Vacuum cleaners: Vacuum cleaner parts and spares Vacuum cleaner parts
One in six Which? members throw away faulty products rather than seek to repair them. But for a product like a vacuum cleaner, there might well be an easy fix to get it back up and running again.
Identifying the problem and then getting hold of the right vacuum cleaner spare part can save you the money and hassle of buying a new vacuum cleaner. This guide will help you get to grips with typical vacuum cleaner parts and prices, when a part might need some attention, and how easy it is to replace vacuum cleaner parts yourself.
Vacuum cleaner parts
| Vacuum cleaner parts and spares - typical costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum cleaner part | Typical cost of replacement part | When you might need to replace the part | DIY or job for a professional? |
Motor | £50 - £100 including labour | If your vacuum cleaner has a pungent smell, makes unusual noises or won't turn on. | Professional |
Lead | £10 - £25 including labour | If your vacuum cleaner won't turn on, or it turns on and off intermittently. | Professional |
Vacuum belt | £5 | If you can hear the motor running but the brush roll isn't turning. | DIY |
Vacuum filters | £3 - £35 (filter types vary) | If your vacuum cleaner is losing suction, or your filters look worn. | DIY |
Brush roll | £15 - £40 | If the brush roll won't properly rotate but belt appears to be intact, or if roller is balding. | DIY |
Hose | £12 - £30 | If your vacuum cleaner is losing suction or spitting out dust, or if you spot a crack. | DIY |
On / off switch | £3 - £9 | If the switch is cracked or no longer works. | DIY |
Wheels | £5 - £15 | If a wheel falls off or won't turn. | DIY |
Note: The cost of vacuum cleaner parts and spares will vary depending on the type and brand of vacuum cleaner.
Replacing a vacuum cleaner part
As you can see, a lot of simple repairs using spare parts can be performed yourself without the need for calling in a vacuum cleaner repairer - but where the electrics and motor are concerned, you're better off leaving it to the professionals. You can find appliance repairers used and recommended by Which? members using the Which? Local service.
If you are replacing a vacuum cleaner part yourself, follow these tips:
- Make sure your vacuum cleaner is off and unplugged.
- Check the vacuum cleaner part is compatible with your vac model - the serial number will be on the vacuum cleaner itself, or in your manual.
- Check your guarantee - some products have parts guarantees lasting longer than a year, meaning you might be covered for certain faults.
- Use the instructions provided with the spare part.
- If all else fails or you're unsure of what you're doing, call in a professional.
Is it better to repair or replace your vacuum cleaner?
Where to buy vacuum cleaner parts
Spare vacuum cleaner parts are available from manufacturers directly, or increasingly through other spare parts outlets such as Espares, Partmaster and Partsmaster offering both branded and universal (compatible with multiple vacuum cleaner models) replacement parts. Or, if you're using one, a vacuum cleaner repairer will be able to order parts for you.
It's important to choose a reputable spare parts stockist, as well as shopping around for the best price. Domestic appliance body Amdea recommends customers always choose genuine and approved spare parts made by the manufacturer, otherwise you may invalidate your product guarantee.
Our individual pages of Dyson spares, Hoover spares and Electrolux spares give more information on where to buy spare parts for those brands, or refer to our list of vacuum cleaner spares contacts.
Repair or replace your vacuum cleaner?
Most common faults are easy and relatively cheap to fix, and you'll usually be better off repairing your vacuum cleaner than buying a new one, particularly if you can fix it yourself - a Which? Best Buy vacuum cleaner costs from around £100.
For a more serious problem with your vacuum cleaner, you should contact local repairers before deciding whether fixing it is economical. We've tested more than 100 of the latest vacuum cleaner models and reveal our Best Buy and Don't Buy vacs in our comprehensive review.
Vacuum cleaner reliability
Some vacuum cleaner brands and models are more reliable than others - while some are more likely to break down sooner, and more often.
Our vacuum cleaner reliability survey of Which? members rates upright and cylinder vacuum cleaner brands - including Dyson, Miele, Hoover and Electrolux - for their overall product performance and aftercare, and reveals which manufacturers are lagging behind in the reliability stakes.
