On average, Roombas can last between 2 to 5 years. The budget-friendly model, such as the Roomba 675, has a life expectancy of around two years. However, a premium model like the iRobot j7+ can last up to five years.
Are you considering buying a Roomba vacuum and wondering how long it can last? It’s great to do some background checks before you buy a product. So, what is the average life of a robot vacuum?
During our test, we found that the lifespan of your Roomba depends upon several factors, such as usage frequency, the quality of the model, and how you do the maintenance.
Replacing components such as the battery, brushes, sensors, dust bin, or air channels can contribute to extending the operational life of your Roomba.
In this article, you will discover how long Roombas last and how you can extend its lifespan.
How Long Do Roombas Last?
Generally, a Roomba vacuum can last for a period of 2 to 5 years. However, you can extend this to over a decade with good maintenance and regular use. Therefore, the longevity of your Roomba depends mainly on the care it receives.
The better you maintain your Roomba, the longer it will serve you efficiently.
Analyzing the online customer reviews, we found that several users reported their Roombas lasted up to 15 years. However, a few customers expressed dissatisfaction, stating that their Roomba units ceased functioning after two years.
Every one of us thinks about saving money and getting out maximum dollar on every product we buy.
Since some of the Roomba models are expensive, it’s important that your Roomba last longer to see your money’s worth. (Check what Roomba Model You Have!)
When you buy Roomba from an authorized retailer, it comes with a warranty for a specified duration. This warranty provides coverage when your Roomba develops faults or shows some defects.
Performing regular tasks, such as emptying the dustbin, cleaning the dustbin compartment, and checking the rollers after each use or at least weekly, can help you maintain your Roomba.
Shaking out the filter after every use reduces the strain on the Roomba’s vacuum motor, thereby extending its life.
Heavy usage or mishandling can shorten the lifespan of a Roomba. An excessive amount of dirt, as seen in homes with numerous pets or abundant carpeting, accelerates the wear and tear on the device.
Despite Roombas being equipped with sensors and programming to avoid falls and hazards, physical damage can still impact its longevity. Exposure to moisture or wet debris can also clog or damage your Roomba.
Interestingly, there’s a significant gap in the lifespan of a Roomba, but why is this so? As previously mentioned, several variables, such as the frequency of use and maintenance level, influence your Roomba’s longevity. So, what can you do to extend your Roomba’s life?
How To Make Your Roomba Last Longer?
There are several factors that contribute to the Roomba’s lifespan. These include usage frequency, the quality of the Roomba itself, and the maintenance it receives.
Replacing crucial components that get worn out with time, such as the battery, brushes, sensors, dustbins, or air channels, can extend Roomba’s life.
Committing to regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your Roomba. The battery life, in particular, plays a significant role in your Roomba’s overall performance and lifespan.
Here are some maintenance habits that extend both the battery life and the overall life of the Roomba.
- Use your Roomba regularly.
- Keep your Roomba always charged.
- Clean your Roomba frequently.
- Replace necessary components when needed.
- Avoid water and other liquids.
Use Your Roomba Regularly
Using your Roomba frequently is beneficial for several reasons. Roomba models have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last longer when used regularly.
Moreover, it’s recommended to occasionally deplete the battery completely. By doing so, your Roomba enters a 16-hour recharge phase, which refreshes battery life and even restores any lost charge cycles.
This not only extends the life of your battery but also contributes to extending the overall lifespan of your Roomba.
Therefore, frequent use of Roomba helps maintain its efficiency, ensures optimal battery health and ultimately adds to the device’s durability.
Keep You Roomba Always Charged
The lifespan of your Roomba’s battery is typically less than the overall life of the device, averaging around two to five years.
To ensure optimal battery health, you should use your Roomba frequently. Regular usage keeps the battery active and helps extend its life.
Also, remember to keep your Roomba on its charging dock when not in use. This practice ensures that your Roomba is always ready for its next cleaning session and also helps maintain the battery’s ability to hold a charge over time.
Clean Your Roomba Frequently
Cleaning your Roomba vacuums is essential to ensure longevity and efficient performance. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris accumulate on your Roomba can create difficulties for its functionality. By keeping it clean, you can enable your Roomba to operate smoothly and last longer.
