Vacuuming Do's and Dont's Tips and Suggestions for Vacuuming Effectively
By Kathryn Weber
Vacuuming is such a simple housekeeping
chore, but much of the time, like computers, a vacuum isn't used to its full
potential. Plus, most people only "hit the highlights" (read: run the vacuum
down the middle of the hallway and walkways) and don't really do the down and
dirty vacuuming. This is the kind of vacuuming that moves furniture, uses the
onboard tools, and fills that bag up pronto.
Oh, and I'm guilty of not always giving my vacuuming 100% (like moving the
coffee table). Yet, I'll use the crevice tool and vacuum the edges of carpet and
flooring every time. You know what your personal weakness is. Regardless, it's
always important to go over the basics because we can often forget what those
basics are. With these guidelines to keep in mind, you might find that your
carpets look better, the house is cleaner, and you can go longer between carpet
shampooing.
VACUUM DO'S
DO vacuum regularly. Once a week is the minimum, but twice a week would be best.
DO move furniture. This is my vacuuming Achille's heel. Yes, you do need to move
the coffee tables. In fact, it's best if you remove everything off the floor
(except heavy furniture) so your vacuuming is really thorough. This is one of
the biggest sources of dust, so don't forget to get under there.
DO vacuum both ways. It's critical to vacuum up and down and side to side. This
makes certain that you pull up the pile, and that you get all the dirt up. It's
possible to miss almost half the dirt if you only vacuum back and forth, for
example.
DO "edge". Yes, the crevice tool is indispensable when it comes to getting in
where the dreaded dust bunny lives. This is DO No. 1 for vacuuming. Most vacuums
can't truly vacuum right up to the edge, making it important to get the hose of
the vacuum and running it along where the floors and walls meet. And while
you're at it, get the baseboards, too! When it comes to vacuuming, the single
biggest thing overlooked is the edges of floors. Don't overlook yours.
DO use the tools. Those attachments aren't there just to look good. Pull them
out and use the upholstery brush and the crevice tool. It's what they're there
for.
DO turn the beater off on looped or Oriental carpets. Check with your carpet
manufacturer first for care. If you have Berber style carpets or Oriental rugs,
beating them with the beater bar could cause them to look fuzzy or break the
looks. Always check with your carpet store or manufacturer if you're not sure.
VACUUMING DONT'S
DON'T rush. Yes, housecleaning is not something you always want to prolong, but
remember that, unlike cleaning the kitchen counters, with every pass of the
vacuum, you are getting up more and more dirt. You should give heavy areas at
least five -- and up to 10 -- vacuuming passes.
DON'T let the bag get too full. A bag that is overfilled loses suction and
effectiveness, so check the bag often. Then, don't wait until the bag is stuffed
to change it. You should change the bag when it becomes half to 2/3 full.
DON'T just vacuum the floors. Those attachments are great for vacuuming
lampshades, blinds, air vents, ceiling fans, and use the brush for upholstered
furniture. Make it a part of your weekly vacuuming to turn the cushions over on
upholstered furniture, vacuum that side, and vacuum the crevices.
DON'T vacuum wood floors with the beater. Wood floors should be on a different
setting than carpets. If your vacuum doesn't have a solid floor setting that
turns off the beater bar, then you might damage wood floors by vacuuming them.
DON'T neglect your vacuum. Vacuums need periodic maintenance, so make sure you
take your vacuum in for a check up about once a year. Belts can wear out and
other wear and tear issues can cause you to think it's not performing right,
when it just needs a tune up. Most vacuum stores have maintenance services.
With these ideas in mind, you'll get more from your vacuuming efforts and from
your vacuum, too.
© 2004 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that
calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For
more information log on to
http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
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