How Long Should a Vacuum Cleaner Last?


A vacuum cleaner is a popular cleaning tool in most homes. It is not always easy to buy a vacuum cleaner having in mind the many factors you need to consider before buying one. Some of the factors include the brand, vacuum style, suction, and, last but not least, vacuum cleaner lifespan. Manufacturers never disclose the longevity of a vacuum cleaner, but you can prolong your vacuum's life through proper maintenance and using it correctly. Let us look at factors that will shorten your vacuum's life and how to avoid them to ensure that you have your vacuum cleaner as long as possible.

What is the Average Lifespan of Vacuum Cleaners?

A reliability survey by Consumer Reports revealed that a vacuum cleaner's average life expectancy is eight years. However, this depends not only on the brand but also on how you use the vacuum. Frequent use shortens the lifespan; a person with a one-bedroom apartment has different usage from one with a four-bedroom mansion with five people and three pets. Therefore, if you use the vacuum cleaner to clean a large area and is more than eight years old, it might be time for an upgrade.

Factors that affect the Lifespan of Vacuums

  • The Brand

The company that manufactures the vacuum cleaner is a determinant of its longevity. Bigger branded vacuums perform better and last longer than local store unbranded products. The reason is that bigger brands have more resources to afford premium parts. They also conduct product research before releasing a product and have set high standards for their products. Bigger brands also offer a warranty with the product, this is comforting to the buyer, and you should use the warranty period to estimate the vacuum lifespan.

When looking for a vacuum cleaner to buy, compare reviews of different brands to help you pick the right one. You can also visit Dreame's official website to learn more about our vacuum cleaners and their unique features.

  • Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the vacuum is something that you have control over. Taking care of your vacuum will ensure you will use it for longer with minimal breakdowns. Although it is used to clean, a vacuum also needs cleaning; clean it once per month. If the vacuum develops a problem such as unusual noise, find out why and rectify the problem.

  • Usage

Regular use of the vacuum exposes it to wear and tear more so if your cleaning space is bigger. If your carpet and floors are heavily soiled and dirty, the vacuum works harder, thus shortening its lifespan. Misuse of the vacuum also plays a part in shortening its life, for example, failing to adjust the height when cleaning a high carpet pile or choosing the wrong model. Robot vacuums are not suitable for cleaning narrow and high spaces like beddings, and sofa; an upright or handheld vacuum is better suited for the task.

dreame V11 is better suited for cleaning narrow spaces

How to Prolong Vacuum Cleaner Life Expectancy?

Your vacuum cleaner's life expectancy will be prolonged by how well you maintain it and ensure its proper use. Here are some tips on the proper maintenance of a vacuum.

Regularly Empty the Bag and Dust Canister

It would be best if you emptied the vacuum bag regularly, either bagged or bagless. If you leave it to fill to the brim, it won't be easy to continue vacuuming. There is also a chance that the filled dirt will clog the machine, which will affect its efficiency.

Clean Filters

A vacuum cleaner has filters that capture dust, pollen, smoke, and bacteria particles. This means that the filters will finally get dirty and block up. You, therefore, have to avoid this by always keeping the filters clean.

Most of the vacuums in the market have reusable and washable filters. It makes it easy to clean them often without incurring a replacement cost. When they have excess debris and dirt, you can wash them under a tap; no need to use chemicals as water removes the dirt.

Ensure that the filters are thoroughly dry before you place them back; this will prevent mold growth that can be released in the air when cleaning. Mold causes sickness, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, skin rash, and eye irritation. But, for better cleaning efficiency, replace the filters every 3-6 months.

Disentangle the Motorized Brush

All debris, carpet fibers, dirt, and long hair are captured by the motorized brush situated at the vacuum's bottom. Although this is its job, sometimes dirt wraps around the brush and exerts stress on it. When this goes on, the brush stops to spin and clean your home. To prevent this, cut away debris and hair from the brush every few weeks; you can use scissors.

Cleaning up Liquids

Some of the handheld vacuum cleaners in the market are only suitable for cleaning light water accidents and spills, known as wet/dry vacuuming ability. But most canister, stick, and upright vacuums are not made to clean liquids. When you attempt to vacuum liquids, you end up damaging your machine and risk electrocution. If you do not have the right vacuum, use paper towels or a mop to clean up liquids.

Avoid Carelessness when Handling the Power Cord

When vacuuming, ensure that the power cord is away from the vacuum as the motorized brush can cut and fray it. If this happens, the vacuum will be unsafe to use as there will be exposed electric wires hanging dangerously. Also, when in use, do not use the power cord to pull your vacuum.

Tidy up before Vacuuming

Before you start vacuuming, tidy up the area you intend to clean. Remove small objects such as coins, toys, screws, and broken glass as they can damage your vacuum. A vacuum cleaner is not meant to pick up such objects as they are too big.

Dreame Vacuum Cleaners Last Longer with Its High Quality

Dreame is a manufacturer of cordless vacuum cleaners through the use of high-end technology to provide intelligent cleaning. Every latest vacuum cleaner invention from the company ensures its efficiency and longevity in the following ways:

  • Optimized Airflow for Consistent Power: Dreame vacuums are equipped with intelligently designed airflow systems that prevent overheating and maintain peak performance. Strategically placed vents ensure efficient heat dissipation, supporting longer motor life and consistent suction strength.
  • Longer-Lasting Batteries with Smarter Use: With high-capacity batteries across its product range, Dreame balances runtime and power. Depending on usage mode, vacuums are designed to deliver impressive performance on a single charge. Built-in indicators let users monitor battery levels easily.
  • High-Efficiency Filtration Systems: Let's take cordless stick vacuums as an example. Their multi-stage filtration systems can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Cone-shaped cyclones minimize filter clogging and reduce stress on the motor, helping maintain strong suction and prolonging the vacuum’s lifespan. Plus, washable and reusable filters align with the company’s sustainability approach.
  • OLED Color Display for Effortless Operation: Across many Dreame models, intuitive OLED displays provide real-time insights into battery life, suction modes, and lock settings. It has an elegant and simple design that makes it easy to use the vacuums.

Final Word

The lifespan of your vacuum will be determined by how well you take care of it. Follow the maintenance tips above to prolong its life. Also, use it as intended; different models handle different workloads. You also have the freedom to choose between a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner , which will be determined by your cleaning area's size. Visit the Dreame robot vacuum family to see how you can make life easier for you.