A very new, innovative device on the UK market, the first robot vacuum cleaner was created in 2005. Since then, the futuristic gadgets have been upgraded and have become more and more popular with people looking for a more convenient solution to keeping their homes clean.
Powered by remote control or a smart self-drive mode, these petite, quiet machines are easier to store than traditional vacuums and save you time on your household chores. More expensive than a traditional vacuum cleaner, robot vacuums are considered to be a luxury item.
Robot vacuum safety
Robot vacuums are generally very safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take a few sensible precautions before and during use.
Safety first
- Make sure you buy your robot vacuum from a reputable retailer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register your new robot vacuum with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is issued. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To find out how to register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online Product Recall checker to see if your robot vacuum or any other electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your appliance charger has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Get in touch with the retailer and ask them to fit a UK plug.
- Always use the charger that comes with your robot vacuum. If it becomes faulty, obtain a replacement, preferably from the same manufacturer, or a reputable supplier that can ensure that the charger is compatible with your appliance.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in a robot vacuum charger should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider using an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
Using your robot vacuum safely
- When cleaning or carrying out maintenance work, make sure the robot vacuum is disconnected from the wall.
- Always hold the plug when pulling the charger cable out of the wall – never tug on the cord.
- Ensure all repairs are carried out by reputable technicians.
- Discontinue use immediately if the robot vacuum or charger are damaged in any way.
- Keep your robot vacuum and charger away from water and other liquids – never immerse them in water and do not use in humid environments.
- Do not allow your robot vacuum to suck up any hot ashes or cigarette butts.
- Keep your robot vacuum, charging unit and batteries away from sources of intense heat.
- Do not use when you have candles or desk lamps on the floor. Keep the floor free from clutter and ensure wires and cables are kept up out of the vacuums’ way.
- For indoor use only.