Vacuums are the cleaning workhorse of our carpeted rooms, but every once in a while they need a little cleaning themselves so that they can keep operating properly. Most are already familiar with cleaning or replacing the vacuum bag since that happens on a more regular basis but it is not as common to remove the roller brush and clean it as well. If you live in a household with long haired people or animals you may know this problem all too well. As the vacuum runs along the carpet it picks up hair that wraps around (and almost dreads) your roller brush. When enough hair builds up, the roller brush is no longer able to rotate and stops picking up hair and debris on your floor. Luckily it's an easy and quick fix.

This Instructable will walk you through removing the roller brush on your vacuum to give it a good clean and keep your vacuum running and your carpets clean.

Step 1: Safety First

Before you do anything with your vacuum, make sure it is unplugged.

Step 2: Roller Access

Lay your vacuum down so that the underside is exposed. Using your phillips head screw driver unscrew all of the screws on the bottom face plate. Most should have around four screws but every vacuum is different.

Be careful to keep your screws all together so that you don't loose them. An easy way to do this is to put them in a small bowl or tupperware.

Step 3: Pop It Out

Once the bottom face plate is off you can easily pop out your roller brush. Generally one end will slide out and then you can pull the roller brush out of the belt. Remember to look at take note as to the orientation of your roller brush. This will make it easier to put back in once you are done cleaning it. If the brush not popping out easily try rotating it until it slides out.

Step 4: Cleaning

Cover your work surface with paper or newspaper so that all of the hair, dust and debris can be easily cleaned up. Slide one end of your scissors under some hair and cut. Using your fingers, pull the hair off and away from the roller. Continue doing this until your roller brush is clean and debris free. You'll want to make sure that the areas around the bearings on the end and where the belt will sit.

This step can take a bit of time, be patient. The payoff will be worth it.

For this step, I found that stainless steel hair cutting scissors worked best because they had a thinner blade that was easier to slid under the hair. You can use regular scissors if you don't have hair cutting scissors. Seam rippers (for sewing) also work really well.

Step 5: Bearings

Once your roller brush is free, pop the ends off of each side of your brush. Occasionally hair, dust and debris will get stuck under the end cap. Remove any hair or visible debris and snap the end cap back on.

Step 6: Putting It Back Together

Now that your roller brush is clean it's time to put it back together. I usually like to take this opportunity to clean out any dust that is lingering in the housing. To do this, simply wet a paper towel and wipe away any dust or debris that you see.

Orient your roller brush correctly and slide it through the belt in the vacuum. You may also need to pull the belt slightly to get the roller brush through as it should be fairly tight. If your belt needs replacing, this is also the optimal time to do so. Slide the end caps of the brush into the respective slot. Replace the bottom face plate. Place and fasten all of the screws that you removed earlier.

Step 7: You're Done

Congratulations! You've just completed and cleaned your vacuum's roller brush. Your vacuum should work like a dream now. So plug it back in and get to vacuuming!