Having a vacuum cleaner makes cleaning much easier. However, many people encounter these problems: the suction power is strong when you first buy it, but it weakens significantly after a few months; or the noise becomes increasingly harsh, or you can even smell a burning odor.
These problems mostly stem from the vacuum cleaner's motor.
I. Vacuum Cleaner Motors: Two Types, Significantly Different
There are two main types of vacuum cleaner motors on the market:
1. Brushed DC Motor
It has internal carbon brushes and conducts electricity through mechanical contact.
Advantages: Low cost, and speeds can reach 20,000-30,000 RPM.
Disadvantages: Carbon brushes wear down, and suction power typically begins to decrease after a few hundred hours; it produces more sparks and noise during operation; its lifespan is relatively short.
2. Brushless DC Motor
It has no carbon brushes and relies on an electronic controller for precise commutation.
Advantages: High efficiency, low noise, long lifespan (typically tens of thousands of hours); speeds can reach 80,000-120,000 RPM for the same volume, providing strong and sustained suction.
Disadvantages: Slightly higher cost, but prices have dropped significantly in recent years.
II. When choosing a vacuum cleaner, besides the motor, consider these 3 points:
Cyclone Separation Technology: A good vacuum cleaner can quickly separate dust from air, allowing dust to fall into the dust cup without clogging the filter. If the cyclone design is poor, the filter will quickly become clogged, and suction power will drop drastically-even a good motor won't help.
Filtration System: It should at least have a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air), capable of blocking particles as small as 0.3 microns to prevent secondary pollution. Check if the filter is washable and the replacement cost.
Battery and Battery Life: Brushless motors are more efficient, resulting in longer battery life with the same battery capacity. Generally, a battery life of ≥30 minutes in standard mode and ≥8 minutes in powerful mode is recommended.
III. Daily Maintenance
Empty the dust cup after each use: Do not wait until the dust cup is full before emptying it. Excessive dust will directly clog the air duct, worsen motor heat dissipation, and easily cause overheating and burnout.
Clean the filter regularly: According to the instruction manual (usually 1-2 times per month), remove the filter and gently tap or wash it with water (check if it is washable). Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling. A wet filter can cause water to enter and damage the motor.
Check for tangled debris on the brush head: Hair and thread easily get tangled on the vacuum cleaner's roller brush. Clean it regularly with scissors; otherwise, it will increase the motor load, increase noise, and reduce suction power.
