How to store a stick vacuum

Choose the right spot

The best place is near where you clean most and near a socket. A hallway cupboard, utility room, under-stairs cupboard or a corner of the kitchen are common choices. Avoid cold garages, sheds and conservatories that get very hot, as lithium-ion batteries do not like extremes of temperature.

If you have more than one floor, consider where you start cleaning. Some people keep the stick downstairs and carry it up; others with a two-battery machine charge the spare upstairs.

• Close to a socket.
• Indoors at room temperature.
• Easy to reach without moving other things.
• Out of the way of children and pets.

Wall docks

Most sticks come with a wall dock that holds the vacuum and charges it. Fix it near a socket at a height where the floor head hangs just clear of the floor. Use the screws in the box with the right wall plugs for your wall. Plasterboard walls need suitable cavity fixings.

Before drilling, check for hidden pipes and cables with a detector, and avoid drilling directly above or below sockets and switches, where cables usually run.

Note:Check for cables and pipes before drilling. If you are unsure about your wall, ask a professional to fit the dock.

Floor stands

If you rent, cannot drill or want to move the vacuum around, a floor stand is a good option. Many brands sell stands as accessories, and some editions come with one, such as charging stands and self-emptying docks. Third-party stands are widely available; check that yours fits your model and holds the charger.

Floor stands take a little more floor space but let you keep the vacuum in a cupboard or corner with tools on hooks. Dyson sells floor docks for several models, including newer ones such as the Gen5.

Sticks with docks and stands →

Folding wands and freestanding sticks

Some sticks fold or stand up on their own. Shark's Flexology wand folds in the middle so the vacuum stands upright without a dock, and some Samsung, Dreame and other models have stands or charging bases. This makes them easy to store in a cupboard without fixings.

If your vacuum cannot stand alone, do not lean it against a wall, as it can slip and crack the bin or wand. Use a dock, stand or a padded hook instead.

Storing tools and spare batteries

Tools go missing if they are loose. Many docks have clips for two tools, and some brands supply a tool bag. A small wall-mounted basket or hooks next to the dock work well for the rest.

Store spare batteries indoors at room temperature, part-charged if you will not use them for a while. Keep them away from metal objects that could touch the contacts.

Storing in a cupboard without a socket

If your cupboard has no socket, choose a model with a removable battery so you can charge the pack in another room. Alternatively, run the charger cable from a nearby socket without trapping it in the door.

Do not use an extension lead with a damaged cable, and do not trap any cable in a door or under a heavy object. Our charging guide covers safe charging.

Keep it clean between uses

Empty the bin before you put the vacuum away, so it does not sit full. Let wet heads and washed filters dry fully outside the cupboard. A cupboard with a damp filter or wet roller inside will soon smell.

Our vacuum smell article explains how to stop odours, and our lightweight guide lists compact sticks for small homes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I store a stick vacuum without the wall dock? Yes. Use a floor stand, a model that stands alone, or a cupboard with the battery charged elsewhere.

Where should I put a Dyson dock? Near a socket, at a height where the floor head clears the floor. Fix it with the right wall plugs.

Is it OK to store a cordless vacuum in a garage? It is best avoided, as cold and heat can harm the battery.

Does Dyson make a floor stand? Dyson sells floor docks for several models. Check Dyson UK for your model.