Vacuum bag — check for tears after sharp debris

Vacuum bag

Vacuumed up glass bits, pins, or gravel? Check the vacuum bag for small tears. A torn bag leaks dust past the filter and into the motor area.

Vacuum bag: check for tears after sharp debris (related household photo)
Photo: Photograph: Frank C. Müller , Baden-Baden / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sharp bits like gravel or small screws can poke a hole in a vacuum bag. Dust then escapes into the bag chamber and clogs filters faster.

Check the vacuum bag for tears

  1. Unplug the vacuum and open the bag door.
  2. Look for gray dust outside the bag inside the chamber.
  3. Lift the bag out gently and check the surface for small holes.
  4. If you see a tear, seal the collar tab and replace the bag. Wipe the chamber clean.

Pick up sharp pieces by hand or with a dustpan when you can.

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