The notion of using a vacuum to remove dust and filth from carpet is well-known to most people. However, to ensure the best care and protection of your carpet, there are a few important considerations of which to take note.
Here are some pointers to assist you vacuum your carpet correctly in order to maintain it looking and operating at its best.
Choose the Right Vacuum
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
There are a plethora of vacuum cleaners on the market nowadays. Everything from uprights to canisters to hand-held vacuums. Since not all vacuums are made equal, it is important to choose a vacuum that will appropriately fulfill the demands of your carpet.
If you’re looking for new carpet for your house, check with the carpet manufacturer to see if there are any suggested features. For example, the new “soft carpets” that are very popular today may require a different type of vacuum than traditional cut-pile carpets.
Even if you have a centralized vacuum system (Central Vac), you have alternatives when it comes to vacuum head attachments, so consider your options carefully.
CRI Program
When buying a vacuum, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has developed a labeling system to give customers with assistance and peace of mind. CRI evaluates vacuum cleaners based on three criteria: dirt removal, dust containment, and carpet appearance preservation. 1 If the vacuum passes all three requirements, it receives the CRI Seal of Approval/Green Label for vacuums.
Beater Bars
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Many vacuums feature a rotating brush, known as a beater bar, which is designed to agitate the carpet fibers to help loosen soil deep in the pile. This trait is beneficial in many cut-pile carpets but may be detrimental in certain kinds.
Looped carpets, such as Berber, should not be cleaned with a beater brush because it might dislodge the fibers and give the loops a “fuzzy” look. Also, if there is a small strand of fiber that has pulled loose from the loops, it could become wrapped around the beater bar and pulled with such force that it is pulled out of several rows, creating a run in the carpet.
Long frieze styles could also be damaged by a beater bar, if the long strands of fiber become entangled in the brush. Natural fiber carpets, such as wool, should never be vacuumed with a beater brush.
If you have any of these carpets, avoid vacuums with beater bars or pick one that enables the beater bar to be switched off, allowing the vacuum to work only on suction.
Adjustable Height
A typical feature of vacuum cleaners is changeable suction head height, which is a good idea if you have more than one kind of carpet in your house. Various carpets may need varying vacuum heights in order to maintain optimum airflow and suction. Adjust the vacuum’s height to the manufacturer’s recommended for your specific kind of carpet.
Proper Technique
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Before you begin vacuuming your carpet, walk through the space looking for small objects on the carpet that are too big to be vacuumed up (such as small toy pieces, coins, paper clips, etc.). These things should be picked up by hand to prevent becoming entangled in the vacuum and reducing suction or causing harm to the vacuum.
Don’t Rush
Pass the vacuum cleaner back and forth carefully while you vacuum the carpet. When there are so many other chores and duties requiring your time, it can be very tempting to move the vacuum as quickly as you can, to speed up the process. Nevertheless, this does not give the vacuum enough time to gather up everything in the carpet fibers, making it less effective.
Instead, carefully move the vacuum in one direction before pulling it back towards you. Move on to the next section of carpet, allowing the vacuum to slightly overlap the area you just cleaned, to allow for the lack of brush or suction at the very edge of the vacuum head.
Reverse
Continue in this manner until the whole area has been completed. For best results, repeat the process in the opposite direction i.e., if you originally vacuumed in a north-south motion, turn and vacuum east-west. This is not required every time you vacuum, but it is a good idea every now and again to guarantee a beautiful deep clean.
When the canister or vacuum bag is full, be careful to empty it. A full bag or canister will reduce your vacuum’s suction force, making all of your work less effective. To get the maximum performance out of your vacuum, don’t allow it become more than three-quarters full.
Use the Attachments
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Most vacuums come with hose attachments to make it easier to vacuum hard-to-reach areas and to vacuum upholstery, among other things. Use the attachments. Use a crevice attachment along the baseboard at the edge of your room to help prevent dust build-up and possibly filtration soiling.
Area Rugs
The upholstery attachment on your vacuum is good for using on delicate area rugs, such as wool or silk—fibers which should never be vacuumed with a beater brush. Glide the upholstery attachment over the rug gently.
If you have a cut pile synthetic rug, then you may be able to use the beater bar for vacuuming. Just be cautious not to run the beater bar over the rug’s edges, since this might cause fraying. Instead, gently suction around the rug’s edges using one of the attachment parts.
Stairs
Stairs are not big enough to use an upright vacuum on them, and maneuvering a large vacuum head on them is difficult. Using a hose attachment or even the end of the hose itself is the simplest and most efficient method to vacuum stairs.
While using a smaller piece on stairs, you can reach every corner and between the railing posts, if you have them.
Run the attachment or hose along the edges of the stairs, paying close attention to areas where dust is most likely to collect, such as the back of the stair where the tread meets the riser. Next, carefully run the vacuum over the whole step, including the stair nosing (where the carpet wraps around the edge).
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Vacuum Often
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
The frequency with which you should vacuum your carpet is determined by the amount of traffic and activity in your house. Vacuuming the carpet once a week should be the bare minimum for every home. For homes with high traffic or pets, more frequent vacuuming will be necessary, likely twice or even three times per week. This will release allergens such from the carpet fibers and will help to keep your carpet looking and performing its best. 2
Related Questions
Can you vacuum loop pile carpet?
Loop pile carpets should preferably be cleaned using simply the suction head of a cylinder cleaner. Avoid using beater bars and brushes, which may damage the fibers and cause your carpet to look bobbled and pilled. Ideally, they should be swept using an upright vacuum cleaner equipped with a beater bar and brush.
What vacuum head for loop carpet?
Above all, avoid vacuums with power-driven heads and harsh bristles. This will cause loop-pile carpet to get damaged. We recommend a good quality vacuum cleaner with a soft brush on a turbo head, such as a Miele TurboBrush Floorhead, with high-power suction and a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
What does low carpet mean on a vacuum?
For most models, the lowest setting is optimal for bare floors or thin carpeting. For somewhat fuller carpets, the medium setting provides the optimum suction. For plush carpets or area rugs, use the highest setting.
Can I use Dyson on loop pile carpet?
Dyson V15 Detect powerhead for carpets is not suitable for loop pile carpets according to carpet laying company. Power heads should only be used with soft bristles.
