Roombas have a lifespan of about 4 to 6 years. Consumers love them because they make cleaning effortless. However, most people do not know what to do with an old Roomba.
Many often choose to throw the device out, but this can be risky, especially if it still has a user’s data.
So, what should you do with an old Roomba?
Here is what your should do with your old Roomba
There are many things one can do with an old Roomba vacuum, depending on the gadget’s condition. If it is still working, you can repair it, resell it or trade it in. If it has reduced productivity or is completely spoilt, you can recycle it. Before trading in or reselling your Roomba, make sure you factory reset it so it can erase your data.
People never hesitate to throw away things they find unusable; this should not be the case with a Roomba robot, given it is a versatile device. If you have used your iRobot for some time and it has a malfunction, you should try fixing it instead of presuming it is no longer utilitarian.
We will explore some of the purposeful things you can do with an old robot vacuum cleaner. Most iRobots cost a fortune; thus, you should not be quick in discarding them in the trash can. Nevertheless, everyone should play their part in cleaning the planet, and throwing away electronics is not environmentally friendly.
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Does Roomba Do Trade-In?
Roomba has a trade-in program that allows one to turn in their Roomba in exchange for credit to buy a new Roomba robot. The credit given varies per the model traded-in.
Roomba i7 and s9 go for $100, Roomba i3, 700, 800, and 900 for $75, Roomba 600, 500, and e Series for $50, whereas Roomba 400 for $35. Of course, these prices are nowhere near the buying prices of these models, but for an old Roomba, it is worth it. If you want more money for your device, it would be best to sell it privately.
So what do you do if you want a trade-in?
You must fill out a trade-in form then an agent will verify if the information in the form is true. For instance, the Roomba model you turn in must be the one you mentioned in the form. After that process, you will collect a voucher with a trade-in credit which you can use to buy your next robot vacuum machine. Hence, the trade-in will save you a few bucks in your next purchase.
Even though Roomba accepts trade-ins, consumers must discern that not all gadgets are eligible for credit. Your iRobot must be Braava or Roomba, and you must be a U.S citizen aged 18 and above.
Please note that the trade-in credits I have mentioned are bound to fluctuate with time. They are only valid for a limited time, so if you have an old Roomba vacuum, seize this opportunity before time runs out.
What To Do With An Old Roomba?
An old Roomba can be traded in, resold, or repaired. I have already talked about trading in the gadget now I will expound on reconditioning and selling.
Repairing An Old Roomba
How long should you use your Roomba before you deem it old? Well-maintained Roombas can last up to eight years. So before you think of disposing of your gadget, try fixing it; you might be surprised. If you are not financially ready to get a new widget, then do not be quick to get rid of the one you have.
There are certain aspects that make an iRobot have reduced performance. After using the gadget for some time, one tends to experience charging-related issues or brushes that won’t turn.
If your Roomba has declined to charge, try this hack; remove the battery and hold the power button for 10 to 20 seconds. Then release it and reinstall the batteries. Alternatively, you can replace the batteries or change the power source. A Roomba user knows that the robot emits a solid green light when charging yet has a flickering effect when not.
If your Roomba declines to advance beyond a certain distance from where it starts, then try cleaning its sensors, and brush bearings. Alternatively, you can give your machine a firm push-on button near the center wheel.
By thoroughly cleaning your Roomba, you will enhance the efficiency of the brushes. Built-in debris causes robot vacuums to have minimized productivity; for instance, the brushes could fail to move because of clogging from strings and hair.
If you have a stalled vacuum, detach the grill in the dustbin and check if the vacuum impeller has dirt; if it does, clean it so it can spin appropriately. If this fails to work, then you consider replacing your bin. In most cases, robot vacuums have reduced functionality if one fails to clean them regularly or change some components that wear out after some time.
Selling An Old Roomba
You can sell an old Roomba, but if you want to get good money for it, you should clean and repair it so a buyer can deem it convenient. Most importantly, you must reset it so no one can access your data and use it for iniquitous motives.
At times, people cannot sell their old Roombas for one reason or another. Well, you can find out why by going on eBay and looking at used iRobots. Look at the image qualities of the devices or the price range, so you know what not to do when selling yours.
You can also sell your Roomba on canitcash.com, uSell.com or Swappa.com
Since your device is old, do not overprice it; people would rather buy high-priced new iRobots than costly used ones. Anyhow, people who have never owned a Roomba would love to try out the affordable second-hand ones, so don’t worry about getting a client.
You can also choose to keep some functional parts of your Roomba, like good side brushes or batteries, to use in your upgraded iRobot.
How Do You Reset An Old Roomba for A New User?
You can reboot the Roomba j and i series by pressing and holding on the screen button for about 20 seconds, after which you will see a white ring revolve in a clockwise direction. After a minute or two, the reset process will be complete.
To reset the Roomba s series, use the same procedure. However, there is a different method to reset Roombas with spot and dock buttons. For instance, for the Roomba 600 series, you have to detach the bin and look for a green spot underneath the device.
After that, you remove the battery to reboot your robot. You should leave the battery out for approximately 30 minutes before reinstalling it in the robot.
Alternatively, to wipe off your data from your Roomba, try force closing the iRobot app on your phone. On Android, there is a mobile device instruction on how to force stop your vacuum robot app. On iOS, you can press the home button twice simultaneously. You will see the apps you recently used, from which you can select the app you want to close.
Can You Recycle Roomba?
There are many ways to recycle an old Roomba, and this option is far better than throwing one in the trash can.
Why Should You Recycle An Old Roomba?
Roombas are electronics made with many complex components hence are highly likely to pollute the environment. Since the machines are non-biodegradable and can emit toxic fumes when burned, You should not toss them out in the environment.
Manufactured items like electronic vacuum cleaners are prone to create carbon dioxide. So when people constantly throw away the old Roombas, new ones have to be made, enhancing pollution. By recycling a Roomba, you will be minimizing E-waste as well.
How Can You Recycle a Roomba?
The best way to recycle your vacuum is by selling its components piece by piece. People often look for Roomba spare parts for maintenance purposes, and you can be sure you will get buyers for the brushes, nozzles, filters, monitors, and hoses. Of course, these components must be in good condition for them to sell.
Another option would be taking your Roomba to the recycling centers near your home. Roomba manufacturers have long teamed up with Call2Recycle, to which you can send your device.
You can take your old vacuum robot to scrap yards and get some financial compensation for it; this is far better than throwing it away since it would be efficient in making something else.
If your vacuum robot is still in good condition, you can repurpose it by donating it to someone in need; that is, if you have no intention of selling it. For instance, you can hand it out to Goodwill or thrift stores.
Alternatively, you can attend swapping events and trade it in with another electronic device you may need. The bottom line is, don’t throw away your Roomba in the trash can even if it has stopped working completely. Take part in depolluting the environment and not vice versa.
To conclude, there are many things you can do with an old Roomba, but first, try repairing it. This way, you can use it for an extended period or sell it for a slightly higher price.
