Tips for getting vacuum sucking properly again?

[GrendelsMum]

Our vaccum cleaner has lost suction - the motor goes on, and air seems to be blown out by the motor but very little suction is produced.

Is there a simple series of checks I can run through to try to get it going again? I'm not very good with vacuum cleaners - this is DH's department, but he is away for two weeks and the house is covered in dust from building works. I have changed the bag but that hasn't helped...

It's a Miele Cat & Dog, if that's of any relevance.

Sounds like your filters need cleaning. If you have had building work, they get clogged up and either need cleaning, if you can clean them, or replacing. Try to google the make, and see where the filters are if you are unsure.

Ive not tried this myself bit a friend takes her dyson filters (possibly the same?) to the garage airline for a blow through. Her DH says this is what stops Dysons from working mostly and has rescued several from being thrown away by family mambers.

members

Another vote for garage airline to blow the filter out. DH does this.

Check there is nothing stuck up the tube.

I have two very old Miele hoovers and am v pleased with them. One is a Cat and Dog.

PS if your filter needs changing you may find that the hoover runs too hot and then cuts out for safety. This has happened a few times to me, but the hoover has never suffered permanent damage, touch wood.

There should be filters in the box the bags came in.

(Slow thinker=multi posts)

Actually, I think it was overfull bags that caused overheating, but you've changed yours, just ignore me!

Thanks very much, everyone. I took it outside and cleaned out all the building work dust and bits of plaster that were rattling aroudn the inside of the vacuum, and then changed the filter (which was indeed living in the box the bags come in - I always wondered what those pointless fluffy things in the bobx were. It now works again beautifully, and the floor is clean.

You have saved my sanity and my reputation with DH!