6 Common Errors That Could Be Reducing Your Vacuum's Lifespan, As Explained by a Repair Expert

Surprisingly, our efforts to clean might actually be harming our vacuums. A colleague from Mytour shared how she damaged her high-end vacuum by performing an action many would deem innocuous (details on that later). This made me ponder what other common practices might be prematurely wearing out these essential appliances.

To uncover these common pitfalls, I consulted Cory Hankins, CEO of The House of Vacuums, a North Carolina enterprise specializing in the sale, service, and repair of vacuums. “Our clientele spans the nation, sending us their vacuums for over 55 years, giving us a comprehensive view of what works and what doesn’t,” Hankins explained. He provided insights into frequent vacuuming errors and offered maintenance advice to ensure your machine operates effectively for many years.

Using your vacuum to clean up fine substances like baking soda 

Hankins identifies this as the most frequent mistake, one my unnamed colleague also made. Her attempt to clean a baking soda-covered mattress with her vacuum resulted in immediate damage. While it’s understandable—given the popularity of cleaning hacks recommending baking soda or carpet fresheners for deodorizing—this practice can be harmful. The advice often includes sprinkling these powders and then vacuuming them up, but this can be detrimental to your machine.

Hankins highlights two major issues with this approach: First, the fine dust from powders can clog the vacuum’s filter and internal components. Second, some carpet powders contain acidic properties that may harm vacuum filters and certain rug materials over time. For minor sandy messes, like post-beach cleanups, Hankins notes that small amounts of sand are manageable, unlike large quantities of baking soda, which can overwhelm the vacuum.

Vacuuming over wet surfaces

“Vacuums are not designed to handle liquids,” Hankins emphasizes. Despite this, many people mistakenly use vacuums on wet surfaces, often due to carelessness or underestimating the risks. Even small amounts of water can cause significant damage, as vacuums lack the capabilities of shop vacs.

For instance, after pets like cats or dogs come indoors, they often leave wet trails on carpets, prompting many to vacuum immediately without a second thought. However, this moisture accumulates inside the vacuum, causing dirt and lint to clump together, which leads to blockages and reduced suction. Another common mistake occurs when an ice cube is accidentally dropped in the kitchen, forgotten, and later vacuumed over. While a small piece of ice may seem insignificant, it can cause significant damage, especially in smaller handheld vacuums. “It’s surprising how the moisture from a melting ice cube can spread throughout the machine, creating a major mess,” Hankins notes.

Using your vacuum as a complete substitute for a broom

We often place too much trust in our vacuums. While they are excellent at handling pet hair, dust, and dirt, they aren’t designed to pick up larger items like socks, paper towels, or newspapers. (Hankins provided these examples, showing that this isn’t as obvious as it might seem.) Even smaller objects, such as paper clips, rubber bands, or coins, should be manually removed before vacuuming. In cases like broken glass, while vacuums can capture tiny shards, it’s essential to sweep up larger pieces first. If your vacuum emits a high-pitched noise afterward, it could indicate a problem.

However, smaller debris shouldn’t be overlooked either. Items like paper clips, rubber bands, or coins should be picked up by hand or swept away before vacuuming. If you’ve broken glass, while a vacuum can handle microscopic fragments, it’s best to sweep up larger pieces first. Hankins advises listening for unusual sounds: a high-pitched squeal could signal trouble.

Failing to clean or replace your filters 

When was the last time you cleaned your vacuum filter? Many people neglect this task, but it’s essential for maintaining your vacuum’s performance. Regularly washing the filter ensures strong suction and helps keep your home smelling fresh. Dirty filters can trap odors and spread them around your house. Hankins suggests cleaning filters monthly (check your manual for specifics) and replacing vacuum bags every two to four months for bagged models.

Replacing filters is another often-overlooked task. While washing them helps remove dirt, over time, filters become harder to clean due to stubborn debris buildup. Hankins advises replacing filters entirely once a year. Additionally, he recommends annual professional servicing to keep your vacuum in top condition, especially if it’s a high-end model.

Keeping your vacuum on the charger constantly

While modern vacuums are designed to prevent overcharging, Hankins suggests a better approach to extend battery life. “Charge your vacuum to 100%, then use it until the battery is fully drained before recharging. This cycling helps prolong the battery’s lifespan.” This practice, similar to managing phone or laptop batteries, acts as a reset for optimal performance. Dyson also confirms this method works for their models.

Neglecting to clean hair from the brush roll

“This is a major issue,” Hankins emphasizes. Hair from humans or pets, lint, and strings can tangle around the brush roll, significantly reducing your vacuum’s suction power if left unchecked. He notes that even vacuums marketed as tangle-free aren’t entirely immune, so regular maintenance is essential. Refer to your vacuum’s manual for guidance—many models allow you to remove the brush roll for easy cleaning, while others may require carefully cutting away debris with scissors.