Vacuuming 101


Image courtesy of Miele[/caption]Regular vacuuming will not only keep your carpet clean, removing dust and allergens that can settle deep into the carpet’s fibers; but it can actually extend the life of your carpet.Because vacuuming is such an important step in protecting your carpets, we’d like to share the following recommendations on how to vacuum, selecting the right vacuum and vacuuming frequency:How to Vacuum (yes, there’s more to it than plug, press and push):Use the “top-down” method when cleaning. Dust blinds, windowsills and furniture surfaces before you vacuum the floors. A quick once-over won’t help. Be sure to use slow, repetitive front-to-back motions in an overlapping sequence. Don’t press down or make too many passes over the same spot; instead move slightly to the left or right every few strokes. Don’t forget corners and crevices where dust can build. Always remove/empty vacuum bags when they are half to two-thirds full.Selecting the Right Vacuum:A good vacuum will have features that allow you to adjust the height and beater bar rotation. Adjustable height is the most important feature because it can be used on a variety of different carpets.When vacuuming thick loop, frieze or long pile “shag” carpets, it may be best to disengage the beater bar and vacuum with suction only. For high pile, wools and premium soft carpets, adjust the beater bar so that the brush just lightly touches the carpet’s surface. Make sure it doesn’t dig into or gouge the pile. If you’re unsure about the proper height setting, test it out in a closet or another space that is less conspicuous.Frequency:High-traffic areas: DailyMedium-to-high traffic areas: Twice weeklyEntire House: At least 1x per week###Source: Mohawk Technical ServicesÂ