Fix a vacuum cleaner

What can I use instead of the gloves, flashlight, or long stick/pipe cleaner if I don't have them?

Use disposable kitchen or garden gloves in place of work gloves, your phone's flashlight to shine through the hose (step 5), and a flexible straightened wire clothes hanger wrapped in tape or a long zip-tie instead of the pipe cleaner to push clogs out (step 6).

If the vacuum still doesn't run normally after reconnecting, what should I check or try next?

Confirm the dust bin was emptied (step 3), make sure a washable filter is completely dry or a replacement filter was inserted (steps 8–11), re-check the hose and brush roller with the flashlight and stick/scissors for any remaining clogs (steps 5–6, 12), and ask an adult to inspect the motor if it still runs weakly (step 13).

How can I adapt the activity for younger children versus older kids?

For younger children have them do safe jobs like handing you the gloves, holding the trash bag while you empty the dust bin, and taking before/after photos for DIY.org (step 3 and final step), while older kids can detach the hose, remove and clean or replace the filter, cut hair from the brush roller, and reconnect parts before an adult tests it (steps 4, 7–12, 13).

How can we extend or personalize this vacuum-fixing activity after it's done?

Make it a maintenance project by creating a labeled checklist with dates for emptying the dust bin, checking the hose with a flashlight, washing or replacing the filter, cleaning the brush roller (steps 3, 5, 8–12), take photos to post on DIY.org, and decorate a small tool bag to store the gloves, flashlight, stick, and scissors.