IAmA Reddit's Own Vacuum Repair Tech and I've lost my job. Thanks for a great time, but this is my last AMA.

Why did you lose your job? And why does this mean no more AMAs?

Also, I am sorry you're out of a job. I know it sucks.

Sorry if I'm prying, and please ignore my comment if I am.

Without trying to badmouth the company I worked for, after the owner got out of prison for multiple felonies, he wanted to make changes and thought I had a bad attitude because I didn't like him cutting my pay by more than half. Firing me just before Christmas was a special bonus.

If I wind up in another vacuum repair joint, I'll continue the AMAs. But, I don't plan on staying in the industry.

Given your quasi fame - what about slapping together 2-3 you tube videos on how to get the most out of your vacuum?

We’ve got more than enough talent here to help you ‘tube it right with the right elements - might be worth a few hundred bucks

We can give the channel the ‘ol reddit hug probably...

I now have the time for it, but not the resources like a set, vacuums to demo with, a bench for repairs, etc.

I'm not anywhere near big enough to generate that kind of money on youtube. They've really gone to shit.

I’m a full time videographer in DFW and have all the necessary equipment (cameras, mics, lights) to record YouTube videos. I’d be willing to help you get started for no charge.

I appreciate that, thank you! I have an HD camera and a mic. What I don't have is a studio to shoot it, or a handy supply of parts.

I could script up a couple of episodes, but with trying to find a job, it'd take me forever to edit and post said videos.

If you're open to the idea, once I land on my feet, I'll hit you up on this offer.

What are you interested in doing next, and how can we help?

Thanks for the kind words.

I'd love to find myself in machine maintenance or a robotics repair career. It's a shame I don't have an engineering background.

Biomedical technicians are in high demand. If you've spent a lot of time fixing equipment (sounds like you have!) I'd apply to a couple hospitals.

I love my job and I think you would too. It's good money, it's interesting work, and I feel good about the work I do.

I have an engineering background, but many of my co-workers do not. Give it a shot!

That's a helluva idea! Thanks!

Look into lift repair tech.

They make good money and the world will never run out of lift to do maintenance on because we are building more and more high rises... ;)

Good idea. Thanks!

Look into industrial instrumentation. Or PLC technician jobs. Just something to think about.

PLC?

I'm adding those to my list. Thanks!

Have you considered becoming a vacuum cleaner themed crime fighting vigilante? You already have an origin story.

You got some dead parents' inheritance I can get from you? I gots bills to pay.

Justice is its own reward. The streets are dirty and you're the only man who knows how to clean them up.

Nice

What a douchebag. I got tossed Dec 15th from a place I worked for 4 years, under similar circumstances. This town ain’t got a heart anymore.

I'm sorry you got the same kind of treatment. Good luck to you in this new year.

I don't plan on staying in the industry.

Any insight as to why? Is it the industry itself, or did the last company leave that-bad of a taste in your mouth?

I never really planned to work in retail/retail management. I'd much rather manage a team in a technical capacity, or just get a decent salary for machine maintenance, etc...

People think I'm passionate about vacuums. I'm not; I'm passionate about helping people. I'm passionate about fixing a problem or finding the solution to fix a problem. I'm also a little bit Aspy and have been known to put people off by my personality.

You should read Give and Take by Adam Grant. I was laid off fairly recently under very painful circumstances and I’m a similar type in terms of helping people being a primary goal of mine.

The book makes a lot of sense in figuring out how you can help people without undermining your own success or getting sucked dry from takers, and helps with how to read people. It was amazing for me, and if you’re a little bit Aspy then it may be even more helpful for you.

Thanks for the tip!

C'mere, Fuck off, let me help you!

I lke you.

D'aww!

What kind of tooling is required to enter the industry yourself, what's stopping you from being your own boss? Also who are your biggest customers?

Really, the biggest obstacle to breaking out on my own is capital, of which I have none.

The necessary tools are very basic. I need to set up credit accounts with multiple suppliers, and I'd have to focus on commercial accounts, because my former company is powerful enough to shut me out of suppliers/manufacturers if they wanted to. In this area, anyway.

Reddit had its own vaccum repair tech? I want to say cool...so. cool.

Well, did...

It's the end of an era. :'(

Time to create the new era. I'll never stop trying to help people when I can.

I love you, vacuum guy.

I love you too, bagel! Especially with a nice schmear and some lox, with onions and capers.

This dude bagels

My wife is 3rd generation Brooklyn Conservative Jew and I worked for years in a kosher style deli.

