+ What type of filters and/or bags should I use?

Non-OEM bags are often less expensive to purchase outright, but there are hidden costs. Unknowingly, you may need to change or clean them far more often. They may break down much faster after washing; they may let dirt pass through them, polluting the air in your home. They will almost always shorten the life of your vacuum because they allow the air that cools the motor and other parts of the vacuum to be polluted with dust and hair. Replacing the bag with a non-OEM bag is almost like replacing the oil in your vehicle with more old oil.

ALL of the vacuum manufacturers may terminate your warranty if genuine parts, bags or filters are not used. While buying cheap is tempting on the spot, it can end up being more costly and time consuming in the long run.

Recirculating the dust and dirt in your home is not only unhealthy for your machine, it’s unhealthy for you and your family.
Replacement bags and belts should never be reused. Only “washable” filters can be reused after they have been thoroughly dried.

Please refer to your manual or give us a call if you have any questions.

+ How often should I have my vacuum tuned up?

To best protect your purchase, a yearly "tune-up" is recommended. With animal hair and dander, your machine may need to be serviced more frequently.

+ How often should I clean the filters in my vacuum?

Most of the vacuum brands will tell you how often to clean your filters, but circumstances are not the same for everyone. If you have a bagless vacuum, it is best to clean the filters twice as often as recommended. If you have a bagless vacuum and furry pets in the home or if you have large areas to clean, then clean the filters three to four times the recommended amount. All bagless vacuums have at least two filters to care for. Many have 3 or more, so look carefully and check the manual. Also, EVERY filter needs to be changed at some point and we have most, if not all of them in stock.

For bagged vacuums, change the bag when it is half to ¾ full and change the HEPA filter every 50 hours of use, or approximately once every year.

+ Why won't the brush roller turn?

First, check to see if your machine has a reset switch. If that doesn’t work, the issue may be due to a broken belt or damaged brush roller. Most metal brush rollers that get bent are no longer balanced and need to be replaced. Many brush rollers will melt if too much hair gets wrapped around them, in which case you may need a new brush roller and belt. Vacuums with composite or wooden brush rollers do not have this problem. (Miele and Oreck have wooden brush rollers).

+ Do robot vacuums really work?

The autonomous or robotic vacuums vary widely in capability, but keep in mind that these machines do not replace regular vacuums; they should be used for tidying up. We highly recommend the Miele Scout RX1. They are great at supplementing your regular vacuum by doing light chores such as light maintenance and leaving clean lines in the carpet. Many models do very well on bare floors and if you maintain your robot by cleaning the brush, filter and wheels regularly, it will serve you well. Please take caution with animals and loose wires.

+ What vacuum can I use on my oriental rug?

Frieze and woolen carpeting can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, Bob's has you covered. We suggest you seriously consider what the reseller has to say about your rug, but know that it is IMPOSSIBLE to clean hair out of any rug without some sort of agitation. Come in to look at the turbo brushes and very soft-brush power heads.

Miele’s with the SEB217 heads are normally the best for these types of applications. The Miele Home Care line of vacuums and tools are a great place to start to get the best bang for your buck. These have been proven to be the best investment one can make to truly care for larger flooring investments.