Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

by SHIFRAH COMBITHS

6 Vacuuming Mistakes You May Be Making — And What to Do Instead

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

If vacuuming doesn’t seem to be quite as effective as it used to be, check through this list of common vacuuming mistakes that could be sabotaging your attempts.

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

Mistake #1: Vacuuming too fast

Slowing down not only allows you to see and capture every errant dust bunny and crumb, but also gives the machine more time to suck up dirt. The tortoise wins the vacuum cleaning race.

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

Mistake #2: Not vacuuming in different directions

Dust and dirt can cling to fibers and “hide” unless you turn perpendicularly and/or diagonally. This also helps give your rugs that coveted fluffy-clean you might have been missing.

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

Mistake #3: Not sweeping first

Making it a habit to quickly sweep before you vacuum means you can get to those toe-kick areas in the kitchen and around the corners of baseboards, areas that most vacuum heads can’t quite reach.

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

Mistake #4: Not picking up large items first

Before you vacuum, take a look at the space you’ll clean and pick up things like bigger items that could either chip the vacuum’s components, wrap around the brush bar, or get stuck. 

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

Mistake #5: Vacuuming with a bin that’s too full

This mistake can shorten the overall life of your vacuum cleaner. Always make sure to empty the bin or replace the bag by the time it gets to the full line.

Image Credit: Sarah Crowley

Mistake #6: Not cleaning your filter

Like over-full bins or bags, clogged air filters restrict air flow, resulting in a unit that loses suction. Depending on the type of filter you have, they should be replaced every few months.