I've got a Miele vacuum cleaner, it was quite pricey to buy at the time but as it has given me sterling use for the past 14 years I think it has proved to be quite cheap if I worked out the price per clean. I'm not overly keen on housework (there's always something much more interesting I find I could be doing,) but needs must and every so often I do vacuum the floors. Consequently, being a bit of a slattern, I don't actually fill up the vacuum bags terribly frequently. However, the last time I changed it I found I was using the last one. Cue my next trip to Billericay (which was this morning) and the need to buy another pack of five Miele vacuum bags. Last time I bought them - which could be a couple of years or so ago - they cost me £8.25 or thereabouts, today they cost me £10.99!!!! Good grief, I know the cost of everything is rocketing but, really, a nearly £3.00 increase on a box of five vacuum bags - it's scandalous.
I am now seriously considering a tip I read years ago in 'The Tightwad Gazette' book. Apparently, if you're very careful, you can slit the bottom of a full vacuum bag and then staple it closed again and reuse it. I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried this tip, does it work? or am I in danger of ruining my vacuum cleaner (which I REALLY don't want to do) by being a total cheapskate? Ideas, tips or suggestions would be very welcome.
I used to slit the bag at the bottom and staple it up until I bought a bagless Dyson oh how I love my Dyson.It worked fine but a little messy. Good luck.
Posted by: Barbara Simpson | 07/20/2011 at 07:41 PM
I, too, have a Dyson. No more bags for me just unclip and tip.
Love from Mum
xx
Posted by: Mum | 07/20/2011 at 07:53 PM
I've done the split the bag thingy, but instead of staples I used a bulldog clip to close it. (Fold the bottom over once or twice) that way I could use it afew times more. (have you looked on line to see if anyone does them cheaper?
Posted by: Kim | 07/20/2011 at 09:36 PM
Hi. I'm afraid i'm a real tightwad and do the slit and staple technique continuously. Not just the once....if you're careful you can unpick the staples and restaple many many times. Yes i know really really tight but why pay a fortune just to get rid of muck?
Posted by: Julie | 07/20/2011 at 11:13 PM
Just a thought, but have you tried Ebay? I've just searched 'miele vacuum bag' and loads come up, not sure which type you're looking for but some seem cheaper than others.
Posted by: Caroline | 07/21/2011 at 04:40 PM
Glad it's not just me then who was shocked at the cost of a replacement box of bags for my Miele (which I love). There are four bags in the box I bought last week and I'm sure there used to be 5 in a box.
I haven't heard the 'slit and staple' technique but might give it a go. I have been known to carefully (whilst wearing rubber gloves and holding my breath!) remove some of the contents of a full bag because I hadn't had time to buy a new box of replacements!
Posted by: Elaine | 07/31/2011 at 12:30 AM
Yes I've done it too. I usually staple it good and then add some wide clear tape to keep any dust from getting into the vacuum itself. It works!
Posted by: Michelle H. | 08/02/2011 at 07:12 PM