Products and appliances

Vacuum cleaners

A staple appliance in every home, a vacuum cleaner collects the dust and dirt from your floors. But take the proper precautions when using and storing them. 

There are many different types of vacuum cleaner on the market, with battery-powered models becoming increasingly popular. Some vacuum cleaners use a disposable bag to collect the dust while others use an integrated cylinder which can be emptied when full. 

You can also choose from upright models to push along, or a pull-along design. Drum vacuum cleaners are also popular, while cordless vacuums and handheld vacuums are a more recent addition to the market.  

Key points

  • Vacuum cleaners or their chargers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug. 
  • Keep vacuum cleaners unplugged when not in use. 
  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a vacuum cleaner

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug. 
  • You will find lots of online reviews of vacuum cleaners but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. 
  • Safety features to look for include automatic shut-off/overheat protection, HEPA filters to capture allergens, fine dust, and irritants (crucial for allergy sufferers), cord wraps or automatic cord rewind to prevent tripping hazards, and stable design to prevent accidental tipping, especially with upright models. 
  • Register your vacuum cleaner so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a vacuum cleaner safely

  • Read through the entire owner’s manual, so you are familiar with specific operational instructions. 
  • If using a portable, battery-powered vacuum cleaner, only use the original charger (or one verified as suitable by the manufacturer), and only use batteries verified by the manufacturer as suitable. 
  • Spend a few minutes inspecting the plug and cord before use, to make sure they are in good condition. Don’t use the vacuum cleaner if there is any sign of damage. 
  • Avoid pulling the device by the cord and keep it away from sharp objects. Don’t overstretch the supply cable. 
  • Only use a vacuum cleaner indoors and unplug it when not in use. 
  • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to clear wet floors unless it is specifically designed to do so. If your cleaner does get wet, or you accidentally drop it, have a reputable service person check it. 
  • Store your vacuum cleaner in a dry area away from sources of extreme temperature. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first [link to gov site?] before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer. 
  • Register your vacuum cleaner with the manufacturer.  
  • Inspect the plug and cord before use to ensure they are in good condition. 
  • Use the correct charger and batteries on cordless models.  

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Pulling the vacuum cleaner by the cord and don’t overstretch the cord. 
  • Using a vacuum cleaner on wet floors. 
  • Using a vacuum cleaner if you notice any unusual smells or sounds. 
  • Using universal chargers and third-party batteries on cordless models. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check your appliance

If you notice a burning smell, sparking, cracks or damage, or any unusual noises, switch the vacuum cleaner off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 

Check the plug

Regularly check 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 when using the vacuum cleaner, stop using it and replace. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the appliance. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD adapter between the vacuum plug and the socket-outlet. 

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

A woman using a cordless vacuum cleaner.

Additional info

Vacuum cleaners are not major users of energy with most having an energy rating of between 0.6 kW and 0.9 kW. Newer models tend to be more energy-efficient. Using a vacuum that cleans more quickly so you don’t have to use it for as long and emptying your vacuum cleaner before it gets two-thirds full also helps maintain efficiency. 

Woman using a washing machine

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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