A vacuum cleaner deteriorates in quality over time, giving you no option but to replace it. Despite the fact that a vacuum cleaner is an absolute necessity in the home, it will depreciate over time, regardless of how well it is maintained.
That does not imply that you should spend any more time fretting about the state of your vacuum cleaner. However, if this occurs, there are simple and straightforward methods for disposing of your vacuum.
You should avoid becoming entangled in a never-ending cycle of vacuum repair on various components because this will only result in increased expenses. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner and get a new one.
In this post we will cover:
- Factors that may lead you to dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner
- How to Dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner
- What is the life span of a vacuum cleaner?
- Can I recycle my vacuum cleaner?
- When should I replace a vacuum cleaner?
- How should I maintain a vacuum cleaner?
Factors that may lead you to dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner
There are a few common vacuum problems that can lead to you disposing of it. Some of them are listed below:
1. Absence of suction: the suction of your vacuum cleaner can be reduced due to clogging in key parts of the machine, such as the air filter or even a full dirt bag.
In most instances, the issue can be easily fixed by unclogging the clogged parts, replacing or washing the filters if they are washable, and emptying or replacing the dirt bag.
However, in extreme circumstances when a full dirt bag or clogged filter is not attended to, the suction of the vacuum will be permanently reduced, leaving you with no other option than to replace your cleaner with a new one.
2. Broken belt: a vacuum cleaner’s belt can break when things such as lint, string, or hair get entangled in the belt. The belt spins the brush roll, enabling your vacuum to pick up dirt.
Usually, a broken belt is easily replaced by a new one, but when your vacuum model has no compatible spare parts or the model has been discontinued, you will have to dispose of it since it will not function as it should.
3. Dead motor: the motor is the heartthrob of a vacuum cleaner and when it is not functioning, you will have to dispose of your vacuum cleaner. A motor dies when a problem exists in the vacuum’s mains flex or when the PCB burns out.
4. Old vacuum cleaner: if you have had your vacuum cleaner for years and it has reached the end of its service, you can dispose of the vacuum cleaner. It has served you well and letting go is the best you can do at this point.
How to Dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner
1. Recycle center: there are various available options for recycling your vacuum cleaner. You can dispose of a vacuum by sending it to a recycling center that will use the plastic parts of the vacuum to make other things such as traffic cones and shampoo bottles.
Look up some of these centers on the web to know their cycling limitations and then contact them to find out how the vacuum can reach them. Alternatively, you can sell the vacuum for a few dollars in the scrap yards.
2. Selling through eBay: you can dispose of your vacuum cleaner by selling it on eBay. You will not make a fortune with the vacuum, but you will find a buyer. The eBay website has a vacuum cleaner recycling program where an old vacuum can be recycled for a few bucks.
There are steps that you are required to observe to make the sale on eBay. First, take a picture of good quality, write a detailed description of the product, and list it on the eBay program.
Once the product is sold and payments are made, ship the item using a local pick up service. The eBay company will deposit the amount paid by the buyer to your linked eBay account.
3. Selling parts: you can dispose of a vacuum cleaner by selling parts because some parts of your unit can work even without the machine. The parts include the nozzle, hose, brush, and other components that can be detached from the vacuum.
Thoroughly clean them, and then bundle and put them in a packet for sale. That will give buyers an opportunity to have a second set of vacuum parts and attachments.
4. Donating the vacuum: you can dispose of your vacuum by donating it to local shelters or donating centers if it is still in good working condition. The vacuum may not meet your cleaning demands anymore, but it can be of use to other people.
Some organizations can pick the vacuum from your location, such as goodwill and the Salvation Army. Others provide free pick up services while some issue tax-deductible receipts.
There are also homeless shelters or addiction centers that need additional cleaning tools. You can also donate your vacuum to them to make life easier for those living there.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason for disposing of your vacuum, there are numerous options for disposing of a vacuum cleaner.
As tempting as it may be to simply throw it away, take a moment to consider the current environmentally friendly alternatives that are readily available to you.
You have several options for disposing of your vacuum cleaner, including sending it to a recycling center, selling its parts, donating it, or selling it on eBay.
Some of these options provide you with the opportunity to make someone’s cleaning life easier, while others provide you with the opportunity to earn a few extra dollars.
FAQs
What is the life span of a vacuum cleaner?
1. Upright vacuums: The longevity of the upright vacuum cleaner is estimated to be eight years when it is properly maintained.
It can reach up to ten or twelve years depending on how it is used and who is using it. Upright vacuums are one of the most common traditional machines.
2. Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: Essentially, the handheld vacuum is a smaller, more portable version of the upright vacuum. The machine is not intended for heavy-duty use, but rather for small tasks, which it performs admirably.
You can clean couches, beds, sofas, and pet hair, as well as other household items, using a handheld vacuum. The life expectancy of a handheld vacuum is typically between five and eight years, depending on how well it is cared for and maintained.
3. Canister vacuum: A canister vacuum is a portable machine that has the same ability to clean up spills and other messes as an upright vacuum cleaner.
It typically lasts between eight and ten years, owing to its maneuverability and ability to clean a wide range of messes, as well as its durability.
4. Robot vacuum: A robot vacuum is a worry-free, painless, and self-contained vacuum cleaner. Robot vacuums can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on how well they are maintained.
Depending on the battery life, some robot vacuums can last anywhere from five to eight years. Robot vacuums do not have replaceable batteries, therefore, when the battery life ends, so does the robot’s life as well.
5. Stick vacuums: The stick vacuum is a lighter version of the upright vacuum. It is appropriate for people with back pain as well as the elderly.
The stick vacuum is more maneuverable because it does not need to be plugged into an electric power source while in use. It has a life expectancy of six to eight years, depending on how it is used.
Can I recycle my vacuum cleaner?
Due to the fact that vacuum cleaners are not biodegradable, it is necessary to recycle them. Yes, you can recycle your vacuum cleaner by bringing it to a recycling center in your neighborhood. It is possible to recycle up to 90% of your vacuum cleaner’s parts.
A vacuum cleaner contains a significant number of metal and plastic components, making it an excellent candidate for recycling. Some components, such as the power cord, body housing, and vacuum hose, can be re-used.
Companies that recycle plastics and metals will melt down the recyclable materials and repurpose them into products such as traffic cones and shampoo bottles.
There are also vacuum recycling resources available on the internet. Some companies offer credit towards purchasing a new vacuum, while others offer cashback incentives.
When should I replace a vacuum cleaner?
The frequency with which you should replace your vacuum cleaner is usually determined by the vacuum you have. If you bought your machine at a “superstore,” it should be replaced every three to five years.
There are, however, a number of factors that can assist you in determining when a replacement is required. The first is a reduction in suction power, which is usually the result of the filler.
If the vacuum’s filter is new but the suction is inadequate, you should discard it before it scratches your carpet, floors, or rugs.
The second sign that your vacuum needs to be replaced is if it makes unusual noises while in use. The vacuum parts age and weakens as the vacuum gets older as a result of continued use.
The vacuum will frequently produce irritating sounds as a result of the depreciation. If this happens to your vacuum, it is time to replace it.
The third problem is that there are too many different parts of the vacuum that need to be replaced. It is normal to have to replace various parts of the vacuum over time, but when the replacements become more frequent, it is time to look for something new.
The fourth sign that it’s time to replace your vacuum is if it is emitting pollutants, which is common with older vacuums that have been in use for a long time. Since a vacuum’s average lifespan is eight years, it’s time to replace it when it reaches that point.
The fifth sign that your vacuum needs to be replaced is if it emits a burning plastic smell and turns off on its own.
This can be caused by jammed wheels or rotors, or it can be caused by hair stuck in the wheel, which prevents rotation.
How should I maintain a vacuum cleaner?
A vacuum must be maintained at all times. Since vacuum cleaners and their brushes are usually filled with bacteria and germs, they must be cleaned in various ways at different times.
The respiratory effects of these components, when emitted and inhaled by humans, can be worse for allergy sufferers. As a result, vacuum cleaner maintenance is critical.
The bristles and brushes need to be cleaned after each use, so check for any hair or debris that may have gotten stuck on them.
If there are any loose strings or hair wrapped around them, cut them out with a pair of scissors.
Empty the dust container or replace the dirt bag after a few uses to eliminate any bacteria and germs to improve the vacuum’s performance.
Once a month, the filter should be cleaned. If it’s washable, take it out, shake it, and rinse it under running water and put it back when it is dry. Deep cleaning of the vacuum should be done once a year.
Deep cleaning entails disassembling all removable parts, soaking all washable attachments, thoroughly scrubbing them, and allowing them to dry before reassembling them.
Cleaning the hose regularly will improve the efficiency of the sweeper. Clean the vent covers, which are responsible for preventing large bits of dirt from blowing onto the sweeper’s back.
Servicing your vacuum on a regular basis will keep it in good working order.
