iRobot Roomba vacuum bag replacements are not cheap, so you may be wondering whether you can reuse them. We searched for answers from actual users, reviews, and the iRobot Roomba website, and here's what we found out.
According to the iRobot website, Roomba vacuum bags should not be reused for a very good reason. Aside from catching dust and dirt, it also serves as a filter.
Used bags may have blocked pores which increases the air pressure inside the machine when used. This can lead to a false reading that the bag is already full even if it's not.
Therefore, it's always recommended to use a new bag once the red LED light indicator in the base gives a "full bag" prompt.
Would you like to know what can happen if you continue to reuse iRobot bags? Read on below and we'll explain further. We'll also share with you some things that users do to maximize the use of their bags.
Can You Empty Roomba Bag And Reuse It?
Are you cutting down expenses on vacuum bag replacements or simply want to lessen waste at home by reusing and recycling? You may do this with other things, but unfortunately not on the iRobot Roomba.
According to the official iRobot website, it is NOT recommended to reuse the dirt bag because it doesn't just catch dust and dirt. The bag is also a filter, which means the material is porous and small particles can be picked up and get caught in the filter.
If you try to reuse a dirty and clogged filter, the Clean Base automatic dirt disposal machine will experience poor air circulation and pressure, which can prompt it to give you a false "full bag" signal indicating that the bag needs replacement.
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Check out the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal on Amazon.
The Clean Base is used to automatically empty the tray of your Roomba robot. You can purchase it separately from the Roomba robot vacuum and it will come with 2 disposal bags and a washable bin with Auto Evac.
What Will Happen If You Reuse The Bag?
If you're browsing through the internet for answers, you might find information that tells you how you can empty the bag and still use it for a few more cycles of cleaning.
Apparently, one of the ways you can reuse the filter is by placing a long nozzle of a vacuum in the hole of the filter and sucking out the dirt. Once it's empty, you can reuse the bag for a few more rounds of cleaning.
Here's another video that shows you how to reuse it by cutting a slit and placing a velcro under the bag.
Despite all these instructions above on how to reuse iRobot bags, take note that we do not recommend that you do this as per the manufacturer's advice. Not only does it put the efficiency of your Clean Base machine at risk, but it also lessens the filtering capability of the bags.
The filter material of the dirt bag ensures that whatever small particles are picked up will stick to it and not spread and get blown around the room. This ensures very efficient and thorough cleaning.
Consequently, these small particles can block the pores of the filter. When it does, it minimizes air circulation and creates pressure inside the Clean Base machine.
Poor air circulation signals the machine that the bag is full and it will give you a "full bag" prompt, indicating that the bag needs replacement. If you continue to reuse a bag that's been through numerous cleaning cycles and has clogged filters, you will surely get a "full bag" prompt even though the bag still has enough space.
When this happens, the Roomba robot won't be able to automatically empty itself in the Clean Base.
According to the iRobot support, you can try to shake the bag to help loosen the particles. If this does not work, replacing it with a new bag should remove the "full bag" prompt.
How To Replace Roomba Bags
If it's time to replace the bag in the Clean Base auto dirt disposal, here's what to do.
- Open the top lid of the Clean Base
- Pick up the bag by grasping the card so it will close the hole, trapping the dirt and debris inside the bag so it won't get blown out.
- Throw the entire bag into the trash can.
- Get a new bag and slide the card into the guide rails.
- Close the top lid by pushing it down until you hear it clip shut.
Here's a video instruction below.
How Often Do You Need To Replace A Roomba Bag?
Depending on how often you use your Roomba and how dirty your environment is, each bag can be used for up to 60 days.
To give you an idea, the Roomba robot can hold about 400 ml of dust before it empties itself into the Clean Base. The bag inside the base can hold 30 times the amount of dust that the robot can hold.
This means that it will take you several weeks or even months before you need to replace your dust bag.
View this product below to see how much the dust bag costs.
You can get these authentic iRobot dirt disposal bags on Amazon.
If you're thinking of reusing the bag to save money, then you may want to assess the situation by knowing how long each bag lasts.
One bag can last you several months, which means if you're using the Roomba year-round, you may only need to buy a few bags throughout the year. You will be spending just a few dollars every few months for a clean, fresh bag that will ensure the efficiency of your machine.
Authentic iRobot dirt disposal bags come in packs of three. These are usually compatible with the j, s, and i model series. If one bag is good for 60 days, then one purchase can last you for at least 6 months.
You can purchase a replacement bag on their website or through an online selling site like Amazon.
Can I Use Roomba Without Bags?
No, it cannot be used without filter bags. The Clean Base is made to automatically empty the contents of the Roomba robot and store the dirt and debris tightly, securely, and compactly inside the bags.
The dust bag has a card that needs to be locked into the guide rails inside the tower. When this bag is full, it can send a prompt to the user through the iRobot HOME App.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Roomba?
Generally, robot vacuums last for around 4 to 6 years, and according to reviews, a Roomba will last just about the same. It can last longer with good maintenance.
The lower-end Roomba models such as the Roomba 675 can last around 2 years with full use. The higher-end Roomba J7+ can last more than 5 years if you follow proper maintenance.
View the specs of the iRobot Roomba J7+ on Amazon.
When it comes to Roomba's battery life, it usually lasts around 1-2 years (other sources say 3 years) before the battery starts to wear off. A Roomba uses lithium-ion batteries and this comes with your purchase of the unit.
A fully charged Roomba will run for a maximum of 2 hours, then it will start to power down. You can charge it to around 400 times before the battery life starts to deplete.
To help prolong battery life, the Roomba manual suggests always keeping the unit charged at the home base when not in use.
It is also recommended to remove the battery from the Roomba if you're going to store the unit for a long time. This will help preserve the life of the battery.
If you need to replace the battery, don't just throw the old one in the garbage bin. Contact the local waste management authority in your area and ask about proper disposal of e-waste.
Check out this iRobot replacement lithium-ion battery on Amazon.
Wrapping Up
To wrap things up, remember that iRobot Roomba bags are not something you can reuse. The machine may give you a false "full bag" prompt even if the bag is still not full.
To maximize the efficiency and lifespan of the machine, it is always best to follow the proper usage recommended by the manufacturer.
Thank you very much for reading through. We hope you were able to understand why it's best to replace your Roomba bag when prompted. For more vacuum-related topics, you can check out these other articles below.
Does Your HEPA Filter Keep Popping Out? Here’s Your Fix! [All Vacuum Models]
Thank you so much for this informative site. This as givin me so much useful information to keep my new Roomba J7+ Combo in top notch condition.