Most homeowners take a great sense of pride in their homes and maintaining their appearance. To do this, the purchase of a vacuum is necessary. I don’t know about you, but the choices in vacuums can be overwhelming when I go to the store, even within specific brands like Oreck. Looking at the company’s catchy advertising and claims, you would think every vacuum model from the brand is the absolute best.
Choosing the right Oreck vacuum cleaner can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When looking for the best vacuum, consider the following:
- Availability of bags or accessories
- Cost
- Life expectancy/warranty
- Where they can be purchased
- The best model for your needs
- Maintenance
Buying appliances for your home is a significant investment, so you want to be sure you are getting the most quality for your dollar. There are many factors to consider and many options to choose from within each Oreck vacuum model available.
What are Oreck Vacuum Cleaners?
Oreck vacuum cleaners are touted as some of the most durable, lightweight vacuums on the market. The company prides itself on the usability of its products as well.
The company also offers versatility within the product line. They have both upright and canister vacuums to choose from, depending on your personal needs.
Where Can I Buy an Oreck Vacuum?
You have probably spent time researching the Oreck vacuum and are prepared to make a purchase. Lucky for you, there are several options when it comes to purchasing. If you are an online shopping aficionado, there are plenty of places you can look. If you are more of a brick and mortar type of shopper, there are options for you as well.
You can walk into almost any big box store and find an aisle dedicated to vacuums and the accessories that go along with them. You can also find Oreck vacuums at many online retailers, including Amazon and the Oreck company website.
Here are other online locations where you can purchase Oreck vacuum cleaners.
- Walmart
- MSC Industrial supply
- eBay
- Amazon
- Myoreckstore.com
- Overstock.com
If online shopping isn’t appealing to you, because let’s face it, seeing an item you are getting ready to purchase in person is often desirable, then you can find an Oreck at these brick and mortar locations.
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- Walmart
- Macy’s
- Best Buy
- Bed Bath and Beyond
The good news about several brick and mortar stores is that they are also available online as well. So, if you see an item that isn’t necessarily available in the store, they can usually order for you. It also makes returns super simple if you aren’t pleased.
How Much Do Oreck Vacuums Cost?
The biggest question that people ask when purchasing appliances is the cost. It is important to remember that you are searching for quality when purchasing a vacuum cleaner, and with that quality comes a price tag. The adage, “you get what you pay for” rings true in this scenario.
If you are looking for an upright vacuum, you can expect to pay in the range of $265 – $599. Oreck has canister vacuums in a variety of sizes, from handheld with the price of $149 to a larger canister vacuum with a price of $229.
Is an Upright or Canister Vacuum Better?
When choosing between an upright vacuum or a canister vacuum, you need to take into consideration the location you are going to be using the vacuum, and a lot comes down to personal preference when choosing the best machine for yourself.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums have been a standard in many homes for years. Many people have been faithful to upright vacuums for years and will sing their praises. When looking at upright vacuums, like anything, there are pros and cons.
Pros
- Upright vacuums are simply made. There aren’t a lot of extra parts and attachments or bells and whistles if you will.
- They tend to be less expensive
- If you have physical limitations, upright vacuums can be easy to push and don’t’ require a lot of bending and twisting to use them.
Cons
- Upright vacuums tend to be heavy because everything is combined in one component
- Because of the bulk many upright vacuums have, they can be difficult to maneuver under furniture for deep cleaning.
Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums are a more modern style of vacuum cleaner and have become very popular choices for many. When looking at a canister vacuum, you will notice there are two separate components to the machine. The motor and bag are housed in one part, and the brush roll is separate. Canister vacuums have pros and cons as well, but again it comes down to personal preference.
Pros
- Canister vacuums tend to have more powerful engines
- There are many attachments that you can use for cleaning a variety of locations
- They run more quietly
Cons
- If you have back problems or physical limitations, lifting the canister along with the vacuum attachment may be challenging
- It takes extra cleaning time to adjust all the attachments you need to use for different locations.
