A staple appliance in every home, the vacuum cleaner is a device used to collect dust and dirt from the floor. There are various models on the market – some use a disposable bag to collect the dust, while others use an integrated cylinder which can be emptied when full.
You can choose from upright models that you push along, or a pull-along design. Drum vacuum cleaners are very popular, while cordless vacuums and handheld vacuums are a more recent addition to the market. In the end, all have the same goal: to make the floor clean and clear.
Vacuum cleaner safety
Vacuum cleaners 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 vacuum cleaner from a reputable retailer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register new vacuum cleaner 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 vacuum cleaner or any other electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your appliance 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.
- 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 vacuum cleaner 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 vacuum cleaners safely
- Unplug your vacuum cleaner when not in use.
- Only use your vacuum cleaner indoors.
- Do not attempt to use your vacuum cleaner to clear wet floors. If your vacuum cleaner does get wet, have a reputable service person check it for you.
- Have your vacuum cleaner checked over by a reputable service person if you accidentally drop it.
- Do not use your vacuum cleaner if the plug or supply cable shows any signs of damage. Never pull the device by the cord and keep it away from sharp objects.
- Do not overstretch the supply cable.
- Store your vacuum cleaner in a dry area away from sources of extreme temperature.