Here are some tips to help you make sure that you’re vacuuming your carpet properly, to help keep it looking and performing its best. If you’re buying new carpet for your home, consider checking with the carpet manufacturer to see if there are certain recommended features for your new carpet. 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 choices when it comes to the vacuum head attachments, so be sure to look at the options available, and choose wisely.
CRI Program
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has created a labeling system to provide consumers with guidance and peace of mind when purchasing a vacuum. CRI tests vacuums on three criteria: soil removal, dust containment, and carpet appearance retention. If the vacuum meets CRI’s standards on all three criteria, it is awarded the CRI Seal of Approval/Green Label for vacuums. Looped styles of carpet such as Berber should not be vacuumed with a beater brush, as it could loosen the fibers and cause the loops to have a “fuzzy” appearance. 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. Carpet made from natural fibers such as wool should also never be vacuumed with a beater brush. If you have any of these types of carpets, do not choose a vacuum with a beater bar or, opt for one that allows the beater bar to be turned off, so that the vacuum will operate using suction only.
Adjustable Height
An adjustable vacuum head height is a common feature of vacuum cleaners and one that is a good idea if you have more than one style of carpet in your home. Different carpets may require different vacuum heights, to maintain proper airflow and ensure the best suction. Set the height to the vacuum manufacturer’s recommendation for your particular style of carpet.
Don’t Rush
As you vacuum your carpet, pass the vacuum cleaner back and forth slowly. 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. However, this does not allow the vacuum adequate time to pick up everything in the carpet fibers, and so it will not be as effective. Instead, run the vacuum slowly in one direction, and then pull 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 this way until the entire area is finished. 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 necessary every time that you vacuum but is a good idea every once in a while to ensure a nice deep clean. Be sure to empty the canister or vacuum bag when it gets full. A full bag or canister will decrease the suction power of your vacuum, causing all of your work to be less effective. Try not to let it get more than three-quarters full, to ensure the best performance of your vacuum.
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. Gently glide the upholstery attachment over the rug. If you have a cut pile synthetic rug, then you may be able to use the beater bar for vacuuming. Just be careful not to run the beater bar over the edges of the rug, as this could lead to fraying. Instead, use one of the attachment pieces to gently suction along the edges of the rug.
Stairs
Stairs are not big enough to use an upright vacuum on them, and maneuvering a large vacuum head on them is difficult. The easiest and most effective way to vacuum stairs is to use a hose attachment or even the end of the hose itself. Using a smaller piece on stairs allows you to reach every corner of the stairs, 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. Then, slowly run the vacuum back and forth over the whole stair, including the stair nosing (where the carpet wraps around the edge).