I know my way around a bagel. I'm getting a Reuben for lunch!

Sorry you lost your job man.

That really sucks.

Thanks

I enjoyed the podcast episode on you... good luck in your next venture!

Thank you very much! The podcast thing and filming for their video series were some really cool experiences that I will fondly remember for a long time.

I'm very sorry to hear you have lost your job. May you have success in your future endeavors.

What is your opinion of Simplicity?

Thanks for the kind words.

Simplicity are great vacuums. Right now, Tacony (parent company) is rebranding with them and Riccar. Many of both brands models are going to be joined, discontinued, or rebranded.

Based on your past AMAs, I went shopping for a nice Miele Canister. The sales guy carried both Miele and Simplicity, and talked me into a Simplicity 'Wonder Power Team Premium Canister with Tandem Air Nozzle'. Insane amount of $ for a vacuum, but that thing is much quieter than my old Sanitaire S675 and much better suction. I'm thinking it's the last vacuum I ever buy hopefully.

You have the simplicity version of my Riccar. You've got the most powerful and efficient vacuum in the world.

Enjoy!

This question may have already been addressed, so sorry about that. I have 5 dogs, and I vacuum A LOT. Because of that I’ve been through one Shark vacuum (was a few years old and got a bit worn out), a Dyson Ball vacuum (dog at the cord) and am currently using another Dyson Ball.

What would you say the best and most durable vacuum for pet hair is? I have couches which are the standard cloth like material that have covers of the same material, and the floors are all wood or tile.

It sounds like a canister vacuum would be ideal for your home. Riccar has the some of the best pet accessories available, and their canisters have large capacity bags.

I’ll look into those, thank you.

Any recommendations on a good vacuum to remove pet hair from cloth car seats? (Sorry for the 2 parter).

What you need are the right tools for the job to go with a good vac.

You will thank me later for this: Riccar's Fur-get-it tool. It's the best in the business.

Would it help at all if I broke mine and my neighbors vacume cleaners, then hired you to fix them?

Totally willing to, only thing is I'm in Canada

That's very kind of you, but shipping to and from Texas isn't gonna be worth it.

What comes next in life for Reddit’s former vacuum repair tech?

If I'm lucky, I'd love to fall into something like machine maintenance or even robotic repair technician.

My problem is a lack of experience in robotics and an engineering background.

I can fix anything, though. And, if I don't know how, I know how to learn to do it right.

I know how to learn to do it right.

Luckily this is a huge selling point for a lot of employers. Showing them you know the job already is one thing, but showing them you're capable of learning it quickly can work wonders, especially if you're an otherwise valuable candidate (professional, courteous, etc.)

Good luck, I hope to see an AMA from Reddit's resident robotocist soon!

Thanks so much.

Prediction: Advanced machine shop with reddit presence offers the dude a job within hours :-)

Thanks for the kind words. I hope you're right.

what are your thoughts on Roombas and other robotic vacuums?

They're fine for bare floors and quick light pickups. But, if you have carpeting, you're still going to need a conventional vacuum cleaner.

Thanks for your iama. I do a lot of research before buying new tech and partially with your advice we purchased a Sebo Felix which we love and more recently the proud owners of a baby Roomba 960.

We hope your next adventure is equally rewarding and don't lose any screws!

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad to hear you're happy and I was able to be of some help.

What’s your opinion on centralised vacuum systems?

As in the kind where you just plug the vacuum hose into the wall and all of the dirt gets sucked out to the garage.

I think they're a great option in a new home. That being said, I only know one guy with a CV system who doesn't also use a conventional vac because people hate having to lug a 30-50ft long hose around their houses.

The new retractable hoses are pretty darned cool, though.

Sorry to hear about losing your job. Thanks for doing another AMA. What are your thoughts on rechargeable stick type vacuums? Are they worth it?

As far as I am concerned, the only brand worth the money (when on sale) are the Dyson models. The Sharks are powerful ,but fuck them entirely as a brand; completely shit designs and materials.

Dude. I've been wondering how things are going for you. I feel bad I didn't keep in touch. Did you ever get your dog?

I saw a comment of yours the other day. I hope you're doing well.

I did get the dog and she's awesome. Just impossible to photograph. lol.

Still hate Dyson?

As a consumer and the quality or their vacuums, yes.

That being said, they've stopped making their upright vacs and are dedicated to stick vacs, of which they currently have the best on the market.

What is your favorite all time fix? Sorry to hear about your job!

Thanks for the kind words.

I don't know about an all time fix, but my favorites were always the oddballs, super rare antiques, and especially effecting repairs on things not even remotely vacuum related.

