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Vacuum cleaners aren’t just nice to have: they’re essential to maintaining a clean and hygienic home.

But thebest vacuum cleanersdo cost quite a bit of money.

Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner in use

Many major vacuum brands have introduced ways to prevent hair from tangling around the rollers

Estimates for how long a vacuum cleaner will last ranges from justthree years right up to eight years.

Survey data fromConsumer Reportsin 2016 found that vacuums tended to last for an average of eight years.

However, vacuum tech has changed a lot since then.

Dyson Ball Animal upright vacuum cleaner

Many major vacuum brands have introduced ways to prevent hair from tangling around the rollers

How long should a vacuum cleaner last?

The projected lifespan varies massively for different types of cleaner.

Lane points out that Miele’s corded vacuums are tested for a lifespan of 20 years, for example.

Roborock Q5 Pro Plus robot vacuum

Even thebest cordless vacuum, then, will generally have a shorter lifespan than a corded one.

Home improvement expertsTooling Ideasestimate that a well-maintained cordless vacuum should last from three to five years.

That’s largely because the battery tends to degrade over time and with frequent use.

A Dyson cordless stick vacuum floorhead, next to one on a Shark vacuum

Many major vacuum brands have introduced ways to prevent hair from tangling around the rollers

Smart home robotics specialistEcovacsestimates that a well-maintained robotic vacuum cleaner can last betweenfour and seven years.

This typically ranges between one and five years.

So next, let’s look at what that looks like in practice.

Dyson Gen5 Detect vacuum cleaner

Overusing the Max mode can impact a vacuum’s lifespan over time

So what can you do to keep your vacuum sucking effectively for the longest time?

These simple steps can significantly extend your vacuum’s life and maintain its performance.

For more on this, read our article onHow to clean a vacuum.

Many leading vacuum brands includingSharkandDyson have introduced anti hair-wrap tech to their floorheads.

But that needn’t mean the end.

First of all, you may be able to repair your vacuum yourself.

Companies like Dyson, Shark, Miele and Hoover provide spare parts and often have authorized service centers.

Some even offer trade-in programs or refurbished models, as a way of promoting sustainability in the industry.

Finally, think about wear and tear over time.

Obviously, that should stop you vacuuming as often as you oughta.

But asDysonengineer Geli Lee suggests, it helps to avoid using the highest power options unless absolutely necessary.