A through cleaning like you described...never. However, I do clean the plastic bin (on bagless vacuum) after I empty it and replace the HEPA filter twice a year.

Lil S, I don't think the kind of cleaning I just did should generally ever be necessary -- except maybe every few years -- that was just because (I think) the filters and such were never cleaned and probably they always overfilled the bin before emptying.

My local vacuum shop offers a Tune-up and Clean for $45.

My neighbor found a Kirby sitting at the dumpster at his work. I went over for a look at it, nothing appears to be wrong ... it looks new, even the brush roll is near pristine ... except the dust bag is packed full. Neighbor is also the type who would ignore a full bag, LOL.

Speaking of Dyson's. I have two. Obviously, I empty the dust container each time after vacuuming. I also cut off the hairs and whatever from the rolling brushes.

I wash out the filter, the container and whatever can get wet at least once every month. And yet, my Dysons have that typical vacuum cleaner smell. There are just so many crevices and little corners where fine dust collects.

Do you "feed" it baking soda every now and then?

Baking soda is a good idea, nosoccermom! I didn't mention it, but can you imagine how bad that vacuum smelled? Like 15 dogs who had never had a bath breathing dog breath in my face!! It's okay now that it was scrubbed inside and out.

These cyclonic vacuums do collect dust & debris inside the cyclone part (the part with the pointy cones). I know the manuals don't say to do so, but I disassembled them so that I could scrub them out too, then let them dry for a couple of days near the basement dehumidifier.

Wow, only 3-4 years? My Panasonic is 12 years old and still going strong (it is a bagged machine, wonder if that makes a difference.) Breaking is certainly different than just being clogged, though. An advantage of a bagged one, is it is easy to keep clean.

I'll give that dryer sheet a try.

ooh thinking about the dryer sheet. I have (both new lol) a shark navigator and a dog- Of course I empty the bin just about each time I use it, but there is fine dust and some hair that is caught in the back. The fine dust is a pain no matter how I try to empty it, even taking it to the big trash bin in the garage it works better but I end up with the fine dust on my hands. I must be challenged. The I am going to try the dryer sheet to see if it helps "collect" the fine dust.

I have canisters, so the bags get changed frequently - they're not that big. I used to be really good about taking them in for routine service/belt checks/HEPA change once a year, but I'll admit I've been quite lax about it. This thread is a good reminder :0)

I've never taken mine in to a shop for routine service or cleaning. Only service so far was to replace the power cord because it had been chewed. That was surprisingly pricey!

Our Vacuum cleaners seem to last forever due to regular cleaning and maintainance. I gave a couple away when we moved to the PNW.

Some vaccum cleaners need to be (I mean I do) taken apart, components washed, filters washed and dried and restored to like new condition and they work like brand new.

Having said that we intend to order our first cordless powerplush vacuum for quick cleaning of our tiled floor areas however nothing beats a powerful corded vacuum.

Pinebaron, what brand will or did you order for the cordless powerplush vacuum? Thanks!

lovemrmewey, we have yet to order but the two contenders are the economical Eureka or the Dyson V10 however we are considering one of each plus a spare battery for the Eureka. In addition we are considering the Karcher FC5 to replace our spin mop.