How can I fix a vacuum that will not turn off. I vacuumed up a piece of clothing and pulled it out of the bottom, ever since the only way to turn the vacuum off is via the plug. Any suggestions?
Adam is correct to an extent, however, you shouldn't need a soldering iron to replace the switch on any vacuum made in the last 30 years, they all have push on terminals. Depending on where and how the switch is located in the unit, it could be a fairly simple take the handle apart with a couple of screws, swap out the switch and be done, or you may find that you have to disassemble the main body to get to the actual switch. Many models now use an actuating rod that moves the actual switch located further down in the body of the machine. Unforturnately you've given us no information whatsoever, concerning a make, model or type of vacuum, so it's going to be very difficult to help much more.
since you pulled it out of the bottom i would look for a wire to the switch that might have been pulled off
The on/off switch is probably shot. You'd have to open the casing and replace the switch. You'll need a soldering iron and some basic soldering skills... the easy way is to unplug the vacuum and be thankful the switch failed in the on position rather than off.
Vacuum cleaners are pretty simple and replacement parts cheap and easy to get. If you or someone you know is pretty handy, start disassembling the machine and the problem will probably be apparent.
