How to Dispose of a Vacuum Cleaner? Fix, Recycle or Dispose?

Vacuum cleaners are a must-have in households today, with over 5 million vacuums being sold in the UK every year. But no matter how well you look after your vacuum cleaner, over time they will deteriorate in quality, leaving you no choice but to usher in a replacement. Whilst you unpack your brand new vacuum cleaner, you may be wondering what you’re going to do with your old one. Vacuum cleaners can be challenging to recycle, but with the environment becoming an increasing concern, companies and the government are making recycling options more accessible. 

But before you rush to the local appliance store to pick up a brand new vacuum cleaner, you might be able to fix it – saving you money and the earth’s resources. Below we’ve listed a few of the most common problems with vacuum cleaners and the fixes.

Common vacuum cleaner problems and faults

• Lack of suction

Firstly, check your vacuum’s dust bag to see if it’s full. If so, replace the bag with a new one and you may automatically notice the difference. If your vacuum suddenly loses suction, a clogged air filter might be responsible, in which case just remove the filter, clean it and check it isn’t damaged. If it’s damaged, you can buy a new one at any local appliance or DIY store.

• Cleaner belt has broken

Often a cleaner belt will break when materials such as lint, string, or hair get trapped. You can check this by looking at the underside of your vacuum whilst it’s on. If the belt isn’t spinning then you will need a replacement belt.

• Cannot be pushed easily

This problem signals an accumulation of dirt on the base plate. This can be cleaned easily by wiping furniture polish alongside the base plate to ensure smooth movement across the surface of your floor.

How to recycle a vacuum cleaner

If your vacuum has totally packed in, then not to worry! 

Recycling your vacuum cleaner isn’t as simple as putting it in your recycling bin, but due to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE), vacuum cleaner manufacturers are responsible for the disposal of end-of-life electrical goods in an environmentally friendly way. Many manufacturers will take your vacuum cleaner off your hands or they’ll direct you towards a designated collection facility. 

Designated collection facilities have been placed around the UK to make it easier for you to recycle your old vacuum cleaners. Click here to find out where you can take your old appliances to be recycled.

Scott & Sons can provide a vacuum repair service and comprehensive cleaning service for businesses and schools in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Our highly trained staff members tailor their approach to each premises, ensuring we cover every surface. For more information on our cleaning services, please get in touch with a member of our team today.