Vacuuming the floors seems like a basic, straightforward task, but there are many ways to do it wrong – and an incorrect approach will leave you with dirty and dusty floors so learn here Why You’re Vacuuming Wrong.
You don’t need to go to college and get a degree in the science of vacuuming, but you may want to take a moment to challenge your previously held assumptions and reconsider your habits.
If you do, you can end up saving time, cleaning the house more thoroughly, and being more satisfied with your work.
Table of Contents
You’re Using the Wrong Vacuum Cleaner
For starters, you may be using the wrong vacuum cleaner.
Most vacuums have the same basic function; they draw in air at rapid rates to help you remove particles from carpets and other surfaces.
But different vacuums have different levels of reliability, different levels of power, and different settings to play with.
With an upgraded, top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner, you’ll have a much easier time getting to hard-to-reach areas and you’ll end up with much cleaner floors.
You’re Using the Wrong Settings
You may also be using the wrong settings on your vacuum cleaner.
Most vacuums have a setting that allows you to adjust the height; if you’re set too high, you may not reach the surface.
If you’re set too low, you won’t be able to clean efficiently.
Different models of vacuum cleaner may have additional settings to consider; be sure to review your owner’s manual and learn the purpose of those settings.
You’re Neglecting the Attachments
Many people neglect the attachments that come with their vacuum cleaner, or use them the wrong way.
Your vacuum likely comes with a basic hose attachment, which you can use to get into crevices where the main vacuum brushes can’t reach.
You can often modify this hose attachment with additional attachments, such as extenders, narrower hoses, and brushes.
Each of these attachments serves a different purpose, allowing the vacuum to accomplish a wider range of tasks; if you’re not using the full spectrum, you’re missing out on some significant potential.
You’re Vacuuming in the Wrong Direction
Is there a “wrong” direction to vacuum carpet?
Not exactly.
There’s no set standard like going with the grain or always vacuuming North-South; however, it’s a bad idea to vacuum in random patterns.
Instead, you should strive to vacuum the carpet all in one direction, then rotate 90 degrees and vacuum in that direction.
This will allow you to vacuum the entire carpet evenly – and clean your carpet fibers from multiple angles.
You’re Giving Your Carpet a Once-Over Only
Are you only vacuuming once?
Even with a powerful, reliable vacuum cleaner, that may not be enough.
For most floors and surfaces, it’s much better to vacuum multiple times.
A single pass may be too thin to give you the results you want.
You’re Going Too Fast
In line with this, you may be vacuuming too fast.
Few people actually enjoy vacuuming; to them, it’s a chore that needs to be completed as soon as possible.
But if you rush the vacuuming process, you might end up missing certain areas or giving the brushes too little time to do their work.
Instead, you should vacuum in slow, steady streaks, giving your machine plenty of time to give your carpets the clean they deserve.
It may take a few extra minutes, but you’ll be in a much better position at the end.
You Vacuumed Liquids
Many homeowners have made the mistake of responding to a liquid spill with a vacuum cleaner.
It’s good to address potential stains before they set, but vacuuming liquids is a big no-no if you have the wrong machine – and most vacuum cleaners aren’t equipped with the machinery to process liquids.
Be sure to only use a wet-dry vac for these types of spills.
You Haven’t Changed the Filter
Vacuum cleaners come with an onboard filter, allowing them to filter out fur, dust, and other particles before they get to the inside of the machine.
But if that filter is clogged or dirty, it’s going to interfere with the machine’s ability to work efficiently.
Make sure you change or clean the filter on a regular basis.
Vacuuming Is All You Do
Vacuuming is a great way to keep your carpets cleaner on a regular basis, but if that’s all you’re doing, you may be neglecting your floors.
Occasional stain treatments and steam cleaning can help your floors look new.
Vacuuming floors isn’t rocket science, but there’s more to it than most people realize.
After a few minutes reviewing your owner’s manual and rechecking your daily habits, you might be able to change your approach enough to radically improve how you clean your home’s floors.
