Six Ways to Extend the Life of Any Vacuum Cleaner
It’s easy to forget that labor-intensive appliances used for cleaning, such as dishwashers, washers, dryers and vacuum cleaners, need to be cleaned and maintained yourself. Vacuum cleaners, for example, were once—and in some cases continue to be—a major household investment. But as materials and manufacturing have evolved over the decades, we’ve gotten to the point where repairing a vacuum cleaner (which isn’t covered under warranty) or replacing a part often costs as much, if not more, than buying a new one.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your vacuum cleaner from premature failure. Whether you’ve invested in a high-quality model or are trying to put off replacing your old one for years to come, here are some ways to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner.
How to extend the life of your vacuum cleaner
According to Consumer Reports’ reliability study , vacuum cleaners last on average eight years, although this can vary greatly depending on the brand, how often it is used, and how (or if) it is maintained. I can confirm this from personal experience.
Growing up (in the 1980s and 1990s), our household vacuum cleaner was a 1937 Kirby upright ( similar to this one ). Although it was moved to the basement when my parents eventually upgraded to something lighter and more maneuverable, the Kirby still works. While the “they don’t make them like they used to” argument probably applies here, it’s hard to say whether it would still work today if not for decades of maintenance and proper use.
Based on my experience with modern vacuum cleaners, as well as good old Kirby, here are a few strategies to help keep your vacuum cleaner running as long as possible:
Don’t treat it like a shop vacuum.
Unless your household vacuum is actually a shop vacuum, you shouldn’t use it as such. In other words, pay attention to what you absorb. Never use it to clean up fireplace ash, sawdust, drywall dust, or any wet or damp dirt. And don’t run over coins or other larger objects and hope for the best. First, clear the area of clutter and then vacuum.
Do not delay in emptying the canister or changing the bag.
Removing the canister or bag from your vacuum when it’s full to the brim will likely result in an even bigger mess for you to clean up. You can avoid this scenario by emptying the canister regularly and changing the bag as soon as you notice it getting full, rather than waiting until it creates a problem.
Do your hair in the bathroom
Naturally losing hair throughout the day is one thing, but actively brushing, combing or blow-drying your hair is another. Try to limit these activities (and any others that may lead to shedding) to the bathroom or other (ideally) non-carpeted room of your choice, and sweep them up with a broom or duster instead of a vacuum cleaner. This will significantly reduce the amount of hair caught in the vacuum cleaner’s roller brush.
Clean the roller brush regularly
By the way, don’t wait until the roller brush stops spinning to clean it. Instead, get into the habit of removing hair, floss, or thread from the brush each time you empty the vacuum’s canister or bag.
Clear filters
My current vacuum cleaner has two filters – one built-in and one removable – and I check them both every time I empty the canister. The built-in filter is usually pretty clean, but if it’s not, I wipe it with a microfiber cloth or use an old toothbrush to remove any stuck-on debris. The removable filter gets clogged with dust quite quickly, so I tap it on the wall of the trash can several times, use a toothbrush if necessary, and wash it regularly with soap and water.
Deep clean the entire vacuum cleaner
Finally, consider deep cleaning your vacuum once or twice a year. Consult your vacuum cleaner’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to disassemble and clean it. Many modern canister vacuum cleaners consist of several parts that can and should be washed with soap and water, or at least wiped down. This Lifehacker article will walk you through this process.