Extend The Life Of Your Dyson With These Simple Tips
Cordless vacuums, in general, and Dyson vacuums, in particular, are an important part of anyone's cleaning arsenal. That's because they make cleaning so much more convenient, which increases the likelihood you'll use them to perform spot cleaning throughout the week. Since they're so light, portable, and don't encumber you with a limited cord, you're more likely to quickly vacuum the living room or hallway as dust and pet hair accumulate, rather than waiting for a deep clean during chore day. The only downside to such a convenient appliance is that since it runs on a battery, it doesn't last as long as its corded counterpart. On average, it's twice as likely to develop problems after five years of use than a corded version, which can be a bummer when you invest hundreds of dollars into it, like a Dyson. But there are ways to extend the life of your stick vacuum and make it last.
To maximize a Dyson's battery life, practice certain maintenance rules. Keep the vacuum outside of overly hot or cold conditions, don't charge it unless the battery has fully drained, and try to use the high-powered settings less often. On average, Dyson batteries tend to last around four to six years, after which you start to see a dip in power. However, if you keep these maintenance tips in mind, you can help your cleaning tool last a little longer, giving you more bang for your buck. Here is an in-depth look at how.
Watch any temperature fluctuations
Battery-dependent appliances don't like to experience extreme temperature fluctuations because they affect the way the battery works. According to Dyson, it ages the power source faster, and after routine exposure to hot or cold temperatures, you will notice that it will hold its charge for shorter periods of time. At first glance, you might think this tip is a bit odd. After all, no one stores their stick vacuum outside in the cold, and most people have some sort of air conditioning running during the summer. But heat fluctuations happen all of the time without us necessarily noticing them.
For example, make sure you're not storing your vacuum in the closet next to your furnace, which can get quite hot when the appliance is pumping. Also, avoid storing it in your basement, garage, porch, or apartment landing, especially if these spaces aren't heated or cooled properly. You also want to go as far as avoiding storing your vacuum in an area with plenty of natural sunlight, which will also increase and drop the temp depending on when the sun is out. Instead, store it in a hallway or utility closet with no windows and that is properly temperature controlled.
Watch how you charge the battery
The second tip to prolong your battery life is to be careful how you charge it. Doing this incorrectly is a common mistake that slowly kills your vacuum. First, you want to allow the vacuum to cool completely after using it. If your battery drained during your last carpet-cleaning session, you might be tempted to plug it into its charging session right after so you don't forget to do so. However, Dyson recommends allowing it to power down and cool before juicing it with electricity. You also want to wait until the battery is totally empty before charging it. While this might not be convenient to do every time, aim to do so at least once a month. You can also invest in a backup battery that you can pop in when the other one is dead and charging.
Speaking of drained batteries, the brand also recommends using its Boost or Max modes only when you really need them. These modes amp up the suction and are designed to be used during bigger messes, such as when you have dirt or food on the carpet or floor. However, they are not to be used for regular, everyday dust and hair. Because they require a quick burst of power to increase suction, these modes drain the battery faster, putting more wear on it. If you use it consistently, you will chip away at the battery's life expectancy, making it last less than it usually would.