- There are several attachments to keep track of. Most are housed on the machine itself, but there are typically some that are kept separate
Looking at the pros and cons of each machine will help you to determine what your exact needs and wants are when it comes to purchasing the best vacuum for you. Remember, this is an investment that should last for many years, and you want to be able to enjoy it.
What Makes Oreck The Best?
With all the choices on the market, you are probably wondering what makes Oreck such a great choice. Oreck vacuum cleaners have been on the market since 1968 and were popularized with the original upright vacuum.
Many people gravitate to the Oreck brand because they are lightweight and very powerful for their size. Another reason the Oreck is appealing to people is their American made history. When parts are made in the US, they are typically less expensive when replacements are needed.
Other reasons the Oreck is appealing to consumers is the ability of the vacuum to lay flat to get under things to clean, as well as its ability to clean not only carpet but hard surfaces as well.
How Long do Oreck Vacuums Last?
When you invest in a product like a vacuum cleaner, you want to make sure it is going to last for several years. If you are in the market for a long-term vacuum, then Oreck is a brand you want to check out. The average live span of an Oreck vacuum cleaner is 10-12 years. That’s not saying they can’t last longer because it will also depend on the care you take with it and how much use it gets.
To offer a comparison, here are the life expectancies of other brands on the market.
- Shark- 5-7 years
- Hoover – 5-15 years
- Dyson – up to 10 years
(Source)
Again, it is important to remember the way you treat your vacuum is going to dictate the longevity of its usefulness. The above timelines are averages based on consumer input. There are not other factors used when determining the average life expectancy.
As you can see, Oreck vacuums look to surpass the competitors when it comes to a lasting machine. Given the proper treatment, an Oreck may be the best vacuum to invest in.
What is the Best Rated Oreck Vacuum?
Currently, the highest rated Oreck vacuum on the market is a commercial grade vacuum. However, it can easily be used in a household.
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS is the highest rated Oreck vacuum ($133).
The specs of the machine are as follows;
- Lightweight
- 12-inch cleaning path
- Compact size (8 lbs.)
- Automatic floor adjustment
- Easy to change vacuum bags
- Extra-long cord- 35 ft.
This vacuum is at the top of its class, but there are several other Oreck vacuums that ranked high as well.
- Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel Steering ($472)
- Oreck Access Upright Swivel Vacuum ($299)
- Oreck Elevate Command ($432)
- Oreck Commercial Upright ($159)
When looking at canister vacuums, Oreck offers a limited selection. The top-rated canister vacuum is
Oreck Super Deluxe Compact Canister Vacuum ($149) with the following specs;
- Lightweight you can carry it or use a shoulder strap
- Disposable bags
- Multiple attachments
What Maintenance Does an Oreck Require?
After purchasing your Oreck, you will want to be sure to properly maintain the machine. There are four things you will need to do to ensure the life of your investment.
- Replace the bag often or make sure to empty bagless models regularly.
- Clean the brush roll.
- Check the belt.
- Check the filters and hoses.
Now that you know how to keep your machine in check, you are probably wondering how to complete these maintenance tasks. Have no fear, read on to find out the nitty gritty about each.
Why Should I Replace the Bag or Empty the Canister Frequently?
The vacuum bag is responsible for catching all the dirt your machine picks up. If you don’t change the bag or empty the canister, your cleaning time will be significantly increased, and the amount of dirt picked up will be decreased.
How do I know It’s Time to Replace the Bag or Empty the Canister?
As the bag fills, you will notice the suction decreases, and there may be an unpleasant odor when vacuuming. If you notice either of these things, it is probably time to change the bag or empty the canister.
When Should I Replace the Bag?
It is important to keep an eye on your vacuum bag, so you know when to change it. You should plan to change the bag when it is three-quarters of the way full, or when the machine is heavy to push.
What Happens if I Neglect to Change the Bag?
If you neglect to change the bag when it is nearly full, the vacuum will not work as efficiently as it should. You also risk permanently damaging the vacuum if you don’t change the bag when it needs to be. Neglecting to change the bag will cause reduced suction and extra strain on the motor as it works to pick up dirt.
