Recent Blog Posts

We Will be Closed Saturday, May 23rd through Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day

Vacuum and Sewing Machine Sales and Repairs

Des Moines, IA

Free, In-Store Estimates

Over 35 Years of Experience

In-Store Pickup

Hours:

Request Call Back

Hero Request Form

Trusted Vacuum and Sewing Machine Services

For over 35 years, University Vacuum & Sewing has been the go-to destination in Des Moines, IA for vacuum cleaner repairs and sewing machine services. Our friendly staff provides personalized attention to address all your home care needs. We believe in fair pricing and putting our customers first, making every visit to our store enjoyable. Our team is committed to offering innovative products and dependable repair services to keep your machines in top shape.

As a local family-owned business, we know how important a clean and cozy home is to you. We offer free, in-store estimates for all repairs to ensure openness and build trust. Our quick turnaround times - 3-4 days for vacuum repairs and 3-4 weeks for sewing machine repairs - help you get back to your routine faster. With easy in-store pickup and a welcoming staff, we aim to make your experience smooth and pleasant. For all your vacuum and sewing machine needs, contact us today and see why University Vacuum & Sewing stands out.

Text START to to begin receiving offers by text.

Msgs may be autodialed. Consent to texts not required to purchase our svcs. Msg. and data rates may apply.

Text Now!

Why Choose Us

Black circle with white checkmark inside.

Knowledgeable Staff

Black circle with a white checkmark icon.

Free, In-Store Estimates

Black circle with white checkmark.

Honest Pricing

Black circle with a white checkmark icon.

In-Store Pickup

Black circle with white checkmark.

Locally and Family-Owned

Black circle with white checkmark.

Over 35 Years of Experience

University Vacuum & Sewing
A solid black icon of an upright vacuum cleaner.

Home Care Products

University Vacuum & Sewing offers a wide range of home care products to keep your spaces clean. We sell quality vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and cleaning tools for various surfaces to maintain a healthy home.

Sewing machine icon, black and white.

Longarm Quilting Service

Our longarm quilting service is perfect for quilters of all levels. We use modern equipment to bring your quilts to life, offering precise stitching and many pattern options to enhance your work.
Black vacuum cleaner.

Repair Services

University Vacuum & Sewing fixes many household appliances. Our skilled technicians focus on vacuum cleaner and sewing machine repairs, ensuring your equipment works well. We offer fast service and quality work.

A black silhouette icon of a standard sewing machine, shown in profile view.

Sewing Machine Sales

We sell a variety of sewing machines for all skill levels and project types. From simple models for beginners to advanced machines for experts, our staff can help you find the right one.
A black silhouette icon depicting a vacuum cleaner standing upright.

Vacuum Sales

Our vacuum sales section has many models from trusted brands. We have powerful uprights for carpets, versatile canisters for all surfaces, and handy cordless options to suit your needs and budget.
Briefcase icon.

Short title 7

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Black and white briefcase icon.

Short title 8

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Briefcase icon.

Short title 9

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate icon.

Outline of a briefcase with a handle on a white background.

Short title 10

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Black and white outline of a briefcase with a handle.

Short title 11

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Briefcase icon. Black outline on white background.

Short title 12

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Briefcase icon.

Short title 13

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Briefcase icon.

Short title 14

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Briefcase icon.

Short title 15

Describe some quality or feature of the company. Write a short paragraph about it and choose an appropriate.

Gray image placeholder with
University Vacuum & Sewing

CP #1 Headline

CP #1 Body

CP #1 CTA Lead-in

Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Restrictions apply.

Must mention this coupon at the time of scheduling.

University Vacuum & Sewing

CP #1 Headline

CP #1 Body

CP #1 CTA Lead-in

Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Restrictions apply.

Must mention this coupon at the time of scheduling.

University Vacuum & Sewing

CP #2 Headline

CP #2 Body

CP #2 CTA Lead-in

Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Restrictions apply.

Must mention this coupon at the time of scheduling.

Our Products & Services

Ocean waves crashing, forming white foam in turquoise and deep blue water.
A dense green forest with a winding blue river flowing through it. Aerial view.
Sand dunes with wave-like patterns and long shadows, in shades of brown.
Two overlapping speech bubbles with ellipsis dots, indicating a conversation or chat.

Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

At University Vacuum & Sewing, we take pride in providing exceptional vacuum and sewing machine repairs and sales to our customers. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our business with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of University Vacuum & Sewing and let others know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that keeping your home clean and your creative projects on track involves a lot of moving parts. That's why we've gathered some of the most common questions we hear at our Des Moines shop to help you make informed decisions about your equipment. Whether you're curious about maintenance timelines or looking into sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA, our goal is to provide the clarity you need to keep your household running smoothly.

  • Why is regular vacuum maintenance important for homeowners?

    Taking care of your vacuum is about much more than just picking up surface dust on your carpets. When you keep up with routine maintenance, you're ensuring that the motor doesn't have to work twice as hard to do the same job. Over time, hair, debris, and fine dust can clog the internal components, which leads to overheating and eventual mechanical failure. By staying on top of basic upkeep, you protect your investment and ensure your floors get a deep clean every single time you use the machine. A well-maintained vacuum is also essential for a healthy living environment because it traps allergens rather than blowing them back into your rooms. Regularly checking the brush rolls and ensuring there are no blockages keeps the suction strong and your home truly refreshed.

  • What should I consider when looking for sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA?

    When shopping for a new machine, you should first identify the specific types of fabrics and projects you handle most frequently. A machine designed for heavy denim requires a much stronger motor than one intended for light quilting or basic mending. You should also look for modern features such as automatic needle threaders and variable-speed control to make your sewing sessions more efficient. It is vital to choose a brand that offers reliable local parts and professional repair support to protect your long-term investment. 

  • What are common signs that a sewing machine may need repairs?

    One of the most obvious indicators that your machine needs professional attention is a sudden change in the sound it makes while you're working. If you start hearing unusual clunking, grinding, or high-pitched squeaking, it's usually a sign that internal parts are rubbing together without proper lubrication. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant breaks, so it's always a good idea to have things checked out as soon as the noise changes. When these issues pop up, searching for sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA might be on your mind, but a professional tune-up can often restore your current machine.

  • Why do experienced sewers often invest in advanced sewing machine features?

    As you grow in your craft, you might find that basic models no longer keep up with the complexity of your creative visions. Advanced machines often include features like automatic thread cutters, specialized decorative stitches, and more powerful motors that can handle heavy fabrics like denim. These upgrades aren't just about luxury; they're about saving you time and reducing the physical strain on your hands during long sessions. If you've reached a point where your current gear is holding back your creativity, it might be time to browse the sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA at our shop.

  • How can sewing enthusiasts benefit from professional quilting services?

    Finishing a large quilt on a standard home machine can be incredibly frustrating because of the limited space available in the neck of the machine. Professional longarm services take that burden off your shoulders by providing the room and specialized equipment needed to handle even the largest king-sized projects. If you are struggling with space on your current model, looking for sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA with larger throat spaces or utilizing our professional services can help you achieve the results you want. You'll find that the precision of a professional service highlights your craftsmanship in ways that are difficult to achieve on your own.

  • What are the benefits of using modern sewing and quilting equipment?

    Modern technology has completely changed the way we approach fabric crafts by making the entire process much more intuitive for users. Newer machines come with digital displays and programmed settings that take the guesswork out of choosing the right stitch for your specific fabric. Modern equipment is built to handle a wider variety of threads and textiles that older models might struggle to process. If you are curious about how these updates can change your workflow, coming in to see the latest sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA can give you a firsthand look.

  • What is the typical turnaround time for sewing machine repairs?

    Repair turnaround times can vary depending on the condition of the machine and the type of repair required. Some sewing machines only need routine cleaning or adjustments, while others require more detailed service work. Understanding the repair process ahead of time can help customers plan around ongoing sewing projects. Careful inspections and testing are important to ensuring the machine is functioning properly before pickup. Customers exploring sewing machines for sale in Des Moines, IA often appreciate knowing that repair support is available when future servicing needs arise.