Stop
A swollen, very hot, or smoking lithium battery is a fire and chemical burn hazard. Stop use immediately, do not charge or puncture it, and dispose of it through a battery recycling program, not household trash.
Symptoms
- Battery pack looks puffed up or misshapen
- Vacuum body feels warped near the battery
- Battery gets unusually hot during charging or use
- Battery emits a chemical or sweet smell
Likely causes
- CommonLithium-ion cell degradation or damageBatteries can swell internally as cells degrade, especially after age, heat exposure, or a hard drop.
- PossibleOvercharging from a faulty chargerA malfunctioning charger that doesn't cut off properly can overstress the battery.
- PossiblePhysical damage to the battery packA drop or crush impact can damage cells internally even without visible exterior damage at first.
What to do
- Stop using the vacuum immediately if the battery looks swollen, feels very hot, or smells unusual.
- Do not attempt to charge, puncture, or disassemble a swollen battery.
- Move the vacuum to a safe, non-flammable surface away from combustible materials.
- If it's hot or smoking, move it outside if you can do so safely and never throw water on a lithium battery fire.
- Contact your local hazardous waste or battery recycling program for safe disposal, or the manufacturer for a replacement and disposal guidance.
- Do not throw a swollen lithium battery in regular household trash.
- If there is active smoke or fire, evacuate and call 911 from a safe location.
Tools and parts
Replacement vacuum battery packSearch: “cordless vacuum battery replacement”
When to call a pro
Contact the manufacturer for a replacement battery and proper disposal instructions; do not attempt to service a swollen battery yourself.
Safety
Stop
A swollen, very hot, or smoking lithium battery is a fire and chemical burn hazard. Stop use immediately, do not charge or puncture it, and dispose of it through a battery recycling program, not household trash.