Hoover - loss of suction

[Eve]

I have a hoover I got about 2 years ago, a Morphy Richards one, quite cheap but on offer, which is meant to be good for pet hair.

Initially the suction was fantastic - very powerful but for ages it's been nowhere near as powerful, doesn't pick much up and sometimes there is no suction at all and the whirly things don't even turn unless I faff with them. There is suction down the main pipe, just not through the attachment (or very limited). It doesn't seem completely blocked (if blocked) as some suction can get through, just not enough to do much good.

I have cleaned the brushes to ensure there isn't any hair (mine's quite long and quite a lot comes out) slowing it down and tried to poke things in to clear any blockage but nothing seems to help. The other attachment is for upholstry so not anywhere near good enough for heavier duty vacuuming to make sure pet hair is removed.

I thought about soaking it in case that removes any blockage in the attachment I can't see but wasn't sure if it would be ok in water (obviously just the actual attachment).

With two dark haired cats and cream carpets, any tips very gratefully received as I can't afford to buy another (anywhere decent) hoover at the moment.

[HowardKennitby]

what is the model number of machine?

[jomifl]

If you have normal suction down the main pipe then the problem must be in the attachment. If with the motor running it picks up speed when you fit the attachment on then the attachment is blocked. Try a selection of poky things from either direction, failing that a garden hose at full blast might do the job.

[Eve]

Sorry for the delay - answered the door and got commandeered by salespeople!

It's a Morphy Richards 2100w.

[Eve]

http://www.morphyrich...r-Vacuum-Cleaner.html

Thanks jomilf. I've tried poking about with a variety of long pointy things to no avail. MIght have to try the garden hose!

[MASS1961]

This has a hepa filter, is it blocked?

[sandyRoe]

Is the lid properly closed? I replaced the dust bag on our Phillips vacuum and didn't close it properly. It didn't draw very well.

[deggers316]

we had one of this type but a Russell hobs, it was the most useless vac we ever had and the LOUDEST !! it worked good for two uses then if you didn't clean the filter it would not pick crumbs up and our place is not dusty by any means i got rid at a charity shop after 23 months and got an asda special.a great and powerful little model,very satisfied with this one

[Eve]

Is that the filter bit inside the bit that the dirt goes into? I've taken all that out and made sure it's empty and doesn't look blocked. Is there anything else I should check with that?

I've also made sure it's properly shut - it's a bit of a beggar to get it to shut properly and click into place so made sure that's all properly clicked into place.

I'e just had another faff and found one of those plastic tags which holds price tags on clothes in the attachment but getting that out hasn't helped. The tube is clear (I can see right through the metal one) - can't get the plastic one higher up off - looks like it can come off but not been able to get it free so far.

I tested the suction without the attachment on and there is only any suction when I put my hand right on the end of the metal bit - if I hold it even a little away I can't feel it - maybe why the brushes aren't rotating well. Even with my hand over it the suction isn't as much as I'm sure it used to be when on full - I used to have to almost pull it off the carpet on max suction.

[deggers316]

thats 2 months not 23

[Eve]

Thanks deggers, maybe I'm missing something with the filter then! What's the best way to clean it?

I was so impressed when I got it. Hoping there is something I can do to get it working again.

[MASS1961]

The filter should come apart then get it over the dustbin and shake keep tapping it. will be surprised how much dust/dirt it holds. Will affect the suction if full. My vac came with a spare.

[deggers316]

i use to wash mine under the tap

[Eve]

O....M....G just had a rather more brutal attack on the filter and I think I found part of the problem, started over the bathroom sink (bad idea!) and then took it outside.

It's picking up a lot better, still not full suction but actually picking stuff up so just had a mad runaround some bit while the going was good.

Has done wonders for my cough (not) haha- definitely calling it a night for now - but brilliant to be able to at least do a quick start, thank you all for the help. Fingers crossed it will at least pick stuff up better while I faff some more to get it back up to proper suction :)

[deggers316]

it was a pain the a**e jenna washing the filter out every second time of use,but that your problem,the filter

[HowardKennitby]

I found that if the brushes are not turning it is usually due to gunge collecting at the ends and jamming up the bearings. This was a screwdriver job to fix on my Electrolux.