Are All Vacuum Belts The Same?

Vacuum cleaner belts vary significantly depending on the type and model of the cleaner. It also plays a major role in ensuring the best performance of your vacuum cleaner. So, it’s always wiser to look for one that fits your requirements.

Are All Vacuum Belts The Same?

Depending on what you are going to use it for, vacuum cleaners differ on a large scale. They also vary in terms of durability, performance, and longevity. Generally, there are 3 basic types of vacuum belts- geared, grooved, and smooth. Besides, there are also V-belts.

Geared Belts

Generally, geared belts are used in vacuum cleaners for updated features. Most of the latest brands use this kind of vacuum belts for their cleaner. So, when you want to change the belt, it’s rather easy to find a replacement.

These belts have fangs or teeth on the inside part. Besides, it connects directly to the motor and the brush roller. So, the cleaner can produce more speed and perform more efficiently. But they are generally used in two motor vacuums because of special requirements.

Also, they have great durability. So, you can go without changing the belt for over a year. However, you should check it once in a while to see if there are any wear and tear. Besides, they have sensory systems that warn the user when there is any problem with the brush.

Grooved Belts

Then, we have the grooved belts. As the name suggests, these belts have narrow edges or grooves engraved on the inside part of the belts. Similar to the geared belts, these belts don’t stretch a lot and perform quite well. However, you still should check once a few months for any problems.

Many common brands have started to use grooved belts for their cleaner. So, it is gaining popularity slowly over time.

Smooth Belts

There can be two types of smooth belts- round or flat. But none of them have grooves or teeth on them. So, they are rather smooth on the inside. Because of the low durability of the belt, they wear and tear more frequently. So, you need to check in on them once a few months for any wear. 

Besides, these belts stretch more quickly than geared or grooved belts. As a result, they can’t spin the roller efficiently. It lowers the quality of the cleaner. So, you need to change it more frequently to maintain the performance of the cleaner. In most cases, replacing the belt once every 6 months is enough. 

However, flat belts last longer than round belts. Also, they are more efficient as well.

V-Belts

V-belts works similarly to the geared belts. It becomes smaller towards the inside part and creates a v shape. It interconnects the brush roller and creates three contact surfaces. However, these belts aren’t held in place like the geared belts.

What Belt Do I Need For My Vacuum?

Belt requirement varies from one type to another. It also depends on many factors such as what are you planning to use it for, what kind of cleaner you are using, required durability, and many more. 

Firstly, if you are planning to do some heavy-duty work, a belt with high durability is required. Grooved and geared belts are perfect for these types of work. They also last longer than usual smooth belts. On the other hand, smooth belts will do the usual work.

Are Vacuum Belts Interchangeable?

Size is the most important factor for vacuum belts. A slight difference in the tension will sharply affect the whole performance of the belts. This is why vacuum belts are only interchangeable between cleaners with the same model number. 

You may also interchange them with other models if they have the same size belts. But it is not recommended.

How do You Know If You Need A New Vacuum Belt?

Different vacuum belts have different longevity. So, they are required to be changed after a different period. However, sometimes these belts wear and stretch quicker than usual. So, you need to check once in a while if you need a new belt or not.

When the belt stretches, it loses contact with the surface of the brush roller. As a result, the roller can’t spin properly or can’t spin at all. It leads to the poor performance of the cleaner. And, it can’t suck in dirt and derbies effectively.

So, when you notice that your cleaner isn’t doing its work properly or the dirt and sands are remaining on the carpet, it’s time to change the belts. A louder sound than usual is also a sign to change the belt.

How Long Do Vacuums Belts Usually Last?

Depending on the type of belts, the longevity differs. Generally, geared belts are more durable than other belts. So, they can last for years with proper care. However, you may need to change it once a year in most cases.

On the other hand, grooved belts last longer than smooth belts but shorter than geared belts. So, it needs to be changed once in 6 months or one year. But that depends on its condition.

However, smooth belts are the least durable of these belts. So, they usually last for 6 months. After that, you will need to change it for better performance.

How Much does it Cost to Replace a Vacuum Belt?

It doesn’t cost much to replace a vacuum belt. Depending on the model and brand, the cost may vary from $2 to $10. Even if it costs more, the chances of the cost going over $15 are very small.

What Causes Vacuum Belts to Break

The most common reason for a vacuum belt to break is to wear. The belts are mainly rubber so they stretch and wear over time and eventually break at one point. However, there are some other reasons as well.

If a wrong sized belt is installed in a vacuum cleaner, it may cause breakage earlier than expected. Similarly, if a belt is installed in the wrong way, it also makes the belt break off. 

Another common reason for belt breakage is brush obstruction. It causes the belt to strain and warm up. As a result, the belt gets stretched with a hideous smell and eventually tears at the end.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: Is it possible to repair a broken belt?

Ans: yes, but it is not recommended. Replacing it with a new belt is the wiser option.

Q: Can I use the same belt after removing it to clean the vacuum?

Ans: Yes. However, it’s better to clean the vacuum when you need to change the belt as well. 

Conclusion

Vacuum belts determine and affect the performance of the cleaner on a large scale. You may think all belts are the same as their functions differ slightly from each other. However, in reality, that is not the case.

For example, if you have a Kirby vacuum and you want to change the belt on the Kirby vacuum then you should install the specific belt that is recommended for that vacuum.