Oreck Vacuum Cleaner FAQ

Q: Why does my Oreck vacuum smell like something is burning?

A: If your Oreck vacuum cleaner smells like burnt rubber, the brush roller isn't spinning but the motor pulley is. This creates friction and causes the vacuum belt to burn apart. This may have been caused by something temporarily jamming the roller (like the end of an area rug) or the roller itself isn't spinning because it is broken or it is bound up with hair, string, or carpet fiber.

Oreck Vacuum Belt - any time you smell burning rubber, it's time to change the belt and check the roller, whether it's broken or not. This repair guide details the steps necessary to complete a belt change on your Oreck XL vacuum cleaner.

If the burning smell seems to smell like something other than burnt rubber you may have an electrical problem. I would bring your Oreck vacuum to a repair shop that gives free estimates if this is the case.

Q: Why does my Oreck vacuum "spit out" instead of "pick-up"?

A: Your Oreck vacuum cleaner is probably clogged. You can confirm this by turning the vacuum cleaner on and keep an eye on the exterior vacuum bag. If the vacuum bag doesn't expands, than the vacuum is clogged.

Oreck Vacuum Unclog - Oreck vacuum cleaners can potentially clog in a number of places (fan housing, neck, or the tube.). This repair guide will explain all of the steps necessary to unclog an Oreck vacuum cleaner.

Q: How often should I change my Oreck vacuum belt?

A: I would recommend changing your Oreck vacuum belt every 6 months (pet owners) to a year (light foot traffic in the home). These belts stretch over time, and affect the performance of the vacuum.

Q: How often should I change my Oreck vacuum bags?

A: I would change the vacuum bag on the Oreck upright when it gets to be about three quarters full or the vacuum cleaner starts to feel heavy when you are pushing it.

If you are using the Oreck canister, I would change the bag when it appears to be half to three quarters full. Overfilling a canister bag will strain the motor and effect the performance of the canister vacuum.

If you overfill an upright Oreck vacuum bag, the debris will back up into the back tube and clog up the vacuum cleaner.

Oreck Vacuum Bags - identify which bag your Oreck vacuum cleaner uses.