A vacuum cleaner is the most common and helpful home item used daily. And to get the functions of the vacuum right, it is crucial to know about the different parts of a vacuum cleaner.
A vacuum cleaner has several parts with specific functions. This guide will tell you about all these parts, their roles, and their uses.
Now, let’s begin-
- Name of Vacuum Cleaner Parts
- Functions Of Vacuum Cleaner Parts
- Maintenance Of Vacuum Cleaner Parts
- Average Lifespan Of A Vacuum Cleaner
- What Are The Most Frequent Vacuum Cleaner Parts That Require Replacement?
- What Should You Do If Any Of Your Vacuum Cleaner's Parts Break?
- What Part of the Vacuum Cleaner Helps Collect Dirt?
- Where Can You Find Spare Vacuum Parts?
- Final Word
Name of Vacuum Cleaner Parts

The name of the different parts of a vacuum cleaner is as follows:
- Electric Motor
- Power Source or Cord
- Hose
- Extension/Telescopic Tube
- Internal Fan
- Powerhead
- Floor Brush/Roller
- Attachment
- Speed Controller
- Suction Control
- Headlight
- Control Module
- Drive Belt
- Filters
- Dust Container
- ON/OFF Switch
- Caster
- Cyclon
Functions Of Vacuum Cleaner Parts

Each part of the vacuum cleaner has its respective functions to perform. Therefore, to use the vacuum properly and get efficient performance, you should know the processes of different vacuum cleaner parts.
So, let’s discuss the functions of the vacuum’s parts-
Electric Motor

The electric motor of the vacuum cleaner is one of the most important parts as it determines the vacuum’s suction power.
A good motor has the strong suction power to clean all dirt and dust. Usually, a vacuum cleaner motor has a wattage between 1000W – 4000W. Moreover, a vacuum may have a single or double engine.
As the suction capacity highly depends on the motor’s power, it is always better to check its efficiency before purchasing.
Power Source or Cord

A vacuum may have rechargeable batteries or a cord as the power source. A cordless vacuum is lightweight and portable, but its power is limited.
On the other hand, a corded vacuum, like Dyson Ball Animal, comes with a cable that must be plugged in when cleaning. This kind of vacuum cleaner can maintain suction power throughout the cleaning session as it gets power from a direct source.
The length of the cord may vary from vacuum to vacuum. But a vacuum with a longer cord length is always preferable.
Hose

Many vacuums include a long cylindrical device which is known as the hose. The primary function of this part of the vacuum is to remove dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Sometimes cleaning can be difficult with the central part of the vacuum; in this case, extra components like a hose can extend the cleaning reach and help you in cleaning.
Telescopic Tube

The telescopic tube of the vacuum cleaner is often known as the extension tube. This tube connects one end to the hose and the other to the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner.
Moreover, it will also enable you to direct your nozzle in your desired direction. Finally, it also extends your reach, allowing the cleaning device’s brushes to reach tight and unreached areas.
Internal Fan

The fan inside the vacuum cleaner guides the air to flow toward the bin bag from the filter. This fan is located just behind the rotating brush of the vacuum cleaner. Moreover, this fan creates a pressure difference inside the vacuum that accelerates the suction force.
Therefore, the internal can of the vacuum cleaner is a significant part that maintains the vacuum’s suction power.
Powerhead

The powerhead is placed at the base of the vacuum cleaner, which allows frequent height adjustment of the brush. It is often known as a power nozzle.
This part of the vacuum cleaner is usually more powerful than any regular floor head tool. Moreover, it has a separate motor in the floor head that drives the motorized brush, effectively eliminating allergy triggers.
Therefore, if you are suffering from allergies or asthma, the powerhead of the vacuum cleaner can be your life-saving tool.
Floor Brush/Roller

The brush roller installed within the powerhead raises the carpet pile, allowing the suction to pick up debris. It can clean rugs, carpets, and beds manually or automatically.
Furthermore, this roller can be adjusted depending on the cleaning conditions or removed entirely to clean the bare floor without causing any damage to the floor.
Attachment

