Stop mistreating your household helper! From overloading bags, neglecting filters, to vacuuming abrasive materials, these common blunders can send your vacuum life expectancy spiraling down. Learn what six things your vacuum wishes you'd quit doing.
They say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," but when it comes to your vacuum cleaner, please keep in mind that your trash is not exactly its treasure. We often make the mistake of treating our vacuum cleaners as combination trash and recycling bins. This includes sucking up things like coins, screws, and those little plastic tabs from bread bags. While your vacuum cleaner is a mighty tool, it's not equipped to handle sharp or hard objects. These items can easily damage the vacuum, partly by causing plastic bags and hoses to tear and are the leading cause of that strange burning smell we all dread.
We've all been there - in the midst of a cleaning frenzy, only to realize that the vacuum bag or bin is full to the brim. A full bag or bin is one of the leading criminals in vacuum cleaner performance crime. Allowing the bag or bin to overflow not only reduces suction power (making your vacuum less effective), but also puts more strain on the motor. Moreover, it is unhygienic and could result in the recirculation of dust and allergens around your home. Observe the Golden Rule: Empty after every 2 or 3 uses, or when it is 2/3 full for the health of your vacuum and home.
Ignoring filters is like running a marathon on an empty stomach. Your vacuum filter is a small but essential part in the fight against dust particles, allergens, and other airborne nasties that might make your family unwell. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends changing your vacuum cleaner's filter every three to six months as a bare minimum. For those of us with pets or allergy-prone family members, cleaning these filters monthly would be ideal. Remember, a clean filter equals a happy vacuum cleaner (and an even happier home).
No, that crevice tool is not just a convenient mini lightsaber. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers spend oodles of time designing a variety of handy attachments to swap between. These range from the aforementioned crevice tool, to an upholstery brush, to a dusting brush. Ignoring these attachments and using the wrong one can reduce your vacuum’s effectiveness and potentially damage surfaces in your home. Trust in the experts - they did not include these tools simply to facilitate workplace battles at the Hoover factory.
Running your vacuum cleaner across the floor as though you're Mario Andretti racing at Indianapolis doesn't do your vacuum or your floor any favors. Many people mistakenly believe that vacuuming is a job to do swiftly, using quick back-and-forth motions. Vacuuming should be more like a slow dance, taking your cleaner for a gentle glide across the floor. Slow, steady, and methodical movements will always be more effective in dust and dirt pickup, while also preventing your vacuum from picking up any unintentional, damaging objects.
Many of us blame our poor vacuum cleaner when it fails to suck up dirt or when our carpets continue to look drab, but how often do we perform regular maintenance? Yes, dear reader, that’s right. Your vacuum cleaner needs a little tender love and care just like any other machine in your life. This includes cleaning the brushes on the beater bar regularly, checking for tangles and blockages, greasing any moving parts, replacing worn belts, and checking the cord for frays. Treat your vacuum right and it will surely return the favor.
In essence, understanding and respecting your vacuum's needs will prolong its life and boost its effectiveness. From regularly replacing the filters and emptying the bin, to using the appropriate attachments and providing routine maintenance - these simple steps will keep your trusty cleaning partner in fine fettle. So, the next time you whip out your vacuum cleaner, remember: treat it as a treasured ally in the war against dirt, not as a glorified garbage can.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.