How to Properly Vacuum your Carpets

No need to buy a $2000 vacuum to do the job properly.  You can find a decent vacuum that usually cost around $200-$500.   Usually the ones with a HEPA filters are definitely worth it.   HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air.  A HEPA filter is a type of mechanical air filter; it works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.  HEPA filters work well with families with allergies and asthma symptoms.  Vacuums with HEPA filters throw less dirt and fewer microscopic dust mites back into the room as you vacuum.  Once you have a good vacuum use it frequently.  If you have children and pets in your home you should vacuum if not once a day but every couple of days.  I know that seems extreme but if you do suffer from allergies, it’s a MUST.  Remember indoor air quality is 70 times more polluted than outdoor air quality.  Carpets are not the only place dust gather but far more in your rugs, bedding, and drapes, and resting on countertops and tabletops. So it’s important to keep these areas clean at all times.

Helpful tips before vacuuming:

  • Pick up all the loose stuff in your home and make sure no small particles will get trapped in your vacuum; shake your curtains off; do your dusting before you vacuum and wait a few minutes. That way all the dust has settled on the floor.
  • Always wipe down your vacuum of dirt and debris before using.
  • Start with an empty canister or fresh bag every time.
  • As you use the vacuum, the most important motion is to pull back SLOWLY.  Most people race through the house and rush the job too quickly.   This leaves too much dirt and debris left on your carpets.  As you pull the vacuum towards yourself, the brush on the vacuum is agitating the carpet pile so it can free up the dirt that is trapped between the fibers and then it can be sucked away. This allows for the maximum extraction of dust, dust mites, pet hair and dander, allergens and the entire funk that gets trapped in your carpets.
  • Make big overlaps as you go across the room. Let each pass go no more than 50% over the previous pass.  Also it helps to alternate the direction that you vacuum each time.
  • Use the hose and crevice tools that come with your vacuums.  They have these tools for a good reason.  They help to suck up the crud and dust that collect on the edges of your carpets.  If these tools are not used over time your carpets collect a dark border along the edges of your carpets and can be very difficult to remove later on.  Also, pull off the cover to your air vents in the floor and get the dust that settles in the elbow of the air vents. Don’t forget all the dust and bugs that have died in the sliding door and window tracks. Don’t forget the ceiling fans; suck the dust bunnies before they blow down onto your nicely vacuumed carpet.
  • Always remember to change out your air filters in your home on a monthly basis to help keep the dust from circulating in your home.

Maintaining your carpets with proper vacuuming can help prolong the life of your carpets on the long run. For even better protection don’t forget to call your local carpet cleaning company to remove all the heavy soiling that has built up over time.  You should do this every 3-6 months depending on how active your household is.