A vacuum cleaner includes a variety of extra attachments to ensure multi-cleaning. These additional accessories include – crevice tools, dusting brush tools, upholstery tools, bare floor brushes, turbo/power brushes, pet groomers, and many more. The uses and purposes of these attachments to the vacuum cleaner are as follows-
- Crevice Tool: It is a thin brush used for cleaning tight areas like – corners of your room, beneath the furniture, between the sofas and cushions, and more. Moreover, you can use this tool to clean the refrigerator’s coils or the inner parts of a dryer.
- Dusting Brush: This brush comes with soft bristles to clean/ dust delicate surfaces. You can wipe the windows, bookshelf, and other furniture of your house using this brush.
- Upholstery Tool: It is a comprehensive tool designed for dusting fabric-based items like sofas, cushions, chairs, mattresses, etc.
- Bare Floor Brush: This brush has short and stiff bristles that are perfect for cleaning hard floors, wood floors, and tiles.
- Turbo Brush: This brush is also known as a power brush which performs excellently for deep cleaning. It has rotating bristles that clean stairs, carpets, and upholsteries effortlessly. However, it is also suitable for removing pet hair from carpets and hard floors.
- Pet Groomer: Many pet vacuums in the market have an additional pet groomer tool. You can use this vac to remove the excess shedding hair of your dogs. But before doing so, make sure your pet is comfortable.
- Ceiling Fan Attachment: Vacuums may include a tool for cleaning ceiling fans. However, you can also use a regular dusting brush to clean your fans.
Besides these mentioned attachments, many other tools are available depending on the models and brands of the vacuum.
Speed & Suction Controller

The required speed/ suction power of your vacuum may differ on the purpose of your cleaning. For this reason, the vacuum comes with variable suction modes engineered for specific functions.
For example- cleaning carpet requires more substantial suction power than cleaning hard floors. Therefore, you can adjust these modes with the speed controller of the vacuum.
Headlight

A vacuum may have LED lighting (not all vacuums) in the power nozzle to brighten your cleaning areas.
These lights of the vacuum help you see the dirt of the less lightened areas of your home, like – beneath the furniture, corners or edges of shelves, etc. Moreover, it will help you determine whether your cleaning is proper.
Therefore, to get LED lighting features in your vacuum, you can choose a BISSELL SurfaceSense Pet Upright Vacuum or any other brand according to your preference.
Control Module

Its control module is the digital display in the vacuum cleaner’s central suction unit. This part of the vacuum warns and suggests to you about the filter’s condition, dust bin capacity, and more.
However, many advanced vacuum cleaners available in today’s market notify you of the condition of your vacuum on your smartphones.
Drive Belt

The drive belt is a very crucial part of a vacuum cleaner. It links the motor to the vacuum brush, allowing it to rotate smoothly.
The efficiency of a vacuum directly or indirectly depends on this vacuum. Therefore, I suggest you change this belt every three months for efficient cleaning performance.
Filters

The vacuum filter purifies the air before releasing it into the surrounding area. There are several types of filters used in vacuum cleaners. Of them, the most common kinds are – True HEPA Filter and HEPA Style Filter.
Genuine HEPA filters collect nearly 99.7% of bacteria and allergens with sizes as small as 0.3 microns. Thus, it is more effective in keeping our houses clean and free of bacteria—many modes of vacuums with genuine HEPA filters like the Dyson V11, Triflex HX1, and many more.
However, these filters are more expensive than others and are only available in the most expensive variants.
On the other hand, the HEPA Style filter traps 85-99% of dust, debris, and microorganisms and is less expensive and less efficient than True HEPA filters.
Dust Container

The vacuum cleaner has a dust container that stores the collected dirt and debris. If your vacuum, like the BISSELL Zing, contains a bag to collect dust, you must replace it before filling it to the brim.
However, in bagless vacuums such as the BISSELL CrossWave, a container stores the dust and can quickly be emptied when required. Sometimes these dust containers may also have an indicator attached to warn you when to open the cup.
Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner’s efficiency decreases when the container gets over the brim. So, you better try to keep an eye on the dust container and empty it when suggested.
ON/OFF Switch

