While purchasing a vacuum cleaner, you might have had this one doubt – how long do vacuums last? After ample use and a specific timeline, your vacuum will be prone to glitches and repairs. Sometimes, the machine might act up because it’s not been deep cleaned in a long time. Other times, the device is getting weak and needs an upgrade.
But how do you distinguish between the tell-tale signs of your vacuum’s declining life? How do you know when to replace your vacuum? To answer your questions, we have listed all the important pointers that can help you decide if your vacuum cleaner needs an upgrade or otherwise. Read on!
How Long Should a Vacuum Cleaner Last?
Like all other machines, vacuum cleaners also do not last forever. Yes, they can be durable, but that too has an expiry date. At most, vacuum cleaners last for a median of 8 years, depending on how they are maintained and how often they’re used. Besides, the durability of a vacuum varies from one brand to another.
A little effort can fix minor issues like a broken belt, lack of suction, or blocked filters. But when your vacuum has lived through its eighth birthday, you know it’s time to bid farewell.
Life Span Based on Type of Vacuum Cleaners
The market offers several types of vacuums, and each has a different timeline based on its features. Let’s take a look.
Handheld Vacuum
A handheld vacuum is portable and easily manageable inside the house or even in a car. It runs on batteries and doesn’t have the most robust motor when compared to other types. On average, handheld vacuums last for two or three years.
Upright Vacuum
An upright vacuum is the most commonly used machine and has a strong build. Although it’s not convenient to carry around, it has good suction and is usually corded. Such vacuums typically reach the eight-year mark without much hassle.
Stick Vacuum
Stick vacuums are lightweight and portable, but they might not be the best choice when it comes to durability. Trusted brands last for around five to seven years.
Canister Vacuum
Canister vacuums are pretty similar in style to traditional upright vacuums. They are slightly more lightweight than uprights but can run smoothly for eight years or more (if maintained with care).
Robot Vacuum
Robot vacuums are the most convenient devices as they clean your house without any supervision. Set it up for a schedule, and you can go off to work or a party. However, they are not as long-lasting and can keep up for three to five years at max.
Lifespan Based on Brands
The lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is also determined by the brand that manufactures it. Here are a few well-known vacuum brands with the estimated durability that they offer.
Dyson
Dyson is a trusted brand for vacuums as it offers full-powered motors. Besides a five-year warranty, this brand promises you durable machines that can last for 7-10 years.
Shark
If you’re looking for a robust upright vacuum for a reasonable price, Shark can offer you a great deal. If you like changing your vacuum every few years, Shark is the brand for you. With a 5-7 year life span, you can replace your machine quite often.
Hoover
In the UK, Hoover is synonymous with vacuum cleaners. Now that’s a sure shot indicator of the brand’s credibility. It’s better to invest in a high-end vacuum from Hoover as they come with a 10-year warranty plus a life span of almost 15 years!
Miele
While the cost of vacuums from Miele is slightly on the higher end, they are entirely worth it. Miele vacuums are well-tested and designed with high-power motors, which is why they can last up to 20 years. Yeah, you just don’t buy a Miele; you marry it.
Bissel
Bissel vacuums are affordable, crafted with advanced technology, and reliable. They’ll work without major hiccups for a good eight years, and then you can replace them with a new one.
Kenmore
With regular cleaning and proper maintenance, a Kenmore vacuum can last for eight years.
Factors that Influence the Lifespan of Vacuum Cleaners
How are You Maintaining It?
Cleaning the Filters
The filters in a vacuum cleaner suck in dust, smoke, tiny particles, pollen, etc. So naturally, it has a high chance of getting clogged. To prevent any blockage or glitch, you must clean it after every use.
Besides, if mold grows inside these filters, it can also be released into the air while cleaning and cause rashes, irritation, and skin allergies. It is recommended that you replace these filters every 2-3 years.
Empty the Bag Regularly
Every vacuum comes with a waste bag that collects all the dust and residue sucked in by the machine. To ensure the long-term functioning of your device, you must always empty this bag after cleaning.
Check the Motorized Brush
Often, the motorized brush at the rim of your cleaner can get stuck due to the debris, fibers, and dirt that get collected. To keep it spinning smoothly, you need to check these brushes and clean them time and again.
Usage of Your Vacuum Cleaner
Not Tidying Up
Before running the machine around your room, it’s essential to clear any solid particles from the floor. It could be broken glass particles or even a coin. If such things get into the cleaner, they can damage the motor or the brushes.
Cleaning the Liquids
Not all vacuum cleaners are designed to clean or dry liquid waste. In most canister, upright, and stick vacuums, the wet/dry vacuuming feature doesn’t exist. Unless you have a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, don’t run the machine over liquid. You might electrocute yourself! Dry the floors with a mop first and then vacuum clean them.
Not Considering the Power Cord
Be cautious with the power cord of your cleaning machine. If you mistakenly run the vacuum over the cord, it may get frayed by the brushes. Don’t drag your cleaner by the cord. It might be unsafe for you and can damage the cord itself.
Perfect Time to Replace Your Vacuum
If your vacuum cleaner is relatively new and suddenly stops working, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be replaced. The issue could be something minor like a clogged hose or a broken belt. And it can be fixed easily with proper cleaning or by adding a replacement part.
Take some time to troubleshoot the problem and figure out the seriousness of the issue. If the machine shows major issues and is constantly slowing down, maybe it’s time to take it to a machine doctor.
Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Vacuum Cleaner
Before getting rid of your old vacuum, make sure you check these things:
- Check the hoses to ensure that they are not clogged. If you come across a blockage, get it fixed, and your vacuum will work smoothly again.
- The next thing to check is the filters. Airflow is restricted due to clogged filters, and that could be the reason behind your vacuum’s low suction force. In such cases, clean or replace the filters, and your machine is good as new.
- Don’t forget the waste bag that collects all the debris. In a lot of cases, an over-filled waste bag causes the machine to stop working. Make sure it’s empty and clean.
- One of the most crucial things to check is the belt. After long-term use, these belts start rotting or stretching out, or just snapping off. You might encounter a burning smell at some point due to a damaged belt. The easiest solution is to replace these belts to get your cleaner back into action.
Time to Upgrade
If your vacuum cleaner doesn’t work after all kinds of treatment or if the problems persist, it’s probably time to say goodbye. It’ll also be a good upgrade from something old to something new and advanced.
There are various types of vacuums available in the market today. From nimble and automated robot vacuums to lightweight cordless ones, you have many options to choose from.
While looking for a new cleaner, do note the features that you’d like it to have and its durability. Some of the latest brands even have state-of-the-art filters that not only clean but also remove pollen and allergens from the air. So you get an air purifier plus a vacuum cleaner in one device.
Another important factor is your budget. While investing in a long-lasting vacuum cleaner is great, it’s okay to go for a modern option like a robot vacuum for convenience. So what are you waiting for? Go get a vacuum cleaner upgrade!
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