Your mother tried to teach you how to vacuum, and your spouse complains about the way you vacuum. And you secretly wonder if your vacuum is really working at all or if you are doing it “right.” We know that many people have different techniques and different opinions about the right way to vacuum. Hopefully, we can settle some things for you today with our list of dos and don’ts for vacuuming.
Don’t Rush
When vacuuming, slow, and steady is the way to go. This allows the brushes in the roller of the vacuum to do their work and pick up more dirt. The more the fibers in the carpet are agitated, the more dirt they will release.
Don’t Dust AFTER You Vacuum
Dusting the surfaces releases particles into the air that float down onto your floors. You don’t want those particles sitting around until your next cleaning.
Don’t Reuse or Overfill Vacuum Bags
You may think you are being efficient and saving money and the environment by reusing your bags. But they become 50% less efficient when you reuse them because the pores in the bags get clogged with dust and reduce the overall function of your vacuum. You should also replace the bag or empty the container regularly so that it doesn’t get overfilled. Emptying it after a few uses helps increase the efficiency and life of your vacuum.
Don’t Ignore Strange Sounds
If your vacuum starts making strange noises, you should check it out—it’s trying to tell you something. You should check the area around the roller brush to see if something is stuck there or causing the noise. If it’s a grinding noise, it could be something in the motor, and you should get some professional help.
Do Vacuum Twice
Even with high-quality vacuums, you should go over each surface twice. Carpet fibers are twisted in different directions, so if you go over them once, you are only getting part of the dirt. By going over each area twice, you are making sure that your vacuum picks up more dirt.
Do Vacuum in a Pattern
The recommendation from the experts is that you vacuum back and forth from one side of the room to another. Then you turn 90-degrees and repeat in order to make sure you vacuum all four sides of the carpet fibers. When you vacuum in a pattern, you make sure that you cover every surface of the room.
Do Vacuum Often
At least once a week, vacuum the floors in your home. When dirt accumulates over time, you make your vacuum work harder. You should also make sure you deep clean your carpets about once a year. This also keeps your regular vacuum from working overtime.
Do Use the Crevice Tool
On a monthly basis, make sure you use the attachments on your vacuum to get the cracks and crevices that are hard to reach. With wall-to-wall carpeting, the edges can get overlooked and soiled.
Do Adjust the Height and Settings
Some vacuums adjust the height of the roller brush automatically, but if yours does not, make sure you are using the right settings. Many vacuums have different options for hardwood floors and for carpeting. If you aren’t using the right setting, you aren’t getting the best clean.
Do Change the Filters
Your vacuum has filters that need to be cleaned or changed regularly. Check your user’s manual to see how to keep the filters clear. Changing the filters regularly also helps your vacuum last longer and improves your indoor air quality.
Do Invest in a High-Quality Vacuum
There are manufacturers out there that don’t make disposable vacuums. You may pay more for a good vacuum on the front end, but it will pay off in the long run because you won’t need to replace it for several years and possibly even decades. These machines also provide superior cleaning power in a wide variety of options from canisters to uprights.
Now you know all the do’s and don’ts of vacuuming and can teach your mother or your spouse how it’s done. If you are ready to invest in a vacuum, we have a wide variety of styles and brands to choose from. We also service vacuums, so if you need any kind of support, call our experts. Do use Buckhead Vacuums for all your cleaning needs.