Vacuum cleaner lost suction: causes and fixes
Loss of suction almost never comes from the motor. In more than nine cases out of ten, air can no longer circulate because of a saturated filter, an over-full bag or a blockage in the hose.
The causes, from most to least common
Check them in this order: the first ones are free and solve the majority of cases.
- 1
Full bag or unemptied bin
very commonHow to check: A bag already loses effectiveness at two thirds full, well before it looks full.
Fix: Change the bag or empty the bin at two thirds.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 to 10 € - 2
Clogged filters
very commonHow to check: Check the motor filter (before the motor) and the exhaust (HEPA) filter: they clog gradually.
Fix: Wash them in clean water if they are washable (24 hours of complete drying is essential), otherwise replace them.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 to 30 € - 3
Blocked hose or wand
commonHow to check: Detach the hose and look through it towards the light. A sock, a plug of dust or a toy is enough.
Fix: Clear it with a flexible rod, without piercing the hose wall.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 4
Brush bar jammed with hair
commonHow to check: The rotating brush no longer turns or turns with difficulty, with hair and threads visibly wound around it.
Fix: Cut the wound hair away with scissors and remove it. Also check the belt on turbo-brush models.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 to 15 € - 5
Air leak (split hose or seal)
less commonHow to check: You hear a whistle and suction stays weak despite new filters and bag.
Fix: Replace the hose or the seal concerned.
ModerateEstimated cost: 20 to 60 €
If you take this out-of-warranty vacuum cleaner to a QualiRépar-certified repairer, 40€ comes off the invoice.
| Repair by a professional | 20 to 60 € |
| Repair bonus deducted | - 40 € |
| What you pay | 0 to 20 € |
Indicative estimate: the real price depends on the part, the model and the call-out. The bonus can never exceed the invoice total.
How to claim the repair bonus →When to call a professional
Vacuum cleaner repairs rarely need a professional: bags, filters, belts and hoses are consumables you replace yourself. Only a motor failure, on a high-end machine, justifies a workshop visit.
Find a repairer near you →Frequently asked questions
Why has my vacuum lost suction even with a new bag?
Check the filters (motor and exhaust), which clog gradually and are often forgotten, then check the hose isn't blocked by looking through it towards the light.
How often should vacuum filters be changed?
Every 3 to 6 months with normal use. Washable filters must dry completely for 24 hours before refitting: a still-damp filter cuts suction and can damage the motor.
Your vacuum cleaner may be nearing the end of its life: a vacuum cleaner lasts 6 to 10 years. Beyond that, an expensive repair is harder to justify.