AIBU to ask how to keep a hoover working for more than two years?

[spanielitis]

I have just had to replace yet another hoover because the suction has dwindled to the point I’d be better off sucking the dirt off the floor myself. I’ve tried Shark, Seba, Miele, Dyson but nothing ever lasts more than two years either because it falls apart or the suction goes. Is this just normal? I have always had at least one dog, currently two. Not huge shedders but produce a lot of dirt/grass seeds etc all year round. Wooden floors downstairs, carpets upstairs. I’d love any tips for keeping a hoover in good condition!

My Henry is nearly 30 years old so I've never had this problem

Do you change the filters? My Miele is 25 years old and still going strong.

Do you ever clean your hoover? The filters? The brushes?
They need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep working.

Do you change the bags occasionally ?

I was about to throw mine out , when I checked the filters which were badly clogged up. Worked perfectly after cleaning them. How many people buy new ones without looking at this simple solution?

Our Miele (the one designed for homes with pets) has been going for years - I always go for a make that I can get parts for fairly easily. Change the bag regularly, change the filters regularly (the soft one and the HEPA carbon one), and check the brush bar and de-fur/replace as needed. I usually have to take ours off a couple of times a year and cut long hair, stray threads, tennis ball fluff (thanks dog) and other stringy bits that have got caught up in the brushes off with a sharp knife.

Why does life-simplifying technology make life so complicated?

Who services a hoover? I’ve heard of emptying hoovers, but servicing them? I wish I had so much time on my hands. And cleaning the filter? The filter in my Henry is clearly labelled “do not wash”.

Do you actually clean the filters?

Do you change the bags and filters?

I have 2 mieles 22 & about 14 years old. Never had an issue with either.

Mine is called Suck. He is friends with Mop. Mop needs a special drink but Suck likes to eat Lego like sweeties. I would never throw out Suck without checking his filter he is a loyal companion and trusted confidante.

I used to get through a lot of hoovers until I bought a Henry. Had him for about 6 years, probably more, can’t remember.
He's a bit annoying but so reliable, I love him!

Bought a Henry 13 years ago and it just died this year.
Regular cleaning, Replace the filter at least once a year... Jobs a goodun.

I’ve heard “clean house = wasted life”. I think we should change it to “serviced hoover = wasted life”.

Get an Henry - they're immortal!

Are you cleaning and/or changing the filters?

I had two Dyson uprights and a handheld which were all rubbish. Got a Miele Pet to deal with the pet hair of three cats and a dog and it must be fifteen years old now. DH also brought an old Miele vacuum to our household when we started living together and this one was even older. It’s still going strong too.

My Miele is 15 years old and going strong

Have you tried to clean it out properly? I had a Miele cylinder for decades and then bought an upright Shark and didn’t realise that you had to disassemble bits to unclog it. I have a cat so it was full of dust and hair. I emailed them to ask why it had lost suction and they got on a video call with me and showed me how to check and clear out all the parts. I wouldn’t dream of buying a new vacuum before checking that it can’t be fixed first.

Yeah, my Henry fell down a flight of stairs and survived, impossible to kill despite my clumsiness

Our Henry is celebrating his 20th birthday this year. Part of the family :)

Have they been bagged ones? We had bagless Dyson and shark that didn't last very well, got a miele with a bag 9 years ago and it's been excellent, no issues. I think they said since dust and stuff goes right into the bag it doesn't get damaged or something. Obviously the ongoing cost of bags but saved by keeping the vacuum for years.

You do need to clean it you know? Learn how to do basic cleaning & maintenance - lots of videos on YouTube.

I’ve went back to bagged. Bagless requires too much maintenance of filters etc. Especially gimmicky cleaners like shark.

the best one I had was one of the original Dysons, lasted over 12 years before the motor burnt out, but a newer Dyson was rubbish.

I’ve had a SEBO the last year since the shark died and pleased with it so far. It’s a bit heavy but does a good job.

Meile cat and dog - 15 years strong! Change filters rarely

Im surprised you included Miele in the list OP, my upstairs Miele is nearly 30 years old, my downstairs one is 16 years old. No bother.