I've had my Swiffer Sweep and Vac for 4 years and the battery hasn't worn out, as some of the other reviewers said. I also don't have to empty it very often, and if your floors aren't extremely dirty you really shouldn't have to. However, the battery charge doesn't last very long, and then, of course, there is the fact that you have to buy the refill pads. That is where the expense comes in. I wait until they are on sale and I have a coupon, but you have to change the pad every other time you vacuum because so much dust and hair sticks to it. This isn't a vacuum that you want to use for normal...