The switch location of the vacuum cleaner varies with the vacuum model and brand. These switches can be at the handle or on the foot of the vacuum.
Using these switches, you can control your vacuum and turn them on or off. These switching systems can be a push button or a touch switch.
However, you can control a robotic vacuum with your smartphone from home.
Caster

The caster of a vacuum cleaner refers to the wheels attached to it. They make it possible for the vacuum to move quickly and efficiently.
Usually, upright vacuums lack casters/wheels, whereas canister vacuums include wheels that allow you to relocate the device swiftly while cleaning.
Moreover, the casters on robotic vacuums like the Roomba i7+ allow the vacuum to move independently and smoothly while auto-cleaning your home.
Cyclone Filter

A cyclone filter is a one-of-a-kind attachment for vacuum cleaners that helps the dust to deposit in the dirt cap.
This cyclonic filter uses centrifugal forces to separate dirt particles and objects from fine dust. Moreover, they support easier pick-up and make your cleaning effortless.
Therefore, a vacuum with cyclonic technology like the Dyson V10 is always better than regular vacuums.
Maintenance Of Vacuum Cleaner Parts

The performance of any vacuum cleaner highly depends on its maintenance procedure. So, it is essential to maintain your vacuum correctly.
The facts that you need to consider for the proper maintenance of your vacuum cleaner are as follows:
Cleaning the Vacuum Cleaner:

Dust and dirt may clog the vacuum hampering its performance. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner often requires deep cleaning to hold its efficiency.
Following are the steps to deep clean your vacuum parts:
- Step- 01: Unplug the vacuum cleaner.
- Step- 02: Empty the dust container.
- Step- 03: Remove the attachments.
- Step- 04: Clean hair from the brush roller.
- Step- 05: Replace the filters.
- Step- 06: Wipe the exterior parts.
- Step- 07: Wash the detachable parts.
- Step- 08: Let the parts dry.
- Step- 09: Reassemble the vacuum cleaner.
Therefore, following the above steps, you can easily clean the parts of your vacuum cleaner.
Charging:

The battery power vacuum cleaners are designed to be left on charge. The charging power of a vacuum depends on the models and brands of the vacuum cleaner. A vacuum can take from 2 to 16 hours to fully recharge.
However, the run time of the vacuums also differs from one to the other. On average, a vacuum’s battery life can range from 15 – 40 minutes to clean your home. So, charge the vacuum cleaner once its battery discharges.
Furthermore, the robot vacuum comes with auto recharge features. Therefore, you need no trouble putting the vacuum on charge.
Filter Replacement:

The filter of a vacuum cleaner is used to separate the heavy objects from the just particles. Unfortunately, these filters often require replacements as they may get clogged.
However, there are many vacuum cleaners with washable filters. You can remove the filter and soak it in cold water for some hours and clean it. Then dry the filter, which may take about 24 hours. Thus, you can reuse the filter.
But one crucial thing you should remember is never to wash the filters with detergent. It may damage the filter and affect the cleaning performance.
Despite the filters being washable, you are recommended to replace them at least every three months or after any heavy cleaning session. This replacement will help the vacuum to maintain its performance.
Repairing:

You may encounter problems while using any vacuum cleaner. However, if you can identify the source of the problem, it is simple to repair.
If your vacuum unexpectedly stops while operating, unplug it and restart it. For example, you can try charging the device for a while and then try again.
Again, if you find any issues with the suction power, check the hose and filter if they got clogged. You can, however, turn the vacuum upside down to remove the stuck particles.
Furthermore, a common issue while cleaning with a vacuum machine is that the brush roller stops rotating. Remove the roller and clean the brush since hair might get stuck in the bristles, preventing it from spinning.
However, you should only do more experiments if you can figure out what’s wrong with the vacuum. In this instance, seek the advice of an expert or contact the vendor.
Warranty:

