Cleaning the Brush Roll and Removing Tangles

The brush roll (also called the brush bar) in the Acme ProClean V12's floor head is one of the hardest-working components in the machine. Its rapidly spinning bristles agitate carpet fibres to release trapped dirt — and in the process, they inevitably accumulate hair, threads, and fibres. Left unattended, this reduces cleaning effectiveness and can strain the motor. A quick clean every few weeks makes a significant difference.

How Often to Clean the Brush Roll

• Average household: every 2–4 weeks
• Pets or long hair: every 1–2 weeks — hair wraps rapidly and can accumulate in a single session
• After any session involving heavy tangling: immediately, before storing

Signs the Brush Roll Needs Cleaning

• Audible change in motor sound — higher pitch or stuttering under load
• Brush roll visibly slowing or stopping on thick carpet
• 2-flash amber alert LED (brush bar obstruction)
• "Check brush bar" alert in the Acme app
• Carpet not being groomed or lifted as effectively as usual

Removing the Brush Roll

1. Switch the vacuum off and detach the floor head from the wand.
2. Lay the floor head flat on a clean, dry surface with the brush roll facing up.
3. Locate the two end caps on the brush roll housing — one at each end of the floor head.
4. Use a coin or the included brush bar tool (flat end) to turn each end cap a quarter turn counter-clockwise.
5. Lift the brush roll straight out of the housing channel.

Removing Tangled Hair and Fibres

1. Hold the brush roll over a waste bin.
2. Use scissors to cut along the length of wound hair, parallel to the roll axis. Cut in sections, being careful not to cut into the bristles themselves.
3. Peel away the cut sections of hair.
4. Use your fingers to pull out any remaining fibres caught in the bristle rows.

Pro tip: A seam ripper (a sewing tool with a small hook blade) is ideal for slicing through densely wound hair quickly and safely. Available at any haberdashery or craft store for under $5.

Cleaning the Floor Head Channel

With the brush roll removed, inspect the housing channel inside the floor head. Hair and debris collect here and restrict airflow.

1. Use the combination crevice tool or a dry cloth to remove loose debris from inside the channel.
2. Check the bearing recesses at each end of the channel — hair wrapped around the bearing shaft significantly increases motor load. Clear these with a toothpick or fine tool.

Reinserting the Brush Roll

1. Inspect the bearing caps on each end of the brush roll — ensure they are clear of debris and spin freely.
2. Lower the brush roll into the housing channel, aligning the bearing caps with the recesses at each end.
3. Press the roll down firmly until it seats flat.
4. Rotate each end cap clockwise to lock — you will feel a definite stop when locked.
5. Manually spin the brush roll with your finger to confirm it rotates freely and smoothly before reattaching to the wand.