“I was impressed when I walked through the door. I was met with a smile when I carried my old Kirby up to the front desk. J.R. took one look at my machine and immediately offered me a free no obligation quote.”

How often do I need to replace my bag and filter?

Replace the bag when it is approximately two-thirds full. The bag can be full of heavy dirt, fluff, or hair. As the bag fills with dirt and debris, the suction power and flow of air in your vacuum is gradually reduced which effects your vacuums ability to pick up.

This eventually leads to your machine simply pushing and spreading dirt and debris around your home, instead of actually cleaning it. So if you notice decreased performance, check your bag first and filter(s) second. Filters should be changed approximately every 6 bags.

Visit us at Mars Discount Vacuum and we will be pleased to help you chose the right bag or filter. If we don’t have it in stock, we can order the right one and get it for you quickly.

My vacuum isn’t picking up dirt. How can I fix it?

If your vacuum doesn’t seem to pick up dirt as well anymore, it may be due to several probable causes: either the filters or the bag are blocked, the brush bar has stopped spinning or there is a blockage within the pipes.

Unplug your vacuum and check the bag. If it’s more than two-thirds full, change it. Also, if the bag is torn or has a small open gap where it connects to the inlet, it won’t pick up the dust. If your machine has a bag then this needs to be changed as soon as the machine loses suction. You may notice that the bag doesn’t fill up completely before you start to lose suction. This is due to the bag’s walls, which act as the filter, becoming clogged.
Check for clogs in the vacuum, especially in the area where the dirt enters the bag. If your model features a clean-out valve, open it and check for a clog there also. Usually, the hose is removable and a broom or mop handle can be pushed carefully through it to clear any problems. Another way to check a hose is to raise the machine, let the hose hang down towards the floor and then drop a coin through it to see if it drops through. If it doesn’t then you know there is a blockage.
Remove the vacuum cleaner’s filter canister. Empty the canister. Wipe the filter clean with a paper towel over a trash can and then wash the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Note: Some filters are washable and some are not.
- The filters (or the bag if it’s not a bagless model) are the very heart of your vacuum cleaner. Without them it would soon break down, as dirt and debris would be able to reach the motor. Like a furnace filter, the dirtier it is, the less airflow you get.
Turn the vacuum over and check your brush roll. Does it turn freely? If not, check to see if a string has wrapped around it and stopped it from moving. Cut the strings and remove them gently.
If the brush bar isn’t spinning it probably means the belt has broken or stretched. Follow your owner’s manual instructions for removing the bottom plate and checking or replacing the belt. Please be aware that some machines have brushbar control buttons or need to be in the reclined position, or both, before the brushbar spins, so check your owners guide.
After checking these potential problems, be sure to depress the Thermal Reset button in the back of the vacuum, if your model has this feature. The reset feature protects your motor from damage.

If none of these options works for you, bring it by Mars Discount Vacuum for service or repair. We are a factory authorized dealer for most models. If you are not in the Sugar Land or Houston, TX area, take it by a factory authorized dealer near you.

How often do I need to replace my vacuum belt?

In order to maintain proper cleaning efficiency, the vacuum belt(s) should be changed every 3-6 months.

A vacuum belt will stretch with normal use, causing the belt to slip on the drive shaft. This means the brush roll turns slowly or not at all. The vacuum still picks up the easily seen surface litter, but the sand and grit at the base of your carpet starts to build up, causing excessive carpet wear.

If your vacuum belt shows cracks, begins to smell like burning rubber, or completely breaks, then the belt needs to be replaced. Quality of vacuum belts varies widely. If your new belt is too loose, again the brush roll will turn slowly, if at all. If it is too strong or tight, it puts excessive wear and strain on your motor and bearings which can cause damage, needing repair.

Visit us at Mars Discount Vacuum and we will be pleased to help you choose the right belt. It only takes a few minutes to change your vacuum belt, but it can save hours of cleaning time and effort. Let us help you select the right belt for your vacuum. We can also install the belt for a minimal fee. The proper tension will make all the difference in your cleaning efficiency.

How should I clean my hardwood floor?

Hardwood floors are an investment and routine cleaning is highly recommended. By routinely cleaning, you remove dust and dirt before it scratches and dulls the finish, or wears away the floor. Better still, you can now use products that are safe for your family and the environment, and still have beautiful hardwood floors that will last a lifetime.

Some people prefer using soft-fiber or microfiber dust mops. These are great choices, but you need to be careful. They, too, can scratch fine floor surfaces with the dust and dirt they collect. We prefer using a good vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning.

A steam mop is also a good choice, as long as the floor doesn’t have a waxed, oiled or varnish finish. Otherwise, a steam mop is better than a regular mop, since the steam mop uses significantly less water and the floor usually dries in seconds. The heat from the steam isn’t an issue, either, unless you let the steam mop sit in one place for an extended period of time. So, keep the mop moving.

Several machines are called steam cleaners, but really they are only hot water extraction units. They do not use steam as their main cleaning agent. Be sure the steam cleaner you use has enough heat to provide steam and not just hot water — water and hardwood is BAD.

Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. Vinegar and water actually dull the floor’s finish over time, even when rinsed well. Soap and wax leave residue or a cloudy film on the floor. Vinegar also has 5% acidity. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.

Visit us at Mars Discount Vacuum and we will be pleased to discuss products that will keep your floor free from dirt and dust help prevent scuffs and scratches. A clean floor is a longer lasting floor and helps protect your investment.