Let’s face it—vacuuming can be a chore. It takes too long, and as soon as you’re done, it feels like you need to do it all over again. But how often do you really need to vacuum? It depends on what needs vacuuming. Carpeted areas that aren’t used by four-legged fur-friends should be vacuumed twice every week. Hardwood and tile need the least amount of upkeep and should be vacuum cleaned once per week. But what if you do have a little furry friend? If you have pets, you should do a quick vacuum once a day.
Even if you dread vacuuming more than cleaning grout, for the sake of home health, you know it has to be done. So why not have a vacuuming game plan? Let the pets out, turn up the music, and let’s make this vacuuming thing a whole lot easier!
Vacuuming Room by Room
Rooms you spend the most time in will obviously need to be vacuumed more often than rooms that are typically unoccupied. High traffic areas like hallways, kitchen, child playrooms, foyers, and mudrooms should be vacuumed weekly. Consistent foot traffic and more people in and out, means more dirt and outside stuff tracked into the house.
Bedrooms, especially those with carpet, should be vacuumed at least once a week and twice a week during allergy season. Less-often used spaces such as guest rooms, sunrooms, or formal dining rooms can be vacuumed less frequently or just before you’re expecting company.
Improving Effectiveness
Before you start to vacuum, prep the room. Pick up small items so they don’t damage your vacuum cleaner and slow you down. Work from top of the room down, so you don’t clean things twice. Next, dust the room so the buildup on furniture and other items falls to the floor where it can be vacuumed up. Make sure your vacuum cleaner is fully charged and the bag or dust compartment is empty. Use attachments, as needed, to clean hard surfaces and ceiling fans. Use a smaller duster for harder-to-reach places where lifting your vacuum might be too much of a strain. Actively seek out dust, dander, and dirt in hard to spot areas like corners, under tables, chairs, and other furniture. Now you’re ready to follow these tips to help you vacuum like a pro.
Related Topic: How to Clean Your House for Pet Allergies
Choosing the Right Vacuum
A good vacuum cleaner shouldn’t disperse dust into the air. If it does, it’s broken or not very useful. You’re trying to remove dirt, dust, and dander from the home, not add to it. If this sounds like your current vacuum, it’s time for a new one. When shopping for a new vacuum, decide if you prefer a canister or upright model—there are pros and cons for both types.
It’s important to pick a vacuum cleaner that meets your needs. Concerned about airborne allergens? Some models come with HEPA filters and other allergy-specific features. Need a super pet hair cleaner? Other models are specifically designed to handle pet hair. If you’re more interested in a vacuum that is light and portable—for carrying up and down the stairs—there are plenty of options to choose from. In fact, there are enough options available to meet just about any specific need and requirement. Reading customer reviews can help you make your final decision. Once you’ve made a purchase, it’s important to maintain your new appliance, so it functions properly for years of use.
Related Topic: How to Create a Daily, Weekly and Monthly Cleaning Schedule You Can Live With
Maintaining Your Vacuum
It’s not difficult to wash and maintain your vacuum. Appliances like your vacuum need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to operate efficiently for an extended period of time. However, unlike the washing machine or dishwasher, a vacuum requires more frequent maintenance—like cleaning or replacing the air filter(s). Following the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning and maintenance should keep your vacuum running smoothly for a long time.
Although this might seem like a daunting task, it usually doesn’t require much more than a screwdriver and a few extra minutes to complete. However, be safe and always refer to the owner’s manual for the proper way to maintain your vacuum. If you’ve lost or misplaced the owner’s manual, request a new one from the manufacturer. Even more convenient, most brands post their owner’s manuals online.
A Sparkling Clean Home Has Its Rewards
Leading a busy, active life doesn’t mean your home, or you, have to suffer. While it’s true that vacuuming probably isn’t high on your list of favorite things to do, maintaining a clean, healthy home environment is important. So how can you have it all? Molly Maid offers hassle-free, regular, cleaning services that are completely customizable to your personal schedule. Contact Molly Maid today to get a free estimate on how to make life easier and your home spotless.
