With regular maintenance, you can reasonably expect your cordless vacuum cleaner to keep performing efficiently for more than ten years. To achieve this, the appliance needs consistent care. Here are several tips to preserve the efficiency and lifespan of your vacuum cleaner.
Key steps to maximise the lifespan of the appliance
How can you make sure your vacuum cleaner stays at peak performance for as long as possible?
Why cleaning is essential
It may sound odd to stress the cleanliness of a vacuum cleaner, but this is a key factor in ensuring the durability of cordless and robot models.
- After every use, it is advisable to empty the dust container immediately.
- Checking the brushes is crucial so you can remove any debris or hair that could obstruct their movement. This habit ensures the vacuum will be ready for the next clean.
In addition to this daily step, it is recommended to carry out a thorough clean of the appliance once a month:
- This involves replacing or washing the filter (if the model allows it).
- You should carry out brush maintenance, making sure they can spin freely and without effort.
- For robot models, cleaning the sensors is essential. Dirty sensors can disrupt the vacuum’s navigation, causing it to bump into obstacles or even fall.
Managing and caring for the battery
Most modern vacuum cleaners use nickel–metal hydride batteries. The rule for this type of battery is to allow an almost complete discharge at least once a month. As a result, frequent use of the vacuum cleaner is beneficial for the health of the battery.
- Behaviours to avoid:
- Leaving the appliance in standby or inactive for a long period.
- Leaving the battery completely flat, which can make it impossible to recover.
- It is always best to recharge the battery fully before starting the next clean.
If you notice an abnormal drop in runtime or charging takes far longer than usual, it is time to think about buying a new vacuum cleaner battery.
Using only the original charger
Whether it is an original or replacement unit, the battery should be charged with the charger supplied initially. If this is no longer available or is faulty, a substitute charger can be used. However, it is essential to check compatibility in terms of connector, voltage and output current.
- For robot vacuums, using the supplied charging dock is vital.
The right storage environment
The place you choose to store the vacuum cleaner must be protected from any source of heat. Likewise, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period. High temperatures are harmful not only to the battery but can also affect other components of the appliance.
Signs that the battery needs replacing
The most common issues with cordless vacuum cleaner batteries are as follows:
- The charging cycle ends far too quickly.
- The time needed to recharge is abnormally long.
- The runtime drops off prematurely.
- The battery is unable to take any charge at all.
As soon as these signs appear, replacing the battery is the best way to ensure continued use of the vacuum cleaner. Your options are not limited to the manufacturer’s own models.
When choosing a new battery, it is important to consider its capacity, price, warranty conditions and delivery times. Capacity is expressed in Wh or mAh: the new battery must have at least the same capacity as the old one, or a higher capacity to improve runtime.
