Today, I’m going to walk you through the general service and maintenance of a Sebo K3 vacuum. This particular unit is in great shape; it was brought in for its first free service, which we offer every two years during the ten-year warranty period for customers who purchase from us. The customer also noted a slight clog, so we’ll address that as well.
Let’s start with a quick check of the vacuum’s functionality. While our front-end team usually does this when checking in machines, I always double-check to ensure there are no hidden issues. For example, if there’s a blown motor, that could go unnoticed until I turn it on.
Now, let’s listen to the motor. You hear that sound? It indicates a clog in the hose, a common issue with the Sebo K series. Unlike the E series, which has a hose that widens to prevent clogs, the K series is more prone to them, especially in the bends.
I can see some signs of wet pickup here, which isn’t ideal. And sure enough, the clog is right here in the bend. Let me clear that out. It seems like we’ve got some straw mixed with a piece of metal, which probably caused the clog. I’ve removed the obstruction, so let’s test the airflow. Yep, we’re clear now.
Next, we’ll move on to the power head, where most of the service will take place. The Sebo K3 comes with an ET-1 power head, which is one of their most popular models. It’s really easy to service—just pop the brush roll out, and you can get right to it.
As expected, there’s some pet hair buildup even though this is the first service. I’ll open up the head to clean it thoroughly. It’s important to keep these parts clean to ensure the vacuum runs smoothly.
I’m also going to take the head outside and blow out the dust with an air compressor. This step is crucial for keeping the internal components clean and functioning well.
Now, let’s clean off the brush roll. I’ve already removed the larger pieces of hair with a razor blade, but for the finer stuff, I’ll use a wire wheel. This part requires a bit of caution—you don’t want to apply too much pressure, especially on vacuums with more delicate bristles, as you could damage the brush roll.
With the brush roll cleaned, let’s reassemble everything. I’ve cleaned the power head and even washed the plastic parts in the sink. Now, I’ll put everything back together. When reassembling, I always use a magnetic bowl to keep all the screws in place, which makes the process a lot smoother.
Next, I’ll check the bag and filters. The customer didn’t request a filter replacement, and they’re in decent shape, so we’ll leave them for now. I’ll make a note for the customer to consider replacing them soon.
Finally, I’ll clean the exterior. I like to use denatured alcohol to remove any scuffs or marks on the surface. This step isn’t just about functionality—it’s also about making sure the vacuum looks as good as it works. A clean, polished machine signals to the customer that we’ve taken good care of their investment.
After a final test, I’ll document everything we did and any recommendations for the customer. The vacuum sounds great, and it’s picking up well. I also like to finish with a bit of carpet freshener—it’s a nice touch, especially for customers with pets, as it helps neutralize odors.
And that’s it! The Sebo K3 is serviced, cleaned, and ready to go back home.