Imagine seeing smoke coming from your vacuum. That will expectedly have you fearing the worst. Such will have someone wondering, why is my vacuum smoking? What could be the issue? Is the vacuum damaged?
If you’re grappling with this issue, then you are in the right place. Let’s have an in-depth look at why vacuums will produce smoke and how to solve the problem.
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Why Is My Vacuum Smoking and Burning Smell: Common Reasons
A vacuum will produce smoke for several reasons. The most common is a motor failure or problem with the belt. The belt must smoothly rotate to enable the vacuum to collect dirt and clean surfaces.
To follow the famous adage, smoke will typically signify a fire as well. And therefore, it’s common to smell burning whenever you see smoke appearing from your vacuum. Let’s have a closer look at why that could be the case.
1. Issue With the Vacuum Belt
To understand the relationship between the vacuum belt and smoke from your vacuum, we first need to define the role of the belt. The belt is an integral part of the vacuum since it facilitates the rolling movement of the brush roll to ensure the vacuum collects dirt.
Therefore, if the vacuum belt has issues, the rollerblade won’t effectively move dirt through the vacuum and to the dust bag. The most common problems that might bring about issues with the vacuum belt are wear and tear and clogging with dirt.
If that happens, the vacuum will show it by emitting smoke. The smoke will typically accompany by the smell of burning.
How to Solve It: you will need to open the vacuum and check the belt. If any dirt is clogging it, then remove it. Also, you might find that the vacuum belt is worn out and is in pieces. If that’s the case, then you will need to get a replacement.
2. A Clogged Brush Roll
It isn’t only the vacuum belt that can be the problem if you see smoke from your vacuum. A clogged brush roll will struggle to rotate and push dirt through the vacuum. There will be lots of friction because of the brush rubbing against the dirt.
That will lead to smoke production and a smell like burning.
How to Solve It: open the vacuum and check the brush roll for any clogging. If you see any, remove and ensure there isn’t any debris that will hamper the smooth functioning of the roller brush.
3. Issues With the Vacuum Hose
A clogged vacuum hose will also cause your vacuum to emit smoke when you try to use it. That’s because the vacuum will struggle to pass the dirt from the hose to the filter, making the motor overwork.
This will make the vacuum produce smoke and emit a burning smell.
How to Solve It: check the vacuum hose for any clogging to ensure there isn’t any dirt. If you feel the vacuum hose is blocked when you try to use it, unplug the vacuum and check the hose before continuing with cleaning.
4. Burning Wires and Cables
Sometimes the vacuum might produce smoke because it is the wires burning up. The main reason why this would happen is because of a power surge. If the power breaker doesn’t reduce the power passing through, then the vacuum wires might burn.
You will also smell burning rubber if this is the case. You can prevent this by ensuring you don’t use a vacuum with unstable power. Immediately you detect the smell of burning wires, unplug the vacuum from the wall socket.
How to Solve It: Take it to a vacuum repair specialist as soon as possible. If the wires inside the vacuum are burning up, you won’t be able to use the vacuum for a while.
Last update on 2024-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Vacuum Motor Problems
For instance, motor failure will cause a popping sound accompanying a burning smell if you’re using a Dyson vacuum. Of course, there will also be smoke since you won’t miss smoke whenever there’s a fire.
The same applies to all other vacuums with motor issues. A motor issue is a big problem that will need you to check the vacuum or get a specialist to check it for you.
The main reason you will see smoke or a burning smell from a motor is if it’s overworking. All the other reasons so far can make your vacuum’s motor overheat and thus produce smoke when you use it.
The motor will switch itself off automatically if the overheating gets out of control. This should be a sign for you to check it.
How to Solve It: have a specialist check the vacuum and its motor to determine the problem. If the motor has an issue, you will need to either replace it or repair it. An authorized vacuum expert will help you solve this issue.
Preventive Measures for Vacuum Smoking Issues
Besides the quick fixes we have just discussed, you can do other things to ensure your vacuum doesn’t get to the point of producing smoke.
1. Proper Maintenance
This is the best way to prevent your vacuum from producing smoke and other issues. If you maintain your vacuum well, then it should serve you without any significant problems. Maintenance involves properly cleaning its parts after a while and using it for the proper purpose.
2. Regular Checkup
A vacuum, like a car, also needs you to check it after some time. An authorized vacuum specialist will help in this regard since they are better at diagnosing issues. If you use your vacuum quite regularly, then check it after about six months.
3. Clearing Large Debris Before Cleaning
It is better to prevent something than to solve it. Therefore, whenever you want to use your vacuum, ensure there isn’t large debris in the way. The large-sized debris will often cause issues in the roller brush while clogging it.
FAQ About Why Is My Vacuum Smoking
Will, I Use My Vacuum Again if Its Motor Starts Producing Smoke?
Yes, you can. Smoke in the motor might point to significant issues within the vacuum. But a vacuum specialist can help you solve these issues and use the vacuum again. In extreme cases, you can replace the motor and continue using the vacuum.
Can a Vacuum Catch Fire?
Yes, it can. Vacuums are electric appliances and will therefore catch on fire for several reasons. The main reason might be an electrical fault or if water touches any of the vacuum parts.
Final Thoughts
Why is my vacuum smoking? Well, it could be all the reasons we have outlined in this write-up. Fortunately, we have also discussed the ways you can solve the issue. Therefore, that question shouldn’t be an issue for you anymore.
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