Before replacing a vacuum cleaner that’s losing power, find out whether it can be repaired. If another model would suit your needs better, distinguish between second-hand and refurbished options by checking the condition of the product and who’s selling it. As for the type, UFC-Que Choisir recommends a cylinder vacuum for a thorough clean and a cordless stick vacuum for quick clean-ups.
You want to know whether your current vacuum cleaner could still be useful after a repair, or to consider a second-hand or refurbished model before buying new. ADEME presents these as options worth exploring when a vacuum cleaner starts to show signs of wear.
You do longer cleaning sessions across different floor types and are happy to use a cylinder vacuum, even if it has a cord and takes up more space. UFC-Que Choisir recommends this type for thorough cleaning and larger areas.
You want a vacuum cleaner that’s easy to get out and put away. A cordless stick vacuum suits this kind of routine, as long as you check its battery life in the mode you’ll use and whether the battery can be replaced.
First, decide whether your current vacuum cleaner is worth repairing. Then check the condition of any potential replacement and who’s selling it. Choose the type of vacuum afterwards, based on your floors and how long you usually spend cleaning.
Worth considering: if a professional can diagnose the fault and get the appliance working again.
Limitation: whether it can be repaired depends, among other things, on the fault and the availability of parts for that model.
Worth considering: if your old vacuum type or its accessories no longer suit the way you clean.
Check: the repairability rating and parts availability for the exact model, rather than relying on motor power alone.
Worth considering: if you’re looking for a second-life appliance that has been tested before resale.
Check: the tests, condition and any repairs should relate to the specific item being sold, says the DGCCRF.
Worth considering: if you can check that it works and that the parts you need for cleaning are in good condition.
Limitation: your rights differ depending on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Get the fault diagnosed and check that suitable parts are available. ADEME lists the cable rewind mechanism, motor and suction system among the parts that can sometimes be repaired. | If my vacuum cleaner is losing power, I want to know whether I can keep using it before replacing it; around 33% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Second life | Check the item’s condition, its accessories and the seller’s identity. For a cordless stick vacuum, check the battery too. | To avoid buying new, I want to know the appliance’s actual condition and what recourse I have with the seller; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Thorough cleaning | Compare how it performs on your floor types and check the supplied brush. Don’t judge suction by motor wattage alone. | If I have carpets or a large area to clean, I need to be able to do a longer cleaning session; this would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Quick clean-ups | Check the battery life in the mode you’ll actually use and whether the battery can be replaced. | I’d rather be able to get the vacuum cleaner out easily for short, frequent clean-ups; around 20% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
A drop in performance doesn’t always mean the whole appliance needs to be discarded. ADEME says that some faults with the cable rewind mechanism, motor or suction system can be repaired.
Get a professional diagnosis before choosing another vacuum cleaner, and don’t attempt electrical repairs yourself.
According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished product must have undergone functional tests and been repaired if necessary. The legal guarantee of conformity that applies to sales by businesses does not apply to sales between private individuals.
Ask for a description of the specific item being sold, check for wear and tear, and make sure you know who the seller is.
Motor power alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum cleaner will clean. With a cordless stick vacuum, the advertised battery life may also refer to a different mode from the one you’ll use.
Check how it performs on your floors, which brush is included and how long the battery lasts in the mode you’ll need for your cleaning routine.
UFC-Que Choisir says a stick vacuum’s manoeuvrability makes it suitable for quick clean-ups, while a cylinder vacuum is better for thorough cleaning, particularly over large areas and on carpets.
Consider your most demanding floor type and how long your cleaning sessions usually last before deciding whether a stick vacuum can be your main appliance.
Worth considering if access to parts for a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner is important to you.
A brand worth considering if access to parts and accessories for a specific vacuum cleaner is a key factor.
Worth considering, particularly for a cordless stick vacuum, if spare parts are one of your criteria.
These models let you compare a bagged cylinder vacuum, two cordless stick vacuums and a corded stick vacuum that converts into a handheld model. First, choose the type that suits your floors and cleaning routine, then check the condition and specifications of the item on offer.
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Worth considering if you prefer a bagged cylinder vacuum for longer cleaning sessions. Check that the supplied brushes suit your floors and that bags and parts are available for the EB61C4OG model.
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The cordless design could suit you if you prefer quick clean-ups. The product listing claims up to 55 minutes of battery life, as well as 55 kPa and 550 W. Check which mode the stated battery life applies to, and don’t judge cleaning performance by these figures alone.
Also check which accessories are included and whether the battery can be replaced.
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Worth comparing for cordless clean-ups if manoeuvrability matters to you. The product listing claims up to 65 minutes of battery life; check how long it lasts in the mode you plan to use.
Also find out which battery is compatible and whether the supplied brush is suitable for your floors.
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The corded design could suit you if you don’t want to manage battery life. The product listing gives a 4.5 m cord, a 0.5 L dust container and 550 W motor power. Check that the cord length and container capacity are right for your home.
Check which brushes are included before choosing it for your floors.
Yes. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. It does not apply to sales between private individuals. So check who the seller is before buying and keep your proof of purchase.
According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished vacuum cleaner is a second-life appliance that must have been tested to make sure it works and repaired if necessary. Ask for a description of the specific item being sold, including its battery if it’s cordless, as well as its filters, brush and accessories.
Clean the filters and brushes according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid overfilling the bag. ADEME also recommends not vacuuming up plaster. If you have a cordless stick vacuum, follow the charging instructions and keep an eye on the battery’s condition.