How to vacuum properly: technique, order and settings

To vacuum properly, dust the room first, pick up anything that could jam the brush, set the height for the floor, then pull the vacuum back slowly in overlapping rows from the far wall to the door. Do the edges and corners with the crevice tool. Empty the bin or change the bag before it's two-thirds full, because suction drops long before it's packed.

What order should you vacuum a room in?

Top to bottom, then far to near.

1. Dust first. Shelves, tables, lamps and windowsills. Everything you knock loose lands on the floor.
2. Pick up the floor. Socks, cords, coins, hair ties and small toys. They jam the brush roll or get sucked into the hose.
3. Edges and corners. Run the crevice tool along the baseboards and into corners before you do the open floor. The main head can't reach the last inch of carpet against the wall, and that's where dust collects.
4. Under and around furniture. Use the low-profile tool or the hose under the couch, beds and the TV stand.
5. The open floor, last. Start at the wall farthest from the door and work back toward it so you don't walk across what you've finished.

What is the right vacuuming technique?

Go slowly on the pull. Push forward at a normal pace, then pull back slowly. The pull is where the brush and suction lift grit from the base of the carpet fibers. Speeding through it mostly picks up surface crumbs.

Overlap each row by a few inches, like mowing a lawn. Missed strips show as lines in the carpet.

Change direction in busy areas. In walkways and in front of the couch, do a second pass at a right angle to the first. Carpet fibers lean, and grit hides on the side you didn't hit.

Finish in one direction. The last pass in rows toward the door leaves the even lines that show a carpet was vacuumed.

A typical family room takes about 10 to 15 minutes this way, longer with pets.

What setting should the vacuum be on?

• Low-pile carpet and rugs: Set the height low enough that you feel slight resistance, not so low that the vacuum struggles to move.
• Plush or shag carpet: Raise the height. Too low and the brush bogs down and wears the fibers.
• Hardwood, tile and vinyl plank: Turn the brush roll off or use a hard-floor head. A spinning brush scatters debris and can scratch the finish.
• Area rugs with fringe: Vacuum toward the fringe, not across it, and lift the head before you reach the edge.

Which attachments should you use?

• Crevice tool: baseboards, corners, stair edges, between couch cushions and along the car seats in the garage.
• Dusting brush: lampshades, window sills, blinds, vents and the tops of picture frames.
• Upholstery tool: couches, chairs and mattresses. Go slowly and use the lowest suction setting for delicate fabric.
• Pet hair tool or mini brush roll: couches, stairs and dog beds.

How do you keep the vacuum working well?

• Empty the bin or change the bag before it's two-thirds full. Suction drops well before the bag looks stuffed.
• Cut hair off the brush roll every couple of weeks. Long hair wraps around it and stops it from reaching the carpet.
• Wash or replace the filters on the schedule in the manual. A clogged filter is a common reason a vacuum suddenly seems weak.
• Check the hose for blockages if suction disappears. Hold one end to a light and look through.
• Look at the belt if the brush roll isn't spinning.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Vacuuming up anything wet, including damp spills on carpet.
• Running over cords. It cuts the cord insulation and the bristles.
• Sucking up fine powders like drywall dust or fireplace ash with a household vacuum. They clog the filter and can damage the motor.
• Vacuuming the same lane back and forth fast. It feels productive and leaves grit behind.

Does a house cleaning include vacuuming?

Yes. Floors are vacuumed and mopped on Standard House Cleaning, RoutineCare.

Deep Cleaning, PureRenewal, details the edges and corners and cleans under and behind furniture that moves easily. Every item on the list is cleaned whether or not it looks like it needs it.

Carpet shampooing and steam cleaning aren't included in Standard, Deep or Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning.

For carpet problems, see how to clean bedroom carpet and how to remove stubborn carpet stains.

FAQ

Is it better to vacuum fast or slow? Slow. Pulling the vacuum back slowly gives the brush and suction time to lift grit from the base of the carpet. Fast passes mostly pick up what is sitting on top.

Should you vacuum before or after dusting? After. Dusting knocks dust and crumbs onto the floor, so vacuum last and you only do the floor once.

How often should you vacuum? Once a week, and two or three times a week in entries, family rooms and anywhere pets sleep. In winter, the entry needs more because of salt and sand tracked in from outside.

Can I use the beater bar on hardwood? Turn it off or use a hard-floor head. A spinning brush roll can scatter debris and scratch the finish on wood and vinyl plank.

Book a cleaning

We clean homes across South Jersey and Central Jersey. Book online at tinascleanteam.com/book-now, or call or text (609) 831-4455.