WARNING All Philips Lumea users - you need to know this

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

In the instructions manual, under the charging section, it states one line that is completely vital to the longevity of your device.

It says to charge the unit every 3-4 months, whether it is used or not.

What it doesn't tell you is that if you fail to do so, it dries the battery out and the whole thing becomes completely useless because the battery is not replaceable.

I've just been informed about this from the Philips website and a chat transcript.

They cost hundreds of pounds, so it is a very expensive mistake to make, and it is written in such a way as to be easily overlooked or forgotten about.

You probably all were completely aware of this already, but I have been caught out in what is probably the most expensive mistake of my life!

------

Looking for advice before buying an at-home IPL device? You’ve come to the right place. Check out our guide to buying and using a Philips Lumea - complete with FAQS, tips, and recommendations from the most discerning shoppers out there: Mumsnetters. MNHQ.

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

Philips told me today that it's dead. If it was a simple case of changing batteries I'd have hoped they would tel me.

[PrettyFlyForATightGuy]

Thank you so much. It has been about 4 months since I charged mine but have used it a couple of months ago and it's charging now! You're a saviour as there's no way I could have afforded a new one in the foreseeable future.

[Swatsup]

Pants. I gave up using mine 6 months ago. Going to see if it still works now. Grrrrr

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

They do a new corded one, I might get that as it's much cheaper.

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

Though I'd rather boycott them if I'm honest

[trixymalixy]

Fuck!!!! I've plugged mine in and looks like it isn't charging!!!

[WiltingTulip]

Yeah mine died after being used 6 times. I put it away over winter and went to get ready for summer and it wouldn't charge.

When I rang to see if I had done something wrong the lady seemed to not believe that I had only used it 6 times in nearly 3 years. She didn't mention that it had to be regularly charged but I googled it after and there are heaps of people who have had the same problem.

I was offered the opportunity to buy the newest model at a reduced cost but it was still expensive and my dog and I decided it would be more cost effective to have it done professionally if it only lasts a few times. I did get good results though.

[WiltingTulip]

My dh. Obviously.

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

Sorry a few of you are in the same position as me. I'm looking st their new slide n glide that retails new for £200, it's more affordable and it looks like it does the same job. Best of all it is corded so can't ever get caught out like that again.

Still tempted to take my business elsewhere though. Just haven't found any better reviews yet

[Crumbelina]

Thank you, thank you! Mine appears to be charging ok. I haven't used it for at least 6 months and I was pregnant before that so it wouldn't have been used for at least a year prior to that also.

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

Wow, you've been lucky!

I got to wondering how the battery copes with sitting on the shelf before being bought - surely it can sit there in a shop for more than 3/4 months? So I guess the point is no one knows when their battery will conk out. Still disgusted that they don't give a fair warning about it.

[Crumbelina]

So lucky (although I haven't used it yet)! I wonder if later models are better, although I don't know why it would be any different.

It's such a shocker - I can't even remember reading the charging instruction when I bought it. It should have a massive sticker warning somewhere!

[MartinRohdesBellybuttonFluff]

Thanks OP. I bought mine over a year ago. I have just taken it out of the box for the first time, seems OK. Will have to read the manual tonight though.

[Babyiwantabump]

Aaaargh off to see if mine works as last used it over a year ago because I got pregnant with DS2!

[farfarawayfromhome]

I didn't use mine at all whilst pregnant...it charged perfectly the first time I plugged it in. There is hope.

[Babyiwantabump]

It's fine! Thanks for this OP!

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

There's usually a battery isolator in new ones, so the battery wouldn't lose charge in the box.

I also don't have one because I'm too fair, but have you tried asking for a discount on a slide n glide if you're interested in getting one? I reckon they should give you something, under the circumstances...

[Rumtopf]

Thanks OP. I've not used mine in ages so have just put it on charge now!

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

Yes I wonder if they improved it over time? Mine was a SC2003, which is reasonably old now.

[Bambooshoots14]

Have you got the link to the new slide and glide? I've been looking at a lumea to put in a cupboard with the epilator and no no but the price puts me off

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

It's unclear whether the slide and glide corded one is for everywhere because it says BODY yet underneath has timings for underarm , leg, face and bikini, which suggests it's for everywhere. However the other models, the cordless ones, specifically mention separate attachments for each area, so it's a bit confusing.

Anyway, boots is selling all of them at a discount at the moment, but I think they're online discounts rather than in store. So the £200 one is £175, though for 'body'. Whatever that means!

[CoolCarrie]

Thank you Op for the warning. Much appreciated. x

[MrFMercury]

Another one whose just put it on to charge. Fingers crossed it's working!

[Iwasbornin1993]

Thank you for the warning, OP! Just set myself an alarm to put it on charge when I'm home from work this evening. It should be made much clearer considering the amount they cost!

[NoSuchThingAsThePerfectParent]

MrFMercury if the green charging light comes on you're fine. It's when you plug it in and it's as though you haven't actually plugged it in yet, then there's a problem.