B.D.
I just had to take my vaccum appart to clear a clog. When it is off and unplugged lay it down on a newspaper, unscrew the plate on the bottom, and clean out what you can. I was not aware of what a mess I had on my hands. I also have an old toothbrush that I keep on board. After doing a large area, I will brush all of the dirt and lint off the mesh screen that separates the receptacle from the circular filter and keep going.
I often wonder if other vaccums are less maintenance but then I don't want to spend money on a new one so I cope :-)