Vacuuming might not be the most enjoyable chore, but when done right, it can make a significant impact on your home. Beyond making your floors look pristine, vacuuming helps improve indoor air quality by removing dust, dirt, and pet hair that would otherwise circulate with foot traffic.
Even if you’re using a top-of-the-line vacuum, there’s a right and wrong way to use it. Many people, myself included, often don’t realize that incorrect vacuuming techniques can prevent even the best machines from delivering optimal results. Fortunately, with a combination of using the best vacuums available and following professional cleaning methods, you can achieve spotless floors in no time.
Most people vacuum in quick, back-and-forth motions, which can leave dust and dirt embedded in carpets and hard-to-reach places. The more effective method—used by professional cleaners—is to vacuum in structured, overlapping rows.
Start by vacuuming a full row of carpeting from wall to wall, moving in one direction. This first pass should go against the nap of the carpet, which causes the carpet fibers to lift, making dirt easier to extract. You’ll know you’re vacuuming against the nap correctly if the carpet looks darker and its fibers stand up.
Once you’ve completed the first row, move the vacuum back over the same strip to flatten the carpet back down and pick up any remaining dirt. Continue this process, slightly overlapping each row until the entire room has been vacuumed.
After completing the first pass, go over the room again, this time vacuuming in a perpendicular direction. If you vacuumed north to south on the first pass, switch to east to west on the second. While it might seem like extra work, this method ensures that every bit of dirt and debris is picked up, leaving your carpets cleaner and extending their lifespan.
By using this professional technique, you’ll not only get a cleaner home but also make sure your vacuum is working at its best.
For more vacuuming tips and product suggestions, you can explore the best alternatives to Roomba and check out the latest deals on robot vacuums.
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