How Do I Replace the Battery in My Cordless or Robot Vacuum Cleaner?

Cordless vacuums are becoming increasingly common in both homes and businesses. Consumers now have a large selection of battery-powered models at their disposal, ranging from upright, cylinder, stick and handheld models to robot vacuums like those manufactured by Roomba®. Regardless of what type of cordless vacuum you have, eventually you will need to replace its batteries. If you have questions regarding which type of battery you need, Batteries Plus can help. Keep reading for answers to some of your most common vacuum battery questions.

What Types of Batteries Do Robotic Vacuums Run On?

Cordless vacuums run on a number of different battery types. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are the most commonly used kind, although vacuums run on a variety of other chemistries too, including lithium ion (Li-ion), lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd) and even alkaline batteries.

When replacing your vacuum cleaner battery, it’s very important that you use a replacement battery compatible with your specific model vacuum. Otherwise, it most likely won’t work. Your owner’s manual should provide you with the exact replacement part ID number of the battery you need.

How Long Does a Vacuum Battery Last?

The lifespan of your vacuum battery will depend on a number of factors, such as the battery’s chemistry and how well you maintain it. Let’s start with the type of battery you have. Different battery chemistries have different average life cycles, which are measured in charging cycles. A charging cycle is completed when your battery goes from a full charge to a state of complete discharge.

Nickel cadmium and lead acid batteries skew towards the lower end of the scale, with life cycles of several hundred charging cycles. Nickel metal hydride batteries will last longer, topping out somewhere in the range of 500 cycles, while lithium ion batteries can hold up for over 1000 cycles. For more information on nickel metal hydride and lithium ion batteries, visit our blog.

Alkaline batteries are used to power certain handheld vacuums. Most of these models will use disposable alkaline batteries, although some may accept rechargeable alkaline types as well. On average, alkalines will last for about an hour of total usage before they need to be replaced or recharged.

How Do I Charge My Vacuum Battery?

When it comes to your battery’s overall life cycle, chemistry isn’t the only factor. The way you charge your battery will also play a significant role in how long it lasts. Since batteries have different chemistries, it’s very important that you use a battery charger that is compatible with the type of battery you have. Fortunately, this is very easy since most cordless vacuum cleaners will come with their own charger.

You’ll also want to pay close attention to your battery’s charging instructions. While charging times and frequencies will vary between chemistries, you should always be sure to avoid both under- and overcharging your battery. If your battery’s charge remains too low for too long, your battery can become unusable. Overcharging, on the other hand, can damage your battery’s internal components, greatly reducing its overall life cycle.

Additional Ways To Maximize Your Vacuum Battery Life

In addition to charging, the way you care for your vacuum can impact how long its battery lasts. Here are some additional tips to get the longest possible battery life.

• Make sure you’re using the right cleaning mode
• Pick a cordless vacuum that’s designed for the type of surfaces you’ll be using it on
• Always store your vacuum at room temperature
• Regularly clean your vacuum’s filter

Shop Batteries Plus for Your Replacement Vacuum Battery

Batteries Plus makes it easy to find your replacement vacuum battery. Stop by our vacuum battery page online and enter the brand, then model of your vacuum and you’ll be given a list of compatible battery options. Even if your current battery is still going strong, you might want to pick up a spare that you can swap out when it’s time to recharge the original.

Not sure if your battery needs replacing? Just bring it to your nearest Batteries Plus and we’ll test it for you, free of charge. Does your vacuum require a battery that’s no longer being produced? No problem. Our experts can help build you a replacement pack to fit your specific model.