At FairVacuum, we believe that the most sustainable choice is not necessarily the trendiest. We are not big fans of robotvacuums. We believe a bagged vacuum is best for both people and the planet. That’s why our design is a corded canister vacuum with a bag. Read more about our reasoning here: Why a corded vacuum with a bag is optimal.
See it in action at MakeLearnFest Leuven 2025
FairVacuum will present its DIY model for the very first time at the Makersmarket during MakeLearnFest Leuven on Sunday 21 September 2025 (10h–18h). More info on the full day here.
MakeLearnFest is a brand-new event in Leuven, part of a growing learning ecosystem. Visitors can explore demos, introductions, and workshops on topics ranging from recycled jewelry and bent-wood furniture to glass art, 3D-printed gadgets, and now also circular vacuum cleaners 
.
At MakeLearnFest we want to do the following:
- Show and promote our advanced and testable (for DIY makers) prototype for the very first time.
- Collect as much feedback as possible about what people think of it.
- Provide background on the ever-growing e-waste problem, and how FairVacuum approaches this issue for vacuum cleaners.
- Show the inside of a standard vacuum cleaner and demonstrate how FairVacuum is built. Visitors will discover some core principles of eco-design, such as modular design, design for re-use, design for repair, design for fast assembly, and design for DIY.
- Would like to stay informed via our newsletter.
- Are interested in becoming a tester.
- Would consider purchasing a DIY maker’s kit once it becomes available in the future.
Our mission: Circular design for household appliances
In order to achieve this objective, we created what we call a universal body that is compatible with many motor sizes across brands, different hose diameters, and harvested cables. The design allows makers to reuse parts from discarded vacuum cleaners and combine them with the newly designed universal body.
Inspired by Tim Krahmer’s Tenok project, we set our design goals to make a vacuum that is high-performing, repairable, and easy to build. We completely re-designed the wooden box concept of Tim in order to make it completely air-tight without leakages for optimal performance. The universal hose-mount is still Tim’s original design as it works great. We greatly reduced the 3D printing time, and redesigned the air-filter systems. We also drastically reduced the time needed to assemble everything. The electronics have been simplified to one ON/OFF switch.
FairVacuum’s design goals
First of all the overall performance must be comparable to commercially sold models. It’s basic job to suck-up dirt and dust in a household on hard floor and carpets must be excellent and convenient.
- Acceptable noise levels: No-one likes a loud vacuum in their homes, we learned…
- Modern dust bags support: We have made a mount for the popular AEG/Philips S-Bag dustbags. These dustbags are readily available in both original and decent high quality alternative labels at cheap price points. In the future we can easily support other dustbags.
- HEPA filter support: The exit air-filter can mount a round washable HEPA filter from Kärcher that can be found online. This gives the FairVacuum DIY edition and advanced Filtration systems effective in fine dust, allergens, and airborne particles. As such it is a good choice for people with allergies, sensitive to dust or living with animals.
- Small and compact: Designed to take up minimal space in storage and to be easy to handle during everyday cleaning. Despite its compact size, the FairVacuum still delivers full performance and remains simple to repair or upgrade.
- Fast to produce: We decided to design a model that can be precise and swiftly produced by using a basic one-axis CNC machine with a body in plywood and a 3D printer using ASA. We put a lot of effort into minimizing the production time of both the CNC machine and the 3D-printed parts. When working in series, one body can be produced in around 20–30 minutes on a CNC machine including the cleanup. A Bamboo Lab–style 3D printer can print all parts needed for one vacuum in less than 10 hours.
- Fast & easy to assemble: When all parts are ready we wanted a design that can be easily assembled IKEA-style by many with some handy skills in less than one hour, which we believe we have achieved.
- Repairability & disassembly: Motors, hoses and electricity cables can be changed in a matter of minutes. The body is easily dismantled into all its parts and materials. Different materials are not glued or permanently fixed together.
Our awareness and education goals
What’s next?
Join us at MakerLearnFest Leuven 2025 to be among the very first to see the FairVacuum in action, and to meet the makers behind the project. looking forward to getting your feedback.
