A vacuum cleaner operates by utilizing its built in carbon brushed motor, spinning its fan at fast speeds to create a semi vacuum in its cylindrical tank. Areas of high air pressure will flow to areas of low air pressure naturally. The vacuum cleaner makes use of the low vacuum pressure produced to collect dirt, debris, sand, rubbish or any small and light particles.

A vacuum cleaner typically has a single motor, or up to a maximum of 3 motors installed in its top plastic enclosure. The more number of motors, the stronger the vacuum suction produced by the vacuum cleaner.