Vacuum bags — shake a new bag open before you seat the collar

A brand-new vacuum bag often ships folded flat. If you seat the collar while the paper or cloth is still creased shut, suction stays weak. Shake the bag open first, then seat the collar fully.

Shake a new vacuum bag open before you seat the collar

1. After you tap dust off the old collar area, unfold the new bag and give it a gentle shake so the inner volume opens and the cardboard or soft collar is not pinched flat.
2. Align the collar with the intake tube and push until it seats evenly — listen or feel for the door interlock that only closes on a full seat.
3. Close the bag door until latches click, then do a short carpet pass. Suction should feel even; a whistle at the door often means the collar is still half-folded.
4. If suction is still weak with a fully open new bag, check the pre-motor filter next — do not keep reseating the same bag.

Honest stop: an aftermarket collar that is too thick will not seal even when shaken open — match the bag type your vacuum lists.

More help

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