Depending on the material you are vacuuming up, you may need to change the bag more frequently. For example, if you have pets, you will need to change the bags more often. If you are using the vacuum to clean up construction dust, you should change the bag immediately after you are done.
Where Can I Get Replacement Bags?
When you purchase a vacuum that requires the use of bags, you know you will eventually have to replace the bags. When it’s time to replace the bags for your Oreck vacuum, you can find them in several places.
- The Oreck online store
- Lowes
- Walmart
- Staples
- Bed Bath and Beyond
- Amazon
Keep in mind the exact model you are purchasing a replacement bag for. If you don’t select the proper size, it won’t work with your vacuum and will render your machine unusable.
Where do I Find the Model Number?
The model number for your Oreck machine is located on a sticker attached to the machine. If you can’t seem to find the sticker, check the manual your vacuum came with, and it should be there.
How Much do Replacement Bags Cost?
The cost will vary when purchasing bags for your Oreck. You can purchase them individually or in multiple count packages. An 8-count package is around $11.00 on Amazon.
How do I Replace the Bag?
To change the back on an upright Oreck vacuum cleaner, there are several steps to follow. As with anything, make sure you follow the steps exactly to ensure no harm is done to the vacuum.
- Turn off and unplug the machine.
- Unzip the fabric case so you can see the vacuum bag.
- Pull the bag’s cardboard collar. This will pull the hinge down so that the bag is now parallel to the floor.
- Pull the bag out of the machine carefully. The dust seal will close so that a minimal amount of dust escapes during the process, but dust will escape if the bag is very full.
- Position a new bag underneath the hinge and slide the cardboard collar into the bag dock. The bag dock is at the end of the hinge.
- Push the hinge up so that the bag is vertical. Press it into the dock door until you hear a slight snap. This is the hinge snapping into place.
- Zip the vacuum bag closed.
What is the Brush Roll?
The brush roll is the part of the vacuum that helps it remove dirt and debris from the carpet. Just as its name states, it is a roll with brushes on it. If you look under your vacuum, you will notice the roll. Most likely, you will also notice strings and hair wound around the roll. As the vacuum moves across the floor, the brush roll spins and picks the dirt up.
Why Clean the Brush Roll?
Just like any piece of equipment, it is important to keep it clean to ensure it works properly. If the brush roll fills up with string and debris, it won’t roll as effectively and will leave you with a less than clean floor.
Do I Have to Replace the Brush Roll?
The brush roll is the hardest working part of your vacuum cleaner, which means it will need to be replaced regularly to ensure your machine is in top shape.
Replacing the brush roll on your vacuum should be done once every 2 years to ensure optimal performance.
How Do I Know It’s Time to Replace the Brush Roll?
Now you may be thinking how on earth do I know if it’s time to replace the brush roll. Maybe you are looking at a vacuum that you have had for well over 2 years, and the brush roll hasn’t been replaced. Chances are you may have noticed a decline in your machine’s ability to clean as well as it once did. There is a strong possibility that replacing the brush roll will help.
Not only does the age of the machine help determine if replacement is necessary, but a visual observation of the brush roll can also help. If you look at the brush roll and notice the bristles are pushed down or are loose, it is time to replace the part.
How Do I Replace the Brush Roll?
Once you have the part, you need to know exactly how to go about replacing it. Thankfully there are many YouTube videos and other tutorials to help guide you. This piece is straightforward to replace, meaning you will probably not need to take it to a repair shop. If you aren’t one for watching videos, here are the steps to follow;
- Turn your vacuum upside down, so you are looking at the brush roll.
- Remove the 5 screws on the bottom plate
- Take the belt off the motor end
- Gently pull up on the brush roll to remove it
- Put the new brush roll into place
- Put the belt back on the brush roll
- Using your hands roll the brush until the belt is in place
- Put the bottom plate back on
- Re-insert the screws
How Much Does a Brush Roll Cost?
Luckily, brush rolls are not expensive to replace. The cost will depend upon the model of vacuum you are working with; however, you can likely replace the part for under $15.00. Considering this part can prolong the life of your vacuum, it is a wise investment to make.
Where Can I Purchase a Brush Roll?
