One of the most vital ways to keeping your home clean and healthy is weekly vacuuming. You can keep your carpets soft and unmatted by vacuuming frequently. You’ll prevent dirt from getting stuck deep in your carpets and also improve the air quality in your home.
So what are the best ways to vacuum? What nozzles do you use and in which situations? Here are our tips and techniques for the most effective way to vacuum and while using the different attachments and settings. Unleash the full power of your vacuum!
Secrets of the Vacuum Attachments
Lets figure out which attachments your vacuum has and what they should be used for. Here are the most common tools:
- Crevice Tool – This is the thin, long attachment. Perfect for narrow areas and tough-to-reach corners.
- Dusting Brush – This attachment is ideal for surfaces that need a softer touch.
- Upholstery Nozzle: Perfect for vacuuming drapes, mattresses, and a variety of upholstered furniture.
- Radiator Brush – Great for vacuuming radiators and vents.
- All-Purpose Brush – Effective for vacuuming shelves and other flat surfaces.
Appropriate Settings for Different Surfaces
Most vacuums will have the option to adjust pile height. Pile height refers to the measurement of the carpet or rug in question from its surface to its backing. The adjustment knob is usually located near the front of the base of your vacuum. The knob moves the underneath powered brush up and down. Make sure to adjust this setting for different surfaces. The vacuum needs to makes contact with the carpet while leaving enough space for some airflow.
A vacuum’s high pile height setting is best for wool or wool blend, high pile, or soft carpeting. This setting will skim the top of the carpet, allowing enough airflow for effective suction.
For a more flat, commercial-type carpet, use a lower pile setting. If the setting is too high, the vacuum won’t be able to make a good suction and will be much less effective.
If you’re vacuuming hardwood or other uncarpeted floors, put your vacuum on the bare floors setting. This setting uses suction only so your floors don’t get scratched by the powered brush. If your vacuum doesn’t have a bare floors setting, then don’t use it on hardwood!
Most Effective Way to Vacuum
As you might have guessed, it’s best not to just do a once-over on your carpets. Try to use slow, back and forth motions in an overlapping pattern. Remember that there really is no need to press down while vacuuming as the suction will do the work for you. Don’t worry about going over the same area 7 or 8 times, just make sure to move slightly to the left of right about every three strokes.
Avoid resoiling your carpets by remembering to dust blinds, furniture, and other surfaces before vacuuming.