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Vacuum cleaners are not just nice to have: they are essential for keeping a clean and hygienic home. But the the best vacuum cleaners it costs some money.
It’s worth knowing how long they’re likely to last, then, so you can budget for a replacement. After all, you don’t want to spend weeks on your hands and knees with a dustpan and brush while you wait to save up the money for a new one.
Estimates for how long a vacuum cleaner will last vary widely three years up to eight years.
Sophie Lane, product training manager at Honey GBsays: “The life of the vacuum cleaner depends on its type and how often it is used, but most vacuum cleaners should last at least 10 years.”
Survey data from Consumer Reports in 2016 they found that vacuum cleaners tend to last for an average of eight years. However, vacuum technology has changed a lot since then. It seems likely that both figures are for corded vacuum cleaners, which tend to have a much longer life than cordless ones.
How much will a vacuum cleaner cost?
The projected life varies massively for different types of cleaners. Here’s about how long experts suggest each type of vacuum can last:
- Cordless stick vacuum cleaners: 3-5 years
- Corded vacuum cleaners: 8-10 years
- Robot vacuum cleaners: 4-7 seven years
This is not a perfect system – the quality of the cleaner and how much you pay for it is a factor (even today. best cheap vacuum cleaners are likely to have a shorter life than the more expensive and premium models), as well as how to use and care for your vacuum. Lane points out that Miele’s corded vacuum cleaners are proven to last 20 years, for example. So let’s take a look at those numbers in more detail…
Lifespan of Corded vs. Cordless Vacuums
Is your vacuum cleaner corded or cordless? Corded types typically have a longer lifespan compared to their cordless counterparts, due to their more robust motors and the absence of battery issues.
Even the the best cordless vacuum cleanerthen, it will generally have a shorter life than a corded one. Home improvement experts Ideas for tools estimates that a well-maintained cordless vacuum will last three to five years. That’s largely because the battery tends to degrade over time and with frequent use.
That said, many cordless models now come with replaceable batteries, which can significantly extend the useful life of the vacuum.
Lifespan of upright versus stick vacuums
Upright vacuum cleaners are known for their durability, sturdy construction and powerful motors. And because of all these things, they generally last longer than stick vacuums, which are lighter and more compact.
Cleaning Gizmoa resource for cleaning information, estimates that a well-maintained stick vacuum can last anywhere. from three to five years. That said, technological advancements continually improve the durability of stick vacuums, so these media may well change over time.
Lifespan of robot vacuum cleaners
What about robot vacuum cleaners: how long can you expect them to continue? Specialist in smart home robotics Ecovacs estimates that a well-maintained robotic vacuum cleaner can last between four and seven years. That said, like smartphones and other technology, you may be tempted to upgrade before this anyway, as this field is evolving rapidly and newer models are likely to have much better features and capabilities, even a couple of years later.
A disclaimer: These estimates are very broad, and do not take into account the wide variation of products with the same category. In general, it is likely that the more you pay for a vacuum cleaner, the better built it will be and the longer it will last. But that’s not always the case, so it’s worth checking ours in-depth reviews of specific models to see how they match.
Warranty periods
Another thing to look at when trying to figure out how long a vacuum will last is the warranty that a specific model comes with. This is typically between one and five years.
You will notice that high-end models usually have longer warranties, and this is a sign of the confidence that their manufacturers have in their durability. At the same time, it is important to note that vacuum cleaners should exceed their warranty period with proper care and maintenance.
So next, let’s look at what it looks like in practice.
How to increase the life of the vacuum
“Factors that influence the longevity of the vacuum cleaner include the frequency of use – heavier use can wear out the components more quickly – and maintenance, such as regularly changing the filters, cleaning the brushes, and emptying bags or canisters,” says Lane.
So what can you do to keep your vacuum sucking effectively for the longest time? Like Tracey Scully, UK managing director SharkNinjaHe explains: “There are easy steps you can take to increase the life of your vacuum cleaner and ensure that its cleaning power is maintained at its optimal level. We recommend regularly emptying your dust cap, ideally after each clean, and constantly check for blockages in the base, the hose and the airways To maintain the optimal functionality of the vacuum, it is also very important to clean the filters and the brush rolls.
These simple steps can significantly extend the life of the vacuum and maintain its performance. For more on this, read our article How to clean the vacuum cleaner.
Many major vacuum brands – including shark and Dyson – have introduced anti-hair wrap technology to their floors. These are designed to direct the hair directly into the dust bowl instead of allowing it to tangle around the rollers, and reducing the maintenance requirement from you.
Replacement parts and repair services
No matter how well you clean and maintain your vacuum cleaner, components will eventually break. But this does not mean the end.
First of all, you may be able to repair your vacuum yourself. To get started, check out the troubleshooting guide in the manual, and read our articles Why is my vacuum cleaner not vacuuming? and How to fix a vacuum cleaner without suction.
Second, major vacuum brands usually offer replacement parts and repair services, which can considerably extend the life of the vacuum cleaner. Companies such as Dyson, Shark, Miele and Hoover supply spare parts and often have authorized service centers. Some also offer trade programs or refurbished models, as a way to promote sustainability in the industry.
Finally, think about wear and tear over time. Obviously, that should prevent you from vacuuming as much as necessary. But as Dyson Engineer Geli Lee suggests, it helps to avoid using the highest power settings unless absolutely necessary.
Referring to Dyson’s models, she advises: “Use Max or Boost mode sparingly and only for short bursts when it comes to tough cleaning jobs. For everyday use, stick to Auto, Normal or Eco, as these provide sufficient power while preserving the life of the battery. Also, avoid using the vacuum cleaner in extreme temperatures and let the battery discharge completely once a month to help extend its life. .
