What Should You Do If A Vacuum Smells Burnt

A vacuum is an essential appliance to have on hand when it comes to controlling dust, animal fur, dirt, and debris in your home. However, the very appliance you rely on to clean your home can have its own issues from time to time, and you should be cleaning your vacuum on a regular basis, too. If a vacuum smells like it's burning, you should unplug it immediately and determine whether any components need cleaning or replacement.

One common cause of a burnt smell in a vacuum cleaner is a clogged roller. As you run the vacuum over carpeting, rugs, and other flooring, you're also picking up any hair and animal fur that can be loose on the ground. Over time, hair can build up and get tangled in the roller. This can then cause the appliance to smell like it's burning, and it is certainly a reason why you want to think twice before vacuuming up hair. If you do detect a burnt smell while vacuuming, unplug the appliance and check the rollers first. Cut any tangled hair messes and remove them to clean your rollers. While you're at it, you may also want to check out the hose attachments to make sure there are no hairballs or other obstructions. If the burnt smell is gone after removing stuck-on hair, you may not need to take any further action. However, other causes of burnt smells may indicate that some of the interior components are broken and need to be replaced.

If your vacuum continues to smell after cleaning the roller and hoses, or if it has more of a burnt rubber smell, you could be dealing with a worn belt. Another telling sign is that your vacuum is not able to pick up dirt and debris like normal. Sometimes a vacuum's belt can crack and disintegrate, or it may become loose. Clogged rollers can also strain and damage the belt. In either case, the damaged rubber material can generate a burnt smell, as can an overworked motor that's a result of either a broken vacuum belt or a clogged filter.

It's important to inspect your vacuum's belt regularly, but especially if you're detecting a burnt smell. Any belt that appears to be too loose or cracked ought to be replaced immediately. Regular vacuum belt inspections and replacements may also extend the lifespan of the appliance overall and decrease the need for having to spend a lot of money on a new vacuum. If you suspect an overheated motor, you should stop using the vacuum immediately to prevent permanent damage. You might also be able to replace the motor if the rest of the appliance is still in good working order.

When you can't seem to find the reason why your vacuum smells like it's burning, consider contacting the manufacturer for advice. Another option is to have the unit inspected by a small appliance repair shop. Discontinue using a burnt-smelling vacuum until you've completely resolved the problem. You'll also want to keep in mind the mistakes everyone makes when vacuuming, in addition to regular maintenance.