A vacuum cleaner’s warranty varies depending on the model and brand. On average, a vacuum cleaner comes with a guarantee of 1 to 3 years, along with some limitations. As a result, it is always preferable to keep the warranty card on hand to use it.
However, one crucial fact about the warranty of any vacuum cleaner is its authenticity. You won’t enjoy the warranty facilities if you purchase the vacuum from any unauthorized seller.
Average Lifespan Of A Vacuum Cleaner

The life span of any vacuum cleaner depends more on your use than the manufacturer’s warranty.
A vacuum is estimated to last for eight years on average. However, by knowing the proper use of the vacuum machine, you can make it last even more than that.
The facts that you should consider to make your vacuum last for an extended period are-
- Always drive the vacuum cleaner on the recommended surface as per the guidance of the manufacturer’s handbook.
- Don’t let the dust container fill to the brim. Once it is 70-80% filled, empty the bin.
- It would be best if you didn’t use a dry vacuum for wet cleaning.
- Stop using the vacuum cleaner if you sense any unexpected smell.
- Never use any cord that doesn’t match the power or voltage of the vacuum cleaner.
- In wet vacuums, add solution according to the recommendation. A wrong proportion can damage your vacuum cleaner.
- Change the filter as per the requirement.
- Watch over the noise level of the vacuum. If it makes more noise than usual, stop the operation, let it rest, and retry after a while.
- Never forget to remove the hindrance like – glass pieces, coins, etc., that can cause harm to the vacuum filter.
Therefore, hopefully, you can use your vacuum cleaner for longer following the above advice.
What Are The Most Frequent Vacuum Cleaner Parts That Require Replacement?

Several vacuum parts may require replacement. Some of the most common replaced elements are as follows-
- Filter – The bagless vacuum cleaners come with filters separating heavy dust particles. These filters often get clogged with dust which hampers the performance of the vacuum. Besides washing them after every heavy cleaning session, you must replace these filters at least every three months.
For example- if you have a Dyson V11, you can purchase the Four Pack Set of HEPA Filters from amazon.
- Bag – The bagged vacuum requires frequent bag replacements. The vacuum device may lose its cleaning performance if the bag is not replaced. It is better to change the bag before it fills to the brim.
- Belt – The vacuum cleaner’s belt allows the brush to rotate as it directly connects the brush roller to the motor. For continuous collision, this belt may get damaged. So, it is better to replace the belt once every three months.
- Power Cord – The power cord may often get snipped or disabled. Moreover, continued high current flow also may hamper the cable. So, you may require a cord replacement. However, before purchasing a spare cord, don’t forget to match the voltage. A wire with the wrong voltage can damage your vacuum cleaner.
What Should You Do If Any Of Your Vacuum Cleaner’s Parts Break?

If any parts of your vacuum break, you can try fixing them. You can also go to an expert to set the broken component.
However, if it is impossible to attach the broken part, you can purchase a spare part from the store and replace it. But before purchasing, keep in mind to match the model and style of your vacuum cleaner.
If the spare part style does not match your vacuum’s style, it may not fit. Furthermore, it may also affect the cleaning performance.
What Part of the Vacuum Cleaner Helps Collect Dirt?

The upright vacuum cleaners usually have a rotary brush to collect the dirt. The structure and bristles of this brush differ from one brand to the other.
The collected dirt is then stored in the dust cup is filtered with the vacuum filter. However, in the case of a bagged vacuum, this dirt is stored in the bag.
Where Can You Find Spare Vacuum Parts?

You can search at the stores for spare parts for the vacuum. Searching on Amazon is another more convenient method.
However, not all of the vacuum’s parts are always available. Because there are so many choices in the vacuum cleaner industry, manufacturers who want to boost sales don’t supply adequate spare parts.
Final Word
Finally, you learned about all the vacuum parts and their function from these detailed discussions.
Therefore, if you use these vacuum cleaner parts and maintain them as per the advice of this guide, your vacuum device may last longer.

Hi, I’m Sarah Taylor. Welcome to my Knowledge heaven. I am Cleaning Expert and here I share the experiences I gathered over the last couple of years about cleaning and hygiene.