A vacuum cleaner is a daily tool for cleaning the house with ease. But what happens when your Electrolux vacuum cord won't retract after use? We asked around and found a fix from the checked information and guides.
The cord of your Electrolux vacuum won't retract because it is jammed or pulled all out, leaving the cord wheel bare. To fix it:
- Open the back panel where the cord wheel is and slide the cord back into the wheel.
- Tug in and out once in a while to check if it's retracting alright.
- Disassemble the whole unit if it's hard to tag the wheel or lose the jammed cord.
Fixing it doesn't need a lot of tools, only a screwdriver, and a rubber mallet. Also, you can replace your vacuum cord if necessary. If you want a permanent fix, continue reading to know the unit's maintenance and care.
Fixing Electrolux Vacuum Cord That Won't Go Back In
Cords are still in the technology industry in terms of gadgets and machines. Though, cordless or wireless seems to be the steady feature trend.
A vacuum cord tends to get in the way while cleaning, and the strap might not retract or jam. Pulling or patting the machine to make it work might be to no avail. Cords can get automatically locked when extensively pulled.
The ratchets do the locking. Though, these cords are considered durable. And the concept is also widely used not only in machines but also in space. Repairing your Electrolux vacuum cord that won't retract requires only a few ">tools.
Here's a step-by-step guide to fixing and disassembling your Electrolux vacuum cord that won't retract.
Tools To Use
- A screwdriver
- A rubber mallet
Step-By-Step Guide
- Unplug your Electrolux vacuum cleaner.
- Bring the cleaner to your workspace.
- Keep water and electricity sources far from your work table.
- Detach the hose and remove other attachments or accessories from the unit.
- Lift open the front cover and take off the dust bag.
- Tilt it on one side to remove the vinyl-covered rod. Softly use the rubber mallet and the screwdriver to push out the rod.
- Use the same method on the other side. You will see another vinyl-covered rod.
- Detach the bottom cover and detach the upper compartment.
- You can detach the cord wheel, but you can also pull the cord back in by hand.
- Slowly you can feel the cord retracting automatically. Do a few tests before re-assembling the unit.
Watch the following video on the steps mentioned above.
Repairing A Vacuum Cleaner Cord
A vacuum cord is regularly exposed and can be damaged. It's a must to check electrical cords used daily for safety and to prevent accidents. A vacuum cleaner cord gets damaged due to overstretching, pets chewing, or twisting.
Unplug your vacuum before checking the frayed cord. You can quick-fix it with electrical tape if it's only a minor scratch. However, a severely damaged cord requires cutting or replacing the plug.
Here's how you do it.
Interweaving The Wires
- Cut the frayed area of the cord and strip about 1/2 inch of the outer plastic cover of the cord for interweaving.
- Coil the exposed wires together.
- Cover the lines with a thick wrap of electric tape.
Click here to view this electric tape on Amazon.
Replacing The Plug
- Cut the damaged cord around two to three inches beyond the plug.
- Strip the outer plastic wire cover for 1/2 inch to expose the wires.
- Coil the stripped wires together and cover them with a thick wrap of electric tape.
View this wire cutter on Amazon.
Replacing A Vaccum Cleaner Cord
A vacuum cleaner cord sometimes cannot be retrievable or repairable. It needs replacement. The cord may have a lot of scratches and exposed wires that are tremendously dangerous to the user.
Therefore, here's a guide for you on vacuum cord replacement.
- Unplug the vacuum cleaner and gain access to the vacuum motor by carefully disassembling the unit. Be mindful of how you remove each part as you will need to re-assemble it.
- Unscrew any fixes with a screwdriver until you reach the motor.
- Before untwisting wires, picture or draw the wire attachments for easy replacement and re-installation, use your manual for further information since every vacuum model is different.
- Unfasten the wire cap which holds the two wires (may be black and blue) together. Then, sort one out from another.
- Take off the wire (white) that is attached to the motor fitting with your hand or needle nose pliers. Some units have three wires; white, black, and blue. Thoroughly check yours.
- Detach all the cord retainers holding the old cord. Then, detach the strain relief with pliers and pull out the old cord from the vacuum.
Click here to view this vacuum cleaner cord on Amazon.
- Attach all the retaining pieces and the strain relief to the new cord.
- Use the wire connection pictures you took earlier and carefully follow the installation with the new cord. You can use electric tape to bind wires.
- Coil the wire of the new cord with the other motor wire (blue) from before. Fasten them together with their wire cap.
- Pin the terminal of the white wire of the new cord on the motor fitting. Carefully join it by hand and then secure it with the pliers.
- Put back all the cord retainers and the strain relief to their stations. Then, secure the new cord at the final bend by the strain relief. Install it with pliers.
- Properly re-assemble the unit without a screw or fastener missing.
Safety Tips
Always handle appliances with care. Adhering to the guidelines is essential to prevent accidents, fires, or injury.
Here are some safety tips to follow when operating a vacuum cleaner.
- Do not leave unattended a plugged-in unit.
- It is not advisable to use on wet surfaces and outdoors.
- Children should not play with it.
- Attach only the recommended parts to the unit.
- Never use a frayed cord or plug.
- The cord should not be in close contact with fire or hot surfaces.
- Do not use it as a handle or pull it to unplug.
- Never use to pick up any combustible objects such as cigarettes.
- Turn off all switches before unplugging.
- Guide plug when the cord retracts without allowing the cord to whip around or knot around.
How Often Should You Replace Your Vacuum?
A vacuum can last up to eight years. Though, a vacuum's lifespan depends on its range of use. Your vacuum can work longer if you have a small room or space to clean. However, a larger room with pets and children will make your vacuum work more and wear out faster.
Why Do Vacuums Lose Suction Over Time?
As you use the vacuum over time, fine particles pile into the vacuum bag. The pile stays even after emptying the bag reducing adequate airflow and an escape allowance for the incoming air.
The opening or the pathway gets restricted and results in poor suction. Thorough cleaning and dusting off of the vacuum bag and its other parts is needed to maintain the strength of the suction.
How Long Do Vacuum Belts Last?
Vacuum belts should be changed after three to six months if regularly used to maintain a clean and efficient vacuum. Regular belt checks will leave your carpet pretty clean.
View these replacement belts for vacuums on Amazon.
What Can I Use Instead Of Electrical Tape?
Wire connectors or wire nuts are good alternatives to electrical tape. Although, they are not so flexible for various uses. They can get rusted or broken, but they are good enough to use for a definite application.
Click here to view these wire connectors on Amazon.
Summing Up
Fixing your Electrolux vacuum cleaner that won't retract can be a DIY project. All you need is a flathead screwdriver and a rubber mallet in case the attachments are too tight to disassemble. When the cord jams, it locks voluntarily. Opening the vacuum's body and rolling back the cord wheel makes it work.
Read more about using and maintaining a vacuum cleaner in these posts:
