New Vacuum Help Question

[Brneyedgrl80]

My semi new Dirt Devil vacuum is finally showing signs of age, granted it's only 6 years old, but for the entire six years it has had to keep up with four cats for the first three years of its life and five cats the last three years, so usage wise, this vacuum is more like ten years old, lol

Well, the other day I've noticed that the suction isn't as good as it once was. I don't think it is a clog seeing as that the hose has wonderful suction, though I understand it could be clogged from the main end I suppose. Could it be the motor? The bag is brand new, so it can't be that; anyways that has never been a problem in the past. Also, the roller brush moves freely and doesn't have anything obstructive on it and the belt looks fine.

I really don't want to get rid of it because it has been such a wonderful vacuum. It is a Dirt Devil Swivel Caster bag vacuum.

What should I do?

 

[compactc9]

I would buy a Royl metal upright.

 

[brettsomers]

maybe the bristles on the agitator have worn down. maybe there is a leak somewhere in the airstream. does the agitator CONTINUE to turn at full speed when lowered onto the carpet? the dirt devil swivel vacuums are such an unfortunate choice. i would make it a habit to start visiting thrift shops and you eventually might find a nice vintage Royal (metal) or Hoover Convertible. or maybe a nice older Panasonic upright. or lightly used kenmore/panasonic canister. anything BUT that dirt devil you have now.

 

[tolivac]

Are there any filters in it besides the bag-like a filter in its bag compartment?-This may need to be replaced.As another person suggested-you should also replace the rollerbrush and belt.At 6 years-it should have a new rollerbrush and belt.-and of course any other filters other than the bag-If these don't help-get a new metal Royal upright.These are the best in the Royal line.A Royal dealer or good vac dealer should be able to help you get the parts-usually large vac parts suppliers to dealers-ESSCO,HESCO have all kinds of vac parts-they supply to dealers.I think you were very lucky or took VERY good care of your DD machine-usually they don't last 6 yrs.3 years is the average life of these.Often dealers call these sorts of vacs-"dumpster vacs" since they are usually thrown out after 3 years.Great you did get some life out of it and wish to keep it going.How does its motor sound? does it still sound smooth-not rough or loud?If the motor sounds louder or strange it may be about to go.

 

[petek]

It might be as simple as something just clogged up beyond the brush roll. I'd have it apart and be poking around in there with a piece of coat hanger. Buy new? that's sacrilage when there's so many much better used ones languishing in the thrift stores and independent dealers.

 

[hoover1060]

6 years out of a dirt devil????

WOW, you must take really good care of that thing!
I would check all the filters, there is one under the bag, and probably one after the motor. Clean or replace them and that will help.
You should be changing the belt every 6 months minimum. Just because it "looks fine" does not mean that it is.
Also check to see if the bag cover is seated properly, that could cause major suction loss.
I have to agree with Pete, start browsing thrift stores for a nice vintage machine, there are plenty to be had.
What type of floors do you have?
What do you want the vacuum to do for you?

 

[Brneyedgrl80]

Well, I know the roller brush is new because I had to buy one less than a year ago. The Hubby and I are going to take it apart to see if there is a clog beyond the brush as well as checking the filters and replacing them if necessary.

The bag is fine and the bag compartment cover is on fine. The motor doesn't sound any louder than usual, so I dunno.

What I look for in a vacuum is something that can handle 5 cats primarily. The Hubby and I don't cause too much work for the vacuum, but two long hair cats and three shorts hair cats do.

We're currently in the process of replacing our living room carpet and hallway carpet with tile, so the only rooms that will have carpeting left are the three bedrooms. And of course, we will have upholstered furniture still lol

I guess I did take pretty good care of it. It was one of the very first things I bought myself when I moved out here to Phoenix on my own when I was 19. I got it for $60 at Kmart because it was on sale and that's what I could afford. I trusted Dirt Devil because my family used to have one of those older red, metal triangular head Dirt Devils that lasted years and years until finally my mom gave it away for a Hoover because she needed something that could cover more ground at once.

I'm sure you guys might laugh at me, or maybe understand, but I wipe down my Dirt Devil once a week so dirt and stuff doesn't pile up on it. Oh well.

 

[mrcleanjeans]

I'm the rubberband man

Above all else,go ahead and put a new belt on.When everything else has been checked,that's usually it.The belt is SO important because a tight belt will whirl the brushroll at a much higher speed.Like Jeff said,every 6 months.on average,sometimes more is CRUCIAL.

 

[petek]

Nothing beats a good old Hoover, convertible, concept or powermax for pet hair relief. I know because I have 2 long haired shedding dogs and a now departed non stop shedding cat, plus tons of birds and numerous vacs to compare. Only the Kirbys match the Hoovers in the "one pass" and it's gone test on pet hair knitted into the carpet.

 

[hoover1060]

Since you will soon have lots of bare floors

How about a canister? Keep the DD for a 2nd vacuum.

I slaute you for care of your vacuum

 

[compactc9]

6 years is a very amazing life for a Dirt Devil.