NINE insider tips for a happy vacuum & human relationship
It is important to of course know how long your machine is expected to last you, but also, how to try and make the most of looking after your machine in order to get great value for money. Generally, most vacuum cleaners will last between 5 & 8 years if they are looked after properly. Let’s see what tips we can share to ensure it’s at least that long. Note that we have many customers that have had their vacuums for more than 15 years with the record being more than 25!
1. Treat your helpful vacuum cleaner to a regular service & maintenance
The best thing you can do is employ a professional vacuum service and repair company to regularly look at your vacuum cleaner. That way you know your vacuum cleaners is in the best possible hands and will receive up to the minute care and attention from someone who looks after vacuum cleaners every day of their working life.
Here at PHC Vacuum Service, we pride ourselves on being the largest, independent vacuum service and repair company in the UK. We have been in business since 1989 and with 36 years heritage we are still family owned and managed. We have a professional team of field engineers that travel Kent and the surrounding counties fixing vacuum cleaners in the comfort of our customers’ own homes. The PHC customer simply chooses a date and time to suit them and off you go!
These days we have more than 80,000 happy customers and have won lots of awards for our great work including four in 2024.
Our annual vacuum cleaner services start at just £34.99 and a professional field engineer comes to your home at a time and day to suit you.
To find out more, click on the service page for your brand of vacuum cleaner (we service Dyson, Miele, Sebo, Oreck, G-Tech and Kirby machines) or give us a ring on 0333 533 7220 for a friendly chat.
2. Once your vacuum is fixed & happy, make sure you store it safely
Safe storage is an essential step in maintaining your vacuum cleaner for many years, people become very attached to their vacuum cleaners so looking after them can only help preserve that precious relationship.
First and foremost, ensure your vacuum cleaner is completely turned off and unplugged before storing it. Extend the power cord fully to check for any wear or tear or any other damage. Then coil it loosely without kinks so that you prevent damage to the internal wires.
Detach and store any vacuum cleaner attachments separately for easy access and care. Store the vacuum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, ensuring good airflow around it to prevent overheating and motor damage.
All of this good practice will serve you and your vacuum cleaner well for a long and happy bond.
3. Remember that your vacuum cleaner does not like hoovering up liquids of any kind
As versatile and useful as our vacuums may be, if they aren’t specifically designed as a wet/dry model, then they aren’t meant to handle liquids.
Vacuuming up liquid spills with a standard vacuum cleaner can cause serious damage, affecting both the motor and the electrical components of the unit. Water can create a conduit for electricity, which in turn then increases the risk of electric shocks and short circuits. In addition, the internal components of the machine are not waterproof and exposure to any liquids can cause them to rust or malfunction so please avoid taking your vacuum cleaner anyway near the wet spots in your home.
4. Sharp & large bits of detritus still on your floor are not your vacuum cleaners’ friend
We all know how to use vacuum cleaners to clean up every day dirt and dust from our homes, but they are not designed for oversized or sharp objects like broken glass or small pieces of wood.
Items like these can cause blockages in hoses or in the vacuum cleaner’s internal parts and also overwork the motor or puncture the vacuum bag or dust box. Larger debris is likely to reduce the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner, and even result in costly repairs or replacements due to permanent damage to the machine. You also need to be careful not to hurt yourself from kickback from any larger debris.
In order to prevent any of these issues happening in the first place, make a quick inspection of the area that you’re about to clean before vacuuming. Manually pick up & dispose of any oversized or sharp objects before you start your vacuuming job and you’re much safer already.
5. Your cordless vacuum cleaner will thank you for using the correct charger
When it comes to using electrical appliances, especially cordless ones, it’s easy to assume that any charger will do the job as long as it fits. However, this is oh so wrong and can cause damage to your helpful vacuum cleaner!
Any charger you use for your vacuum must be the specific one designed for that model as each and every appliance is designed to handle a certain level of voltage and amperage. Using a charger that isn’t compatible could cause overloading and subsequently, might result in the machine overheating which could lead to a fire.
Always ensure you’re using a charger and cable that is in good condition. Damaged cables with exposed wires are a huge safety hazard that increase the risk of electric shock. If the cable for your vacuum is damaged, it is important to replace it with an original manufacturer part or one recommended by a professional vacuum service company like PHC.
6. Vacuum cleaners really enjoy having their canister or dust bags emptied
If the canister, bag or dustbox is always close to reaching its full capacity then the vacuum’s suction power can decrease over time, causing it to overwork and reducing the overall efficiency of the machine. This could ultimately lead to potential motor damage in the machine as well.
To avoid these issues happening in the first place, make a habit of emptying the canister or dustbin after each use or whenever it reaches around 75% of its capacity. For bagged vacuum cleaners, replace the disposable bag before it becomes overly full, and ensure the replacement bag is appropriate for your vacuum model.
7. Don’t forget about your feet – slippers are your friend when using the vacuum!
It’s tempting to vacuum around your home in just bare feet or socks, but this isn’t the best idea. Wearing slippers or shoes provides several benefits that can’t be overlooked.
Firstly, they offer an added layer of protection against any small sharp objects or debris that may have been missed by the vacuum cleaner.
Secondly, wearing footwear reduces the risk of slipping on freshly vacuumed floors, especially on hard surfaces like hardwood, lino or tiles.
And, thirdly, it’s also worth remembering that some vacuums can generate static electricity. Wearing slippers or shoes, preferably ones with rubber soles, will act as an insulator, protecting you from potential static shocks when you come into contact with metal objects or parts of the vacuum itself.
8. Watch out for those dangerous combustibles on your vacuuming rounds
Remember to be cautious about not accidentally vacuuming up any flammable or combustible materials when you’re vacuum cleaning your home. This could include substances like matches, petrol or lighter fluid and even fine powders like flour or sugar which can combust on occasion.
Ignition from a spark can potentially occur when these materials make contact with the electric motor inside the vacuum, causing a fire risk and potential expensive repairs.
Always clean up flammable substances appropriately before vacuuming and if unsure about the safety of a material, consult the manual or contact the manufacturer or a professional service company like PHC Vacuum Service.
9. Repairing not replacing our vacuum is good for your friendship & the planet
Back in 2021 the UK government introduced the Right to Replace legislation designed to encourage (& enforce) people and manufacturers to not just throw away old appliances and buy new ones.
Instead, they should consider repairing them first and foremost which is much better for our pockets and our planet. This rule applies to vacuum cleaners just as it would your washing machine, dishwasher, oven or fridge freezer.
We all know how attached we become to our vacuum cleaners so let’s look after them and keep them for as long as possible and avoid that unnecessary landfill.
Ultimately the kinder you are to your vacuum cleaner, the longer it will last, the more money you will save and the planet will thank you for all that effort!
To ensure that your vacuum is performing at the very top of its game, give PHC Vacuum Service a call on 0333 533 7220. We’re here to help!
