We now live in the age of fast-moving technology, in an environment that is constantly changing. The impact of these changes on people’s daily lives is a recurring topic.
However, some innovations win over almost everyone because they are so practical. Here, we focus on household cleaning devices.
Robot vacuums and cordless stick hoovers are seen as essential allies. They save time that can be devoted to rest or digital leisure.
In just ten years or so, the vacuum cleaner sector has been radically transformed. The market has been flooded with compact models powered by rechargeable batteries.
Autonomous robot vacuums have become so sophisticated that they can keep floors clean with no intervention.
These machines represent a major step forward for hygiene and household comfort and may well spell the end for the old generation of heavy, cumbersome vacuum cleaners.
What types of battery-powered vacuum cleaners are there?
The cable is probably the biggest weakness of traditional vacuum cleaners. It is not only a constant obstacle, but also means you have to keep changing sockets, making it tedious to clean a large area.
To overcome this constraint, manufacturers have developed appliances that run on rechargeable batteries.
There are three main categories of cordless vacuum cleaners:
- Stick vacuums (upright cordless hoovers): they combine light weight, strong suction and great versatility. They can reach areas that are usually inaccessible. Thanks to their modern efficiency, they are an excellent replacement for manual cleaning tools.
- Robot vacuums: they are less powerful, but have the advantage of being programmable. Running them once a day keeps your floors constantly clean with no effort on your part.
- Handheld vacuums: they are perfect for small jobs, such as cleaning a worktop, a piece of furniture or the interior of a vehicle. However, they are not suitable for cleaning an entire home.
How should you go about choosing a replacement battery?
Whatever the type of vacuum cleaner, the factors to consider when buying a replacement or spare battery are similar.
What is the vacuum cleaner’s reference number?
The model of your vacuum cleaner is usually stamped on the body or shown on a label. If you cannot find this information on the unit itself, it will be on the supplied documents: the packaging, the manual or the warranty card.
If you ordered online, check the confirmation email, which usually contains the exact reference for the appliance.
Entering this reference in the search engine of an online shop is the fastest way to find compatible accessories, without having to open up your machine.
How do you identify the right battery?
Although you can search by vacuum cleaner model, the most reliable way to find the correct part is to use the product number printed on the battery itself. To do this, you will need to remove it from its compartment.
Removal is generally straightforward on robot vacuums. For stick models, the operation is more complex, but many video tutorials are available to guide you.
The product number of the battery pack is normally printed on its label.
The essential technical information
- Voltage: this is the crucial specification to check. You must buy a battery with the same voltage. Small differences (such as 10.8V, 11.3V, 14.4V or 14.8V) are often linked to the way the manufacturer names the voltage and are usually not an issue. However, a voltage difference that is too great could damage your appliance.
- Capacity: battery packs are available in standard and high-capacity versions. High-capacity or “extended” versions contain additional cells and provide significantly longer runtime. In return, they are heavier and usually more expensive.
Do you have to buy an original battery?
Some users prefer branded parts, but the market now offers more and more alternatives. Original batteries are often expensive, and buying them can be slowed down by logistical issues (delivery times, postage costs).
Good-quality alternatives are available that deliver performance comparable to the original, at a more competitive price. Buying from local retailers such as BatteryLaptop (www.batterylaptop.co.uk) helps cut waiting times and ensures you benefit from consumer law protection.
Can you replace the battery yourself?
There is no single standard for the design of vacuum cleaner batteries, which means there is no universal replacement method either. That said, the majority of models allow users to carry out the swap at home without major difficulty. Removing the battery is usually quicker on a robot vacuum than on a stick vacuum.
Instructions for this procedure are generally supplied with:
- The vacuum cleaner’s user manual.
- The packaging of the new battery (depending on the supplier).
- The manufacturer’s website (sometimes).
- Online resources (video tutorials are particularly helpful).
How can you maximise the battery’s lifespan?
A few good habits will help your battery last longer:
- Avoid using maximum power all the time: high-power mode should only be used for tough jobs. Constantly running in this mode drains the battery quickly, forcing more frequent recharging and reducing the total number of charge cycles. Whenever possible, use “normal” or “eco” mode.
- Keep it away from intense heat: heat speeds up the ageing of components. Do not leave the appliance standing in the sun, and avoid charging or using it in an overheated environment.
- Store at a controlled temperature: avoid heat sources such as radiators. Ideally, keep the vacuum cleaner between 18 and 28 °C, in a dry place away from direct light.
- Let it rest after use: after a long cleaning session, it is best to let the battery cool down before recharging it.
- Maintain a healthy charge level: it is advisable to run the battery down to a low level once a month. If you use several batteries, rotate them so that none of them stays unused for a long period.
- Use it regularly: leaving the appliance in a cupboard unused is the worst thing you can do. A 0% charge, if it lasts too long, can cause a critical drop in voltage and permanently damage the battery pack.
