Have you ever experienced the frustration of your home feeling dirtier after vacuuming than before?
It’s natural to point the finger at the vacuum itself rather than the technique, but according to experts, many people make mistakes in their cleaning process.
Whether it’s vacuuming too quickly or only going in one direction, it’s easy to misstep when it comes to this basic household chore. Fortunately, we’ve consulted experts from vacuum brands to shed light on these common vacuuming mistakes and provide valuable advice on how to steer clear of them.
Evaluating Your Vacuuming Routine
Assessing and fine-tuning your vacuuming routine can bring about a significant improvement in the cleanliness and overall ambiance of your home.
Making necessary adjustments can lead to cleaner floors, fewer allergic reactions, and a refreshing scent throughout your living space. For pet owners, taking extra steps like regular pet grooming can go a long way in reducing the amount of pet hair and dander that your vacuum has to deal with.
When it comes to dealing with pet hair, opting for vacuums equipped with detangling tools can be a game-changer.
These innovative features can effortlessly handle tangled hair without requiring you to touch them directly. This not only simplifies the cleaning process but also keeps your hands clean and free from unwanted debris.
Moreover, the physical strain of vacuuming can take a toll on your body, particularly when reaching into crevices and corners.
However, choosing vacuums with long attachments can significantly alleviate back pain and discomfort. These extended accessories allow you to clean those hard-to-reach areas without having to bend or strain your body excessively.
In addition to vacuuming techniques, incorporating other cleaning practices into your routine can further enhance the overall cleanliness of your home.
Regularly dusting and wiping down surfaces, washing linens and curtains, and keeping clutter at bay can all contribute to a fresher and more inviting living environment.
Remember, maintaining a clean and healthy home requires consistency and attention to detail.
Taking the time to evaluate and optimize your vacuuming routine, along with adopting complementary cleaning practices, will not only leave your floors spotless but also create a more enjoyable and hygienic living space for you and your loved ones. So, why not invest a little extra effort to Make Your Home truly shine? The benefits will be well worth it.
5 Most Common Vacuuming Mistakes
Speeding Through Vacuuming.
Vacuuming quickly might be tempting, but it’s not the most effective way to clean your carpets and rugs.
James McCrea from Dyson recommends a slower pace, covering about 20 inches per second. This allows the airflow and brush bar enough time to effectively remove dust and dirt from between the fibers of the flooring.
Vacuuming too fast may result in having to redo the job multiple times to achieve proper cleanliness. It’s better to vacuum once, at a relatively slower speed, to ensure Thorough Cleaning in one go.
Vacuuming in Multiple Directions.
Many people vacuum in a single direction, but this may not be the best approach.
According to McCrea, carpets have different pile directions, and it’s essential to vacuum in four directions to release trapped dust and dirt. If you vacuum in only one direction, the piles might close up, causing dirt and dust to become trapped.
By vacuuming in multiple directions, you can agitate the carpet fibers thoroughly and ensure a more effective cleaning process.
Choosing the Right Vacuum.
Selecting the right vacuum for your specific cleaning needs is crucial for efficient cleaning.
Liz Hawk from BISSELL advises considering the type of messes you commonly encounter in your home and matching the vacuum accordingly. Various types of vacuums are available, including robotic, handheld, cordless, upright, and pet-friendly models, each with its pros and cons.
Reading the manufacturer’s manual before purchasing a vacuum is essential to ensure it suits your flooring and cleaning requirements. You might find it necessary to own more than one vacuum, such as a robot vacuum for daily maintenance and a wet-dry vac for heavy-duty spills and stains.
Regularly Changing Filters.
Neglecting to change or clean vacuum filters regularly can reduce suction power and lead to blowing dirt back into the air or carpets.
To maintain peak performance, follow the recommended schedule for changing vacuum bags, emptying dust canisters, and replacing filters. Additionally, clean the vacuum attachments, hose, and vents regularly with a damp microfiber cloth or moist paper towel.
Some vacuums have multiple filters that require cleaning or replacement to keep them running smoothly, so refer to your vacuum’s user guide for specific instructions.
Allowing the Robot Vacuum to Work.
For those using robot vacuums, letting the device do its job without interference is essential.
Nick Webert from Samsung advises against moving the robot vacuum mid-clean, as it can disrupt its sense of direction and connection to its home base. Instead, prepare the area by removing obstacles before starting the cleaning cycle.
While most sensors can detect and avoid obstacles, it’s still best to pick up small items like coins or hairpins that could damage the vacuum. Additionally, move pet bowls and any liquids on the floor to ensure a smooth cleaning process.
*The information is for reference only.