You can purchase a brush roll at a vacuum repair or parts shop, or you can search online to find the correct brush for your machine. When you search, be sure to have the model number of your vacuum to ensure you select the appropriate brush roll.
How Often do I Replace the Belt?
The belt of the Oreck vacuum is meant to last a long time, but there are multiple reasons the belt may need to be replaced. It is recommended that you replace the belt of your vacuum every three months. Over time the belt will stretch out, causing it to not work as efficiently to help the brush roll move.
How Do I Replace the Belt?
Replacing the belt of your vacuum is quite easy to do. You can find several videos on YouTube to help walk you through the process if you need it. If you are more of the hands-on type and prefer to follow written steps, here they are.
- Turn your vacuum upside down, so you are looking at the brush roll.
- Remove the 5 screws on the bottom plate.
- Take the belt off the motor end.
- Stretch the belt from the motor shaft to the wheel on the roll brush.
How Much Does a Belt Cost?
Vacuum belts are inexpensive parts for the vacuum. You can buy them individually or in packs. A pack of 2 belts averages $5.00.
Where Can I Purchase Vacuum Belts?
You can purchase vacuum belts at a variety of locations. You can find them online or at big box retailers, such as; Walmart, Target, Lowes, or any store where Oreck vacuums are sold.
How to Clean an Oreck Vacuum
Most people don’t think about the importance of cleaning their vacuum cleaner, but this is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Cleaning a vacuum cleaner is quite simple to do. It just requires a few moments of your time and should be completed at least once a month. To clean the vacuum, follow these steps.
- Gather the appropriate cleaning materials
- Warm water
- Soft cloth
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Unplug the machine
- Use the damp cloth to wipe the outside of your machine because it will get dusty over time. Be sure to use a cloth that is not overly wet. You don’t want to harm your machine.
- Open the bag compartment and gently wipe away any dust that has gathered.
- Flip the machine over and check the brush roll.
- Use scissors to gently remove any hair or string that is wrapped around the brush roll.
- Gently wipe the bottom of the machine clean.
How do You Unclog an Oreck?
Unfortunately, vacuum cleaners can and will occasionally get clogged, whether it be with a stray sock or large piece of debris. Regardless, it is important that you know how to unclog it. To unclog the vacuum, follow these steps.
- Unplug your machine
- Flip the machine upside down.
- Remove the silver plate at the bottom (there are 5 screws)
- Pull the brush roll out of the machine.
- If you look, you will see an opening. Check to make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt or some other object.
- Put the bottom back together and replace the screws.
- Turn the machine on. If it is still not working…
- Remove the hose from the machine and straighten it out all the way to ensure nothing is trapped inside.
- Re-assemble the vacuum and turn it back on to see if the clog has been cleared.
If you notice the vacuum is still not able to pick up debris, chances are you have an issue that may need to be repaired by a professional. It will be to your advantage to seek the help of an expert if all else fails. The last thing you want to do is cause damage to your machine that cannot be repaired.
Most Common Fixes
There are four common problems that you might run into with your vacuum. These are common to all vacuums, and Oreck is no different.
No Suction
If the vacuum appears to not have any suction these may be the causes;
- Clogged air filter
- Clogged exhaust filter
- Full vacuum bag
- Clogged hose
- Obstructed blower wheel.
Motor Not Working
- Defective on/off switch
- Drive Motor fault
- Fan Motor fault
- Motor Brush fault
Brush Not Spinning
- Broken or stretched belt
- Broken or stretched drive belt
- Brush roll worn out
- Brush roll motor failure
Belt Keeps Breaking
- The brush roll may be clogged with hair or string
Most of the above issues can be remedied at home, but when you are experiencing motor or electrical issues, it is best to see a licensed repair person.
If you would like to see more details about how to possibly self-remedy the above issues, visit repairclinic.com for more detailed steps to follow as well as possible parts that may need to be replaced.
Why Choose and Oreck?
As you can see, there are many reasons to choose an Oreck vacuum cleaner. Whether it be the ease of use, cleaning, or repairing the vacuum, it is a great choice for your home.