[By popular demand, we are "recycling" an article from several years ago. It was tailored to this specific time of year - but the tips are absolutely timeless! So take a fresh look and enjoy...]
Ahh...The kiddos are finally going back to school and hitting the books! Personally, I'm glad to no longer be legally obligated to attend an educational institution. However, I still love to learn! My favorite stuff to learn about is that which helps me accomplish something fun, or makes my life easier/better...
So we put our heads together and compiled a short list outlining some of the most important, overlooked and misunderstood concepts in vacuuming. So while we're in the "school" spirit, I implore you to take a minute to study the tips we outline below. No, we're not going to try to turn you into total vacuum-geeks like us. But if you find vacuuming to be a giant pain in the neck (literally or figuratively) that's your first clue that something's wrong! Following our guidelines just might relieve you of a lifetime of needlessly confusing and frustrating vacuum headaches!
THE A-B-C's AND 1-2-3's OF VACUUM OWNERSHIP:
A - It's all about AIR FLOW! The first vacuum cleaner began as a fan and a pillowcase on wheels: Something to move air in a specific direction, and something to separate the collected dirt from clean air. Vacs are much more advanced these days, but the principle is the same: If anything impedes the air flowing IN or OUT of your vacuum, it will not "work." So the next time your vacuum doesn't suck, check to see (1) if something is clogging any of the pipes leading in to the vacuum or (2) if your bag is full, or the pores of the bag or other filter material are clogged (as clean air will not be able to pass through.) In other words, if air can't get out of the vacuum, new air can't get in!
B - BREAKAGE Happens. Remember that your vacuum is a mechanical device; a machine with moving parts. So don't get discouraged when its performance mysteriously declines, or if an accident happens. Much like your car, your vacuum is comprised of parts that can get out of alignment, or wear out over time and need replacing. The good news is that much breakage is preventable! User error is a common cause, so take time to learn how to use your vacuum correctly. Also, always provide your vacuum with the basic maintenance it requires at the appropriate intervals (like bags, belts, filters and regular cleanings). Lastly, consider getting the vacuum fixed when it doesn't work right, before throwing it out. Most often the problem is not as catastrophic or expensive as you fear. (And hey, at least here estimates are FREE!)
C - CHOOSE Wisely. As I've discussed in previous articles, your vacuum is a tool. Choose your brand and model of vacuum wisely, as the wrong type will not perform as desired on the surfaces you are cleaning, or meet other expectations you may have. Choose the right attachments for specific tasks (like using a soft dusting brush for vacuuming baseboard molding, instead of a stiff crevice tool.) Also, selecting the correct bags and filters for your model is imperative: Improper fit means leakage of dirt into your vacuum's motor and your house! When in doubt, seek professional advice.
1 - You should vacuum your floors at least ONCE per week: Above-floor surfaces, ONCE per month. Some households require greater frequency than this, especially if there are pets. But do your carpets a favor by thoroughly vacuuming the hair and dust weekly before it imbeds too deeply in the carpet fibers. This also will bring the nap of the carpet back to a raised position, helping prevent that ugly matted look in high-traffic areas. You'll also reduce the need to "wash" the carpets with water-extraction machines. This concept also applies to your couches, drapes and mattresses! You can avoid the formation of dust-bunnies (who are born of neglect) by vacuuming your hard floors more frequently. Eliminating the rough, sandy particles by vacuuming (instead of "Swiffer-ing") prevents scratching and dullness in the finish of your wood floors.
2 - Every TWO years, get your vacuum serviced. You know to change your car's oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles, and that your brakes only last so long. Your vacuum has moving parts too. Every couple of years get your vacuum a "tune-up" which includes cleaning and lubricating the brushroller and bearings, checking the electrical system, unclogging and washing, etc. (Because you can't keep your house clean with a dirty, smelly, busted-up vacuum!)
3 - Every THREE months check your belt and filters. Over time, fine dust clogs the pores of the material that comprises your vacuum's filtration system. If your machine uses bags, most of the vac-choking dust gets removed with the bag (once per month on average.) But if your vacuum is bagless, it is IMPERATIVE to keep its filters very clean, very regularly. Otherwise, the vacuum will suffocate causing a sharp decline in performance and overall lifespan! Lastly, most regular upright vacuum cleaners use a stretchy, rubber drive belt than can last up to a year. However, if you have ever had an "accident" in which something got caught/stuck in the brushroller, the belt has been subjected to excessive friction that may have caused it to break or stretch too much. Without proper tension, the brush can't spin aggressively enough to pick up debris well on your carpets. Get a new belt on there, STAT!
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Our job is to make your life easier...but communication is the key. When you have a solid understanding of your cleaning needs and equipment and can convey the right information to us - we can provide you with the correct solutions. In other words, the more you understand about your vacuum, the better we can help you! And when you have the right tools for the job and the know-how to follow through...the frustration stops and the savings of time and money starts! "Knowledge is power," baby!
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