

Over time, the constant movement between the belt and the brush roll can cause it to wear down and eventually break. The belt connects the brush roll to the motor, powering the brush rotation. A worn-out, detached, or broken belt will stop the brush roll from spinning.

Motor problems

The motor in a vacuum cleaner powers the brush roll so that it rotates. A faulty motor, usually caused by worn-out components, or electrical issues such as loose or damaged wiring and a tripped circuit breaker, can make the brush roll stop spinning. In most cases, electrical malfunctions are caused by overheating, moisture damage, and normal wear and tear.

Overstuffed dust bins

Dust bins, or bags, are the containers that hold the dust and debris collected by a vacuum cleaner. They need to be regularly emptied to avoid overstuffing. Overflowing dust bins can block air circulation and even cause the vacuum to spit its contents back out. It will also lead to the vacuum losing suction power and hinder the brush roll’s movement.

Loose seals and connections

While it is a good practice to clean the detachable parts of a vacuum from time to time for a thorough clean, it is important to ensure that they are put back properly, without gaps. Loose seals and connections can disrupt the power transfer to the brush, resulting in poor connections and affecting the rotation of the brush.

How to Fix a Vacuum Brush That’s Not Spinning

To fix a vacuum brush that’s not spinning, check for a clogged brush roll and clear debris. Replace a broken belt if needed. Adjust the brush roll height, turn off hard floor mode, empty the dustbin, tighten loose components, and inspect the motor for visible malfunctions.

Turn hard floor mode off

If your vacuum has a hard floor setting, switch it off to activate the brush when you’re cleaning surfaces other than a hard floor where brush agitation is necessary.

Adjust the brush roll height

Check the brush roll height settings and adjust them accordingly based on the carpet or floor type. This allows proper brush rotation and appropriate contact with the surface without causing damage.

Clogged brush roll

Untangle the brush roll and remove any debris or fibers wrapped around it. Simply use scissors or a blade to cut through any obstructions, then pull them out so that the brush roll can spin freely again.

Broken belt

Inspect the belt for signs of damage or breakage. If it needs replacement, always refer to the manual for specific instructions, or bring it to the manufacturer for assistance.

Empty the dustbin

Empty the dust bin regularly, preferably after each use, to avoid obstructing the brush rotation and causing the vacuum to spit collected debris back out. Make sure the dust bin or bag is securely reattached before next use. Some robot vacuums have auto-empty features so that the contents of their internal dust containers or bags are cleared out into a larger one in their docking stations, which can be emptied every few weeks.

Tighten loose and detached components

Check and tighten any loose and detached components, such as seals, connections, and the brush roll. Check if there are any loose gaps between the parts and if so, take them out and install them back securely to ensure secure connection and powering.

Motor problems

If the brush still doesn't spin, inspect the vacuum's motor for any visible signs of malfunction. If you suspect this is the root cause, it is recommended to seek professional help such as an electrical technician and the manufacturer for further assessment and repair. Motor problems can also cause a robot vacuum to stop working, and if this is the case, the motor component may need to be replaced.

Key Features of Robot Vacuums To Prevent This Issue

Robotic vacuum cleaners not only are the smarter way of cleaning, but they also have advanced features that can prevent the vacuum brush from stopping.

Navigation

Auto vacuums are equipped with advanced mapping technology like ECOVACS’s TrueMapping system, which allows them to identify different surfaces, including hard floors and carpets, then switch to appropriate settings accordingly. Say goodbye to hindered rotation caused by accidentally activated hard floor mode.

Obstacle detection

The sensors of smart vacuum cleaners are designed to avoid obstacles. They can also adjust pile heights to climb over barriers. For instance, our DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI can climb up to 0.87 inches¹, allowing it to go over high-pile and low-pile carpets without getting stuck.

Virtual barriers

If certain areas in your house may easily cause brush-spinning issues, such as high-pile carpets with fringes, you can simply set no-go zones via the app or use techniques to prevent it from accessing certain areas. Thanks to the mapping technology, robotic vacuum cleaners create virtual maps and allow users to set boundaries to avoid risky areas.

Self-emptying

Top-tier smart vacuums came with self-emptying docking stations. Take the ECOVACS OMNI All-in-one station as an example — it charges the self-cleaning vacuum, automatically empties the dust bins, cleans the mop heads with hot water, and dries them with hot air, making them ready for the next clean and preventing the dust containers from getting overfilled.

Smart reminders

Automatic vacuums allow remote control via apps. Other than setting virtual boundaries and cleaning schedules, robot floor cleaners send alerts to the app when it is time to clean or replace dated components. This way, you can easily know the cause of the problem and fix them promptly.

FAQ

Disclaimer(s):

1. 0.87 inches high: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory.