I basically agree with Marie-san. **** A basic verb: かける The verb かける is one of the basic Japanese verbs, like English "take", "get", "give". The original meaning is "物の端を目指す対象の一点にくっつけ、食い込ませ、固定し、物の重みをすべてそこに委ねる", let the edge of a thing stuck into the other thing, and make it stable". I think it is similar to the English verb "hung", like "壁に絵をかける(hung a picture on the wall) **** Derivative meanings of かける This source meaning gives out lots of derivative meanings, one of which is，as Marie-san said, "道具を用いて他のものに作用を及ぼす" かける can be used like ふとんをかける、シーツをかける（cover with bed sheets?). I suppose this derivative meaning "cover" turned into "go over", "control", "do something with tools". "床に掃除機をかける", "ワイシャツにアイロンをかける” has a structure of 1)." に<tool>を、かける". However, you also say 2)."を<tool>にかける“, like 書類をシュレッダー(shredder)にかける。 食器を食洗機(dish washer)にかける。 The difference is as follows. - When the object is bigger than the tool, and the object does not move and the tool moves over the object, you basically use the structure #1, " に<tool>を、かける". - 掃除機, アイロン are smaller than 床, ワイシャツ which do not move. Then - 書類 are smaller than シュレッダーwhich do not move. Then you basically should use the structure #2, "を<tool>にかける“

This かける（掛ける）means 道具を用いて他のものに作用を及ぼす, which means having an effect to others using tools. In this case, using a hoover to clean the floor. As another example, 床にぞうきんをかける ( Wipe a floor with duster) ワイシャツにアイロンをかける　( Iron the shirts)

かける, which means use the machine. We use this word when you use a vacuum.

It is an idiom, meaning ' to vacuum.' '掃除機'is a vacuum cleaner, and '掃除機をかける' is a verb. Just need to memorize them. Good luck!