The Best Way to Vacuum: 5 Steps You May Be Missing
Are you vacuuming the right way? Find out:
If you were baking a cake from scratch, missing a step or two along the way could mean a lopsided or even an inedible cake. Vacuuming your home kind of works the same way, and while vacuuming your floors may not be as fun as baking a cake, it's still important to do it right!
Skipping a piece of the vacuuming puzzle is probably going to make the end result look less appealing. Plus, you'll have to do the chore more often, so it's a lose-lose. That's why Becky from Clean Mama is here to share some cleaning tricks!
Are you vacuuming the right way? Find out:
1. Make Use of the Vacuum Attachments
Use the crevice attachment (if you have one), and vacuum the edges in each room before you vacuum the entire carpet.
2. Try an Odor Neutralizer
If your carpet needs a little freshening, use an odor neutralizer. Here's a recipe for my favorite homemade version or you can put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and put it in your vacuum bag. This will freshen the air while your vacuum is running!
3. Vacuum Horizontally
For each area you want to vacuum, start by vacuuming horizontally.
4. Vacuum Vertically
Once you've vacuumed horinzontally, vacuum vertically, too! Yes, you are going over the carpet twice, but this technique ensures that the carpet is lifted and any embedded dirt is removed. Tip: This is especially helpful if you have pets because it will remove pet hair and dander.
5. Have an Exit Strategy
Start at the furthest corner away from the door and vacuum back and forth until you're out of the room. This will give you those beloved vacuum lines that say, “I just vacuumed.” (Am I the only one that loves those lines?)
What's your favorite vacuuming trick?
Becky (Clean Mama) is a work-at-home mom to three little ones, keeping it all together with a great list and a cup of coffee. She loves a clean and tidy home and has great tried and true methods to share with you! Clean Mama has been featured in Oprah.com, HGTV magazine, HGTV.com, BHG.com, SheKnows.com, Huffington Post, and many other great places highlighting her simple tips and cleaning techniques. Check out her blog Clean Mama, where her motto is "everyday life. simplified."