Cleaning the filters – Most Roomba models come equipped with 2 to 3 filters, including a pre-motor filter that safeguards the motor from dirt and dust. Regular cleaning of these filters can keep your Roomba running optimally.
Cleaning the brush – The motorized brush of your Roomba is prone to get entangled with fibers, hair, pet fur, or strings. iRobot recommends cleaning the brush at least once a week to keep your Roomba performing at its best.
Don’t let the bin overfill – Whether your Roomba model is bagged or bagless, allowing the bin to fill to its maximum capacity can clog the inner mechanisms of the device. For this reason, it’s recommended to empty your Roomba’s bin frequently and keep it as clean as possible.
Don’t forget to clean the contact points and charging terminals – These areas are often overlooked but are essential for the proper functioning of your Roomba.
Examine the Rollers, Wheels, and Sensors: Flip your Roomba over at least once a week for a thorough check. Pay attention to the opening that connects the roller compartment to the dustbin compartment, ensuring no dirt or debris obstructs it.
Inspect the Front Caster Wheel and Side Brush: Remove and examine the caster wheel for any trapped hair or dirt in its socket. This inspection also applies to the side brush, which can often collect unwanted particles.
Clean the Sensor Windows: Make sure to wipe clean the sensor windows every month.
Wipe the Roomba’s Exterior: Regularly clean the exterior of your Roomba, paying special attention to any scuffs or debris in the bumper area. This not only keeps your device looking clean but also prevents any foreign matter from interfering with its operation.
The cleanliness of your Roomba plays a significant role in its overall performance and lifespan. Regular maintenance can help you make the most out of your Roomba and keep your home spotless for a longer period.
Replace Necessary Roomba Parts Such As Filters, Rollers, Wheels etc.
Roomba vacuums have components that wear out over time. Replacing these components timely helps Roomba with optimal performance and even extends its life.
Here is the list of Roomba components and when you should replace them. (source)
| Roomba Component | When to replace |
| Battery | Every 2 years |
| Brushes | Every 6 -12 months |
| Sensors | Every 2 years |
| Channel | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Extractors | Every 6 -12 months |
| Filters | Every 2 months |
| Front Caster Wheel | Every 12 months |
| Canister/Bin | When required |
Avoid water and other liquids
Roombas are not designed to handle moisture well.
Like most robot vacuums, even those equipped with mop attachments, they are susceptible to damage when exposed to water.
If your Roomba becomes excessively wet, it can lead to major issues, including short circuits or other considerable damages.
How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Roomba?
There is no defined time frame to replace a Roomba vacuum. Generally, you can use a Roomba vacuum for around 10 years. However, you should upgrade your Roomba model once every 2-3 years, as every year, Roomba comes with new technology advancements that make cleaning easier and better.
Anyway, this is going to be your personal choice as to when to replace a Roomba.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your Roomba’s components can significantly extend its lifespan, thereby reducing the need for a replacement.
Taking good care of essential parts like the battery, brush, filter, and bin and replacing them when needed ensures your Roomba remains functional for an extended period.
The table (provided above) can serve as a guide for when to replace certain components. However, there are instances when replacing your Roomba becomes necessary.
For example, when your Roomba has become old, or the cost of maintaining it surpasses the expense of acquiring a new one, it may be time to consider a replacement.
However, if you fail to follow the maintenance, your Roomba may show issues such as the battery draining quickly, brushes not working correctly, or the Roomba leaving dirt on the floor.
Here’s how you can find out your Roomba has reached the end of its lifespan.
- Roomba Error messages: Roomba always alerts you with an error message when it has issues relating to charging, positioning or obstacles. However, you should pay attention to errors such as error 8 or error 11 (motor isn’t working) or errors 15 and 25 (problem with circuit).
- Roomba Is Not Starting: If it is not working, ensure it’s charged and connected to the Wi-Fi. If it is charged and connected to Wi-Fi, then your Roomba might have some serious issues with the battery.