I was once able to help a guy who was completely restoring a 1968 Dodge Challenger (if I remember right). He brings in the original factory 8-track tape deck/stereo. The tape drive originally used a pretty thin rubber round belt from the drive motor to the sprocket spindle. The original was completely disintegrated and not even similar to a standard rubber belt in the vac biz. However, in my collection of commercial kevlar, geared, and v-groove belts, I managed to find a unicorn. It was a nylon-reinforces v-belt with just the right height and snugness. There was no tension on the belt, so it should last well past every other component in that deck.

Yeah, that was a lot of fun.

Not sure where you live but find a classic car restoration shop. That'd be a cool job.

Man, I'd fucking love that. But, for jobs like those, you need thousands of $ worth of tools (I don't). We don't have the best market for many successful resto shops in my area, but if I came across a job opening, I'd certainly jump on it.

Is there a vacuum that sucks more than losing your job?

Frankly, I've been miserable at company for years. My wife says it's for the best as I'd have probably never left otherwise.

Maybe you could help me! I own a tailoring/reupholstery business, and am constantly vacuuming up pins, needles, staples, and THREAD, LOTS OF IT. I have gone through 2 standard vacuums so far, and my shop vac doesn’t seem to be cutting it. The thread clogs up the brush, and the hose attachment just does not pick up the volume I need it to. Half of my shop is carpeted, half is sealed concrete. Do you have any suggestions for a vacuum that I won’t destroy and can handle sharp objects?

Thank you in advance!

I got just the thing to add to your vacuum....

Search Amazon for a vacuum magnet bar. Attach it to the front of your vacuum.

Oh my god, thank you so much! Any advice on a vacuum that I won’t clog the brushes up with thread?

They all will have some issues. Pick up the thread before you vacuum.

Thank you again! I’m sorry about your job. If have any interest in industrial sewing machine repair, definitely look into that. I know where I live (Long Island, NY) repair techs are few and far between, and the ones I know are nearing retirement.

Thank you. If we had a garment/textile industry here, I would look into that.

I was just searching for your old AMAs so I could look into purchasing a new vacuum. We have mostly hardwood floor but we do have one room and one staircase of carpeting. I’m trying to locate a reasonably priced (under $500) vacuum for just those areas mainly. I wondered what vacuum cleaner you personally use in your home or what your favorite is overall? Our Dyson sucks, and not in the way I’d like lol.

If you can't spend more than $500, I'd look for a slightly used Miele or Riccar vacuum. You'll be able to still find some seriously quality vacs that way.

What do you think of the Rainbow vacs? They pick up dog hair like none other that I have used but not sure about the rest of it.

30 years ago, they were some of the best on the market. That is not the case today. The just cannot compete with modern canister vacuums.

What is the future of vacuums and where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I don't subscribe to prognostication, but you can look forward to more powerful cordless vacuums, better filtration and such. I don't see robots taking over the market for quite a while due to their current capacity, power, and run-time limitations.

I'd love to find myself in a robotics career. It's a shame I don't have an engineering background.

My sister in law's mother in law (who is a jackass), sells rainbow vacuums multi level marketingstyle, and won't shut the hell up about them. What are the best reasons to not own a $3k vacuum?

Rainbows suck half as much as and cost twice as much as the best premium canisters on the market.

Good luck trying to get that digital motor controller replaced when it fails on you.

I guess the best reason to now own one is you're not an idiot.

Whats a good way to clean out the bristles on my vacuum? It seems like there's a lot of gunk built up in there, or is this just me being kind of a germophobe. Good luck in your next adventure-a good vacuum man is worth his weight in filters!

I have a video on my youtube channel that will help you with that.

I hate that you lost your job, I've always liked your AMAs. :( Where do you live (in general)? Maybe one of us redditors can help you out with a new job.

I'm in north Texas.

Thanks for the very kind words.

We just bought a house with a central vac, and while it’s great for sweeping dog hair off the hardwoods (and the kick plate in the kitchen is awesome), it doesn’t do anything on carpets or rugs. Is this normal? Is a better attachment worthwhile, or just keep using a separate vacuum?

Riccar has a super powerful power nozzle for carpets and rugs that will supercharge your current CV unit. They may have recently changed the name of it, but you can check their website or go to your local dealer.

Sorry about your job. Have you thought about fixing things in a different industry, such as windows? There is a huge market.

Thanks for the kind words. I'd rather stay in management in some sort of industry, solely because I'm getting older, but whatever I do, I'm sure it will be very hands on.

