How to Vacuum and Optimize Performance

All about how to vacuum by saving time and optimizing performance of you standard at home vacuum cleaner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vacuum
• Vacuum instructions or diagram
• Soap and water (if vacuum is bag-less)
• New vacuum bags, belts, and filters (if vacuum uses bags)

1. Make sure you start with a clean vacuum cleaner.
   - Remove the canister (for bag less) or the bag and any air or dust filters (these can be found more easily with the help of a users manual). Empty the canister or throw away the bag and wash the canister and all filters with mild soap and warm water. Air dry overnight for best results. Re-assemble.

2. The vacuum must be clean to function properly but your vacuuming space must be clutter-free to optimize your vacuuming effectiveness and minimize time spent on the task. Pick up the small items lying on the floor, anything bigger than a paper clip or penny can ruin your vacuum, so be sure the area is clear. Also move to the side any pieces of furniture you would care to vacuum under or things like pet beds and area rugs.

3. Now that the vacuum and the space are clean and clear for you to complete your task. Locate the nearest outlet and the power button on vacuum and let-her-rip! (For more specific operating instructions and location of operating buttons please see your vacuums owners manual) *Remember* Some areas will need extra attention regardless of the type or brand of the vacuum, i.e. carpets that have been exposed to pets. Pay attention to the dirt scanner on your vacuum, if it has one, these can be helpful depending on how accurate the machine is.

4. Take proper care of your vacuum and prevent wear and tear by emptying the canister or throwing the bag away as necessary. Machines vary on how much debris it holds and when to empty so pay attention to the full lines on the machines.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkling your carpet with carpet powder refresher and vacuuming after a few minutes can be a great way to spruce up a stuffy room.
• Folex Carpet Cleaner or Quick'N'Bright all purpose cleaner work great for all sorts of carpet stains from pet stains to juice stains.
• If you burnt a hole in the carpet you can fix it by taking a razor blade and shaving off some carpet from a not-so noticeable area and then slightly super gluing the fibers to the burnt area. If you are slick no one will ever notice.
• If you spill candle wax on the carpet, FEAR NO MORE! You just need a clean cloth and a steam iron. Place the cloth over the wax spill and, using the steam iron, iron the wax out. Occasionally changing sides of the towel to take up more of the wax. Be careful not to get the wax on the iron because it can melt into the steam holes.
• Do not run over the cord of the vacuum or the extension cord if you require one. Eventually getting the cord caught in the vacuum will cause a cut in the cord. I have experienced what happens when the cut gets too deep into the cord, its not pretty.
• Do not run over rubber bands with your vacuum, especially Dyson brand vacuums. In Dyson's it breaks the motor arm which is only plastic but very costly to fix.
• Do not put wet canisters or filters back into your vacuum or attempt to vacuum wet things. Read your vacuum' s owners manual first! Some vacuums, such as shop vacs, are wet/dry vacuums. But most household vacuums are DRY ONLY. So read your owners manual to see if your vacuum has both features or just one.