10 Common Mistakes You’re Making with Your Vacuum Cleaner
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In many households, vacuum cleaners are considered essential for cleaning the house. With its ability to efficiently remove dust and debris from floors and carpets, a vacuum cleaner is undoubtedly a must-have appliance for any home. Sadly, many people make mistakes when using their vacuum cleaners.
This article highlights ten common mistakes you may make with your vacuum cleaner and how to avoid them.
Not Emptying the Bag/Canister Regularly
A common mistake when using vacuum cleaners is forgetting to empty the bag or canister on time. As the bag or canister fills up, a vacuum cleaner ceases being able to suck in any more detritus efficiently. On top of that, a full bag or canister is hard on your vacuum cleaner’s motor and shortens its life.
Vacuuming Large Debris
Another major error many people make is trying to vacuum things like coins, pebbles, or paper clips. These things will get caught in the hose, or worse, may even damage the mechanics inside. It is best to pick up larger debris by hand before using your vacuum cleaner.
Using an Old/Dirty Filter
If your vacuum cleaner is to work effectively, it needs a clean filter. Yet so many individuals neglect to clean or replace their filter at the appropriate intervals, which can result in loss of suction and the release of allergens and dust particles back into the air. Clean or replace your vacuum cleaner’s filter every three months.
Not Adjusting the Height Setting
Some vacuums have adjustable height settings for different floor types. Not everyone focuses on this setting, which lowers cleaning efficiency. For instance, if you have an extremely high-pile carpet, it is best to adjust the height to its highest setting to get as much suction power as possible.
Overloading Extension Cords
Vacuum cleaners use a lot of power, and overloading extension cords can lead to electrical hazards such as fires. It is essential to use the correct extension cord for your vacuum cleaner and not overload it with other appliances.
Not Using Attachments
Most vacuum cleaners include basic attachments for cleaning upholstery or crevices. If you do not use these attachments, you are not fully utilizing your vacuum cleaner. Get familiar with the attachments and use them accordingly.
Ignoring Maintenance
Like any other appliance, your vacuum cleaner requires regular maintenance. This practice means cleaning the brush roll, removing any hair or debris from the wheels and hose, and ensuring no clogs within the hose and attachments. Failure to do this can result in a loss of suction and potential malfunctions.
Using Cheap, Poor-Quality Bags/Canisters
It may be tempting to save money by buying inexpensive replacement bags or canisters for your vacuum, but this is not recommended. Don’t buy the cheap bags; they are flimsy and will tear, leaving you with a mess to clean up and possibly damaging your vacuum’s motor. Get good-quality bags/canisters made for your vacuum cleaner model.
Vacuuming Wet Surfaces
Many people mistakenly use regular vacuum cleaners on wet surfaces, thinking it will speed up cleaning. However, most vacuum cleaners are not designed for wet cleaning and can be damaged. If you need to clean up spills or damp surfaces, use a wet vacuum.
Not Using the Correct Vacuum Cleaner for Your Floor Type
There are different types of floors, and each will need a specific kind of vacuum cleaner. Cleaning with the right vacuum cleaner is easy, but using the wrong machine can cause more harm than cleaning them. For example, using a carpet-specific vacuum on hardwood floors can scratch and damage them. Research and invest in a vacuum cleaner suitable for your specific floor type.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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