- Parts are unavailable, or the repairs are too expensive: iRobot has simplified the process of replacing significant Roomba components, ranging from the primary wheels to the roller assembly. However, if finding replacement parts becomes a challenge, or the repair expenses start to mirror the cost of a new unit, consider replacing your old Roomba with a brand-new model.
Does Roomba Have a Lifetime Warranty?
Roomba doesn’t have a lifetime warranty but has a one-year limited warranty on its parts and 6 months on the batteries.
The warranty starts from the date of your purchase. To claim the warranty, you must have the purchase receipt as evidence of your purchase.
Typically, the warranty protects you against any production flaws in the Roomba or other parts. It also covers any operational or performance problems that may occur while using your Roomba.
However, it doesn’t cover any damage resulting from incorrect handling or misuse of your Roomba.
Is It Worth to Repair Roomba?
Yes, it is worth repairing a Roomba. You can easily find most Roomba parts at your local retail or online at Amazon.
Fixing a few defective parts on your Roomba can restore it to its original performance, making the effort well worth it.
Most of the time, you can repair or replace the worn-out parts yourself. All you need is a Philips-head screwdriver.
Roomba vacuums are designed in a way that you can disassemble most of the parts yourself and replace components like batteries, wheels, cleaning heads, rollers, roller assemblies, vacuum motors and even drive motors.
If you have a bit of experience and skill, you can even replace the motherboard yourself, but it is always wise to look for a professional for this.
What Should You Do If You Are Not Going To Use Your Roomba Vacuum For An Extended Period?
If you are not going to use your Roomba vacuum for an extended period (more than a month), put it into Ship Mode.
When Roombas are put into Ship mode, they can’t run any task or get started automatically.
Here’s how you can put your Roomba into ship mode.
- Press and Hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
- If your Roomba has NiMH batteries, first fully charge the battery and then put it for storage.
Do Roombas Wear Out?
Like other devices, the mechanical components of Roomba, such as wheels, filters, etc., do wear out. The wheels are made up of rubber and plastic and must be replaced once every 3 months. The filters get clogged with dust and debris and need to be cleaned once per week and replaced in 2 months.
Can You Run A Roomba Multiple Times A Day?
You can run your Roomba multiple times a day. Indeed, running your Roomba daily is not only possible but also beneficial. Regular usage helps keep your Roomba’s battery in active condition and doesn’t negatively impact its lifespan, provided you maintain regular cleaning and upkeep.
In fact, for larger households or homes with numerous pets, running your Roomba every day is highly recommended.
However, it’s important to note that there’s no need to clean every inch of your home each time you run your Roomba.
Depending on your model, Roomba offers various features like Spot mode, smart mapping, or virtual barriers. These features allow you to focus on cleaning specific areas or rooms, thus ensuring efficient device use.
The Spot mode is particularly handy for concentrated areas of dirt or debris. On the other hand, smart mapping and virtual barriers can be used to instruct your Roomba to clean only a particular room or to avoid certain areas.
Key Takeaways
- On average, a Roomba can last between 2 to 5 years, depending on the model. However, this lifespan can be extended to over a decade with good maintenance and regular use.
- The life of a Roomba vacuum depends on the frequency of use, quality of the model, and maintenance level. Replacing components such as the battery, brushes, sensors, dust bin, or air channels can contribute to extending the operational life of your Roomba.
- Regular tasks such as emptying the dustbin, cleaning the compartment, checking the rollers, and shaking out the filter after every use can help maintain your Roomba and extend its life.
- Heavy usage or mishandling can shorten the lifespan of a Roomba. Physical damage, exposure to moisture or wet debris, and excessive dirt can impact its life.
- Frequent use, keeping the device always charged, regular cleaning, replacing necessary components when needed, and avoiding water and other liquids can significantly extend the life of your Roomba.
- The lifespan of your Roomba’s battery is typically less compared to the overall life of the device. Regular usage keeps the battery active and helps extend its life. It’s recommended to keep your Roomba on its charging dock when not in use.
- Regularly clean the filters and the brush of your Roomba. Don’t let the bin overfill, as it can clog the inner mechanisms of the device.