I was lucky enough to find your previous AMA's and really enjoyed them! I wish you such good luck, and hope you post again with updates on your career. So, I have a little question?

I vacuum, and next time a bad sour smell blows out if there isn't a new bag in it. Bags are kind of expensive so I try to wait until they're at least half full. We have pets. I suppose I don't vacuum as often as I should, about once a week. I can't afford new carpet and what I have now was laid in the 90's. For us it was a major investment. Can I add something to the bag to keep that sour smell away? I have a Hoover Steam Vac. Should I add some bleach to the water I use in it? Or baking soda? Or vinegar?

First, you need your carpet professionally cleaned. Also have a cleaning service done on your vacuum and see what better filtration options you might have.

Throw your steam vac away. They're horrible for your carpets.

I'm so sorry about the job situation. Are you doing okay?

I'm trying to keep the crippling depression at bay. I did quit drinking so much, though.

Thanks

how many vacuums do u service in a week ? i never realized their was a job for this. im used to the cheap cheap ones that u pitch when it breaks

Personally, I've been able to knock out over 30 vacuums a week. Across the three stores my former company had, we could easily do 150 or more repairs each week.

You are easily one of my favorite people on Reddit, and I'm sorry about the shit situation you got put into.

I don't really have a question about vacuum cleaners, but I do have a Chevy that's not starting and has a P1400 error code on it. If I wanted to try to fix it myself, is there a site or forum you'd recommend going to?

Youtube, my man.

I'm looking for a vacuum for my car, any recommendations?

Check out the Riccar Supraquik.

What is the best vacuum choice for an all hardwood floor house, with a yellow lab that sheds a LOT?

Any good canister vacuum would be the most efficient for you.

Hey there vac tech dude! I have a question for ya. I live in a 40' motorcoach and have 2 cats. I also have BADD lungs. I have an air purifier but I need a vacuum that will actually work in a small space like this. The little dust buster on a stick isn't cutting it. What would you recommend?

Side note: my parents had this huge steel kirby from the 60s when I was a kid, we all learned how to work on it, replace belts and unclog it. That thing is still kicking! They just don't make em like that anymore.

Well, first you need a vacuum with great filtration. I don't know if you prefer canisters or uprights in that small space, so I'd recommend you visit your local vacuum shop and see what they might have that fits your needs.

Dumb question but I have a Miele C3 that has worked wonders. Now in my one room I have a pretty thick carpet. About 1-2 weeks I go over it with the C3 and it seems pretty clean. I recently got a Dyson V6 stick vacuum and if I go over the same thick rug with the dyson immediately after cleaning it with the C3 the Dyson always gets some dust. I've taken the Dyson apart 100% and cleaned it inside out so it's all from the carpet. Still gets some dust... is the Miele actually missing stuff or is getting smaller deposits of dust something Dysons do better?

edit: I've go through all the height settings on the Miele and even have it set to "max" suction. I replaced the bag and filter with OEM Miele versions so everything should be working right.

That's not a surprise, really. You're just not making as many passes as needed over the carpet to pick up all of the dust. The same thing could be replicated with any number of different vacuums.

Damn! I loved your AMAs, and have recommended them to friends and family looking for new vacuums.

I guess I need a question... When do you recommend NOT using my regular vacuum (2018 Simplicity), and using the new shop-vac I got for Christmas?

Best of luck to you in your job search.

​

Don't use a shop vac in your home. Never attempt to suck up any liquids in a residential vac.

What is your opinion of Dyson stick vac's and I don't have the article right now but I thought I saw something where Dyson said they wanted to produce only battery powered vacuums in the future. If I'm not dreaming up I heard that.. what would you think of such a thing?

As far as cordless stick vacs go, I think Dysons are arguably the best.

What brands would you recommend? What brands would you stay the fuck away from? My parents have like 3 Kirbys and I "inherited" one from them while they still have two to use that are self propelled since they are older.

I recommend Riccar, Simplicity, Miele, Sebo, Fuller Brush, and Evolution.

Stay the hell away from Shark in particular and any bagless vacuum in a box store.

I teach at a martial arts school that uses large canvas mats as flooring. Over time, dirt gets tracked onto the mat by shoes and the dirty feet of small children... we use upright vacuums and vacuum daily, but we've had trouble with the durability of those vacuums as they aren't intended to be used at such high frequency. Is there a commercial grade (but hopefully still somewhat economical) solution that would work well in terms of durability and keeping the mats clean?

You definitely need a commercial vacuum! They're not super cheap, but nothing that lasts will be.