Vacuum Tips
We rounded up some of our favorite vacuuming tips, just for you. These include some pro techniques, as well as useful vacuuming hacks to make your life that much easier.
Proper vacuuming can significantly improve your home's air quality and overall cleanliness. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your vacuum:
General Tips
- Regular maintenance: Check and replace filters regularly, empty the dust bag or canister frequently, and clean the brush roll.
- Work in sections: Divide the room into smaller sections for a more systematic approach.
- Change directions: Vacuuming in different directions helps loosen dirt and ensure thorough cleaning.
- Use attachments: Utilize the various attachments for different surfaces and corners.
Carpet Care
- Agitate the carpet: Before vacuuming, use a carpet beater or broom to loosen embedded dirt.
- Vacuum frequently: Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from settling deep into the carpet fibers.
- Spot cleaning: Address spills and stains promptly to prevent them from setting.
Hardwood Floor Care
- Choose the right attachment: Use a hard floor attachment to avoid scratching the surface.
- Be gentle: Avoid excessive pressure to prevent damage.
- Mop afterwards: For a deeper clean, mop the floor after vacuuming.
Deep Cleaning and Maintenance
- Shampoo your carpets: For a deep clean, consider shampooing your carpets every 6-12 months.
- Clean the vacuum cleaner: Regularly clean or replace filters, empty the dust bin or bag, and clean the brush roll.
- Check for clogs: Inspect the hose and attachments for any blockages that might reduce suction.
Additional Tips
- Vacuum upholstery: Use the upholstery attachment to clean sofas, chairs, and curtains.
- Clean stairs: Vacuum both the steps and risers for a complete clean.
- Dust before vacuuming: Remove loose dust and debris before vacuuming to prevent it from spreading.
Specific Room Cleaning
- Bedrooms: Pay attention to corners, under beds, and mattresses.
- Living rooms: Vacuum furniture and curtains with appropriate attachments.
- Kitchens: Clean up crumbs and spills promptly to prevent them from embedding in the carpet.
- Bathrooms: Use the hose attachment to clean grout and corners.
Allergy Sufferers
- Choose the right vacuum: Look for vacuums with HEPA filters to capture allergens effectively.
- Vacuum regularly: Frequent vacuuming helps remove allergens from carpets and floors.
- Wash bedding: Regularly wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.
Professional vacuum lines
First break the room up into sections, and work your way backwards out the door. Then make a “W” or “M” shape as you vacuum. This is how you get satisfying professional vacuum lines. Additionally, it's a more efficient and thorough way of vacuuming. You will cover every square inch of carpet without having to backtrack.
Your new favorite crevice tool
Use a cardboard tube to get into hard to reach places. No wait, hear me out on this one! Unlike hard plastic tools, cardboard tubes (like, say, a toilet paper roll) are flexible (mold it into whatever shape you need!) and disposable. Seriously, give this one a shot, you won’t regret it.
For a better-smelling vacuum
A spoonful of cinnamon in your vacuum bag can cover up lingering pet smells from previous vacuumings. Similarly, scented dryer sheets in the vacuum bag provide a nice fresh scent as well.
Eliminating pet odors
To tackle pet odors in your carpet, sprinkle the are with baking soda. Then let it sit for 30 minutes to fully absorb all odors, and then run then vacuum. Afterwards you'll have fresh-smelling carpets.
The pantyhose trick
Our final tip is a life saver. In case you need to find small items on the floors, use a vacuum hose with pantyhose rubberbanded over the opening. No more fumbling around for that tiny post earring you seem to drop every time you pick it up.
