When cleaning your home, one of the most basic tasks you can complete is a thorough run of the vacuum. However, what many don’t know is that they might not be getting the best results when vacuuming. Believe it or not, there can be a more or less correct way to vacuum and we can show you how. Here is a helpful list of tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of every use of your vacuum in your home.
Before You Start
This first tip can seem kind of obvious, but you should always pick up and move any furniture or objects on the floor before vacuuming any space. Things like toys or floor lamps or less heavy furniture that can be moved out of the way are clear obstacles that can affect how well you vacuum the area. Take a moment to pick up anything that you can and relocate some smaller furniture so that you can reach as much of the floor with the vacuum as possible.
Another way to prep before you start vacuuming is to make sure you are starting with an empty bag or dust canister. You should also make sure you are using the correct floor setting on your vacuum and have all the correct attachments you may need. It can also be helpful to know what each of your vacuum’s attachments are so that you can use them effectively. You can check your vacuum’s manufacturer’s guide to see what attachments your device came with and how they should be used. The most common attachments are:
- Extension wand
- Crevice tools
- Dusting tools
- Upholstery tools
Ready, Set…
When you’ve removed any obstacles and acquainted yourself with your vacuum’s different attachments, you are ready to get down to the task at hand. If you have a corded vacuum, plug it into the socket closest to the entrance to the room. We suggest starting to vacuum on the opposite side of the room so that you will finish and leave no stray footprints on the carpet or tack any loose debris back into the area. When vacuuming, make sure you are using the right setting for the space you are in. Some vacuums do not have a wide range of settings and can only operate between carpeted or non-carpeted settings.
However, if you have a vacuum with several power settings and surface settings make sure you utilize them correctly. “Power mode” is available on many newer vacuum models and can be highly effective, but it should never be used on loose rugs. You can vacuum your rugs on the “delicate mode” setting if it is available. Once you’ve figured out the right settings to use and where to begin, get ready to power up your device and start the process.
And GO!
You’ve moved any obstacles, you know the attachments, you know which settings you can use, and the vacuum is plugged in and ready to go. Now all that’s left is the task itself, but if you want to make sure you are getting the best results in your space don’t worry. Here are our most helpful tips for using your vacuum effectively and thoroughly clean your home:
- Slow and steady: As you vacuum around your home, make sure you aren’t working through each room too fast. Allow your vacuum time to loosen and pick up debris from the floor by doing several back-and-forth passes of your device to get the best results.
- Pivot!: When you vacuum a room, be sure to vacuum from multiple angles. We suggest beginning the process by doing horizontal passes and then finishing with vertical passes, however that looks in your home.
- Don’t forget the TLC: Vacuuming the entire house can take a while, we know, but don’t let the length of the task keep you from being thorough. As you move through your home, make sure you spend extra time in the rooms and areas that see the most traffic like hallways, mudrooms, and the living room. Dirt and debris tend to accumulate the most near front or back entryways and regular walking routes through the home and can spread throughout the rest of the space easily. Be sure to run a few extra passed in these areas when vacuuming.
- Pause to reset: Check your vacuum bag or dust canister as you complete each room so that it doesn’t become too full. We suggest emptying the container after finishing every 2 or 3 rooms and once you’ve fully completed the entire home. The vacuum needs unobscured airflow in order to operate at its best, so be sure to regularly check for blockages and fully empty the container before vacuuming.
Now that you know the best practices for vacuuming your home and how to stay on top of the daily dust and dirt buildup, you can put them to use. Did any of these helpful hints and tips help you? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you! If you’re behind on your regular cleaning and need some extra help around your home, contact us. We’re proud to offer our friendly Boston cleaning service to anyone looking for a variety of affordable and efficient services.
