Vacuum
Cleaner
Advice
Just to be upfront, we no longer repair vacuum cleaners. We still repair plenty of other household appliances, but vacuums are one we've stepped back from. That said, we're still here to help - below you'll find tips on how to keep your vacuum running well for longer, advice on when it's worth repairing versus replacing, and answers to the most common vacuum cleaner questions our engineers used to get asked.
Clean your filters regularly - Most vacuums have at least one washable filter - rinse it under cold water once a month and let it dry completely before refitting. A clogged filter forces the motor to work harder, which reduces suction now and shortens the vacuum's lifespan over time.
Empty the bin or replace the bag before it's completely full - Don't wait until it's packed tight. Most vacuums perform best when the bag or bin is no more than two-thirds full. Overfilling restricts airflow and puts unnecessary strain on the motor.
Inspect the hose for blockages - If you notice suction dropping, detach the hose and look through it. Small items like socks, hairbands and bits of plastic are common culprits.
Store it properly - Avoid leaving your vacuum in damp garages or sheds — moisture can damage the motor and corrode internal parts. Store it upright in a dry spot with the cord loosely wrapped, not tightly wound around the body.
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A quick rule of thumb to help you decide:
Consider repairing if:
Consider replacing if:
Although we no longer repair vacuum cleaners, we fix a wide range of other household appliances - from washing machines and ovens to dishwashers and tumble dryers. Our engineers are fully trained, our prices are fixed, and all repairs come with our guarantee as standard.
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Got a question about your vacuum cleaner? Here are the answers to the things our engineers used to get asked most.
Most vacuum cleaners last between five and eight years with proper care. Uprights and cylinders tend to sit at the higher end of that range, while cordless models typically last around five years - partly because battery performance degrades over time. Higher-end brands generally outlast budget models, but how you maintain it matters just as much as what you paid for it.
Loss of suction is the most common vacuum fault and it's usually one of three things: a clogged or dirty filter, a blockage in the hose or brush head, or a full bag or dust container. Start by checking and cleaning your filters - most people don't do this often enough. Then check the hose for blockages. If suction is still weak after that, the seal between the hose and the body may have worn, or the motor could be starting to fail.
A bad smell usually means trapped debris is starting to decompose, or a dirty filter is circulating stale air. Empty the bin or replace the bag, wash any washable filters, and check the brush bar and hose for stuck hair or food. If the smell is more of a burning or hot plastic scent, switch the vacuum off straight away - that can indicate a jammed brush bar, a worn belt, or an overheating motor.
Before assuming the worst, try a different plug socket to rule out a power issue, and check the fuse in the plug. On cordless models, make sure the battery is properly seated and holding charge — batteries degrade over time, and a replacement battery is often all you need. If you've ruled all of that out, the fault is likely with the switch or the motor, which usually requires a professional repair.
A sudden change in noise usually points to something stuck in the hose, brush head or fan housing. Switch it off and check for blockages first. If there's nothing visible, the noise could be coming from a worn belt, a damaged fan blade, or failing motor bearings. A high-pitched whine in particular often signals a motor issue - at that point it's worth getting a professional opinion.
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