UAE peeps, are you on the hunt for some great tips on using a vacuum cleaner to get the job done faster? Only switching on the vacuum cleaner and gliding it over the floor won’t give you spotless results. To get high-efficiency cleaning results in less time and prevent your vacuum cleaner from damage, you need to follow the instructions and use the appliance appropriately. This will help it to last for long years. Like any other appliance, even a vacuum cleaner needs to be used and stored correctly for the best results. Don’t fret, we have your back. We have put forth this guide explaining all the tips that you will be able to understand easily, so you won’t have to go anywhere else.
Related: Best Vacuum Cleaner in UAE for a Spotless House [2023]
Preparing to use the Vacuum Cleaner
For a satisfying vacuuming experience, here are some things you need to do before you start cleaning your home. While preparing to use the vacuum cleaner, firstly, clear the area to be vacuumed. You can’t afford to have obstacles lying all over the place such as toys and hard and large objects. Secondly, you need to check the settings of your vacuum cleaner before you begin cleaning your home. There is a different setting to be selected depending on which corner or area you need to vacuum, the duration and so on. For instance, there are some areas in your home that you hardly go to, especially corners, under the bed, sofas, and so on. There is a particular setting on your vacuum cleaner for it.
On the other hand, there are areas most visited by you and your family members; almost every hour or two. This includes the kitchen. Cooking and visiting the kitchen multiple times leaves the surface more prone to stains and dirt which is why it is messier. The balcony and living room are exposed to dust the most, so you will need to select a different setting for vacuuming these areas. Lastly, be mindful of the filters and bags before you start vacuuming the place. See if you need to empty or replace the bags and also check if the filters need to be cleaned. If you check all these things that we have specified, then you are sure to have a sparkling clean home free from dust, dirt, and pathogens.
Tips for using the Vacuum Cleaner Effectively
In this section, we have penned down the do’s and don’ts and essential tips when using the vacuum cleaner. Here is a walkthrough of how to use this appliance in the right way.
1.Begin from the furthest corner/point of the room
One of the most important tips to keep in mind while using the vacuum cleaner is to avoid stepping on the area or on the carpet that you already cleaned. It is recommended to begin cleaning from the furthest corner of the room and then continue towards the door. Nobody would definitely want footprints on their freshly vacuumed flooring tiles. For less dirty areas in your home or areas where you don’t move much, consider using the vacuum cleaner over it around 3-4 times. But in those areas of your home where you and your family members move about more, you need to use the vacuum cleaner over it at least 5-7 times.
2. Utilizing the correct attachments for different surfaces
You need to know the purpose of each vacuum attachment well before making use of them. Each vacuum attachment is creatively designed to give you the quickest/best cleaning results on all the different surfaces in your home.
- Crevice Tool
The crevice attachment is a small and skinny tool with an angled tip. You can make use of this attachment in every nook and corner of your house, behind radiators, along the top of skirting boards.
- Dusting Brush
This brush is a little round brush head that you can use for delicate vacuuming jobs. For instance, you can use the dusting brush around books. Additionally, you can also use it along painted windowsills. The dust brush will protect the painted windowsills from getting scratched. Besides these, the dusting brush is an ideal attachment for lampshades that naturally gather dust.
- Main Head
The canister vacuum attachment i.e. the main head might be motorized for deep cleaning. For carpets, it might have a lift-up function. For hard floors, it might have a stiff brush function.
- Extension Tool
The extension tool is similar to a crevice tool. However, it is much longer and it doesn’t have an angled tip. Therefore, you can fit other heads onto it. This tool is best for reaching and removing the cobwebs lingering in your home, especially on the ceiling.
- Pet Attachment
As the name suggests, this attachment is meant for cleaning pet hair off the bed and floor.
- Upholstery Tool
The upholstery tool looks like a non-tooled-up and small version of the main head. The lint-catching fabric strip helps you to vacuum upholstery.
- Mattress Attachment
Lastly, the mattress attachment is a much narrower version of the upholstery tool. This tool is creatively designed to clean a mattress. Plus, it can also remove dust mites very effectively. Additionally, you can also use it to clean your sofa.
3. Vacuum in a back-and-forth motion
It is recommended to vacuum forward and backwards over each area, for a deeper clean. For a sparkling clean house, move the vacuum cleaner over the carpet in all directions. This will help the vacuum brush to hit the carpet fibres on all sides.
4. Utilizing the vacuum cleaner to clean upholstery and curtains
Consider vacuuming your curtains at least once a month to help keep your curtains looking dry cleaned. Simply use the dusting brush attachment and set the vacuum cleaner to delicate or low-power mode. Carefully vacuum the curtains in a top to down fashion. Generally, the top 10 cm of the curtain contains more dust so pay more attention to that area. Ensure you don’t forget to vacuum the window also, otherwise the dust will deposit on the curtain again.
5. Empty the dustbin or replace the bag as and when required
One of the easiest ways to maintain your vacuum cleaner is to replace the bag on a regular basis. It is a common misconception that you need to replace the bags only if they feel full. The right thing to do is to replace the bag when it is 2/3rd full and not when it is packed with dirt completely. This will help to keep your dishwasher working at its best. Common sense, debris definitely needs room to enter the bag while vacuuming. If a lot of debris is already accumulated leaving the bag with no space, then obviously the vacuum cleaner won’t be able to deposit more debris there.
How to know if a bag is full or is almost full? Well, the most noticeable sign is when you vacuum an area and find debris all over that wasn’t there before you vacuumed it. This occurs because the bag is full and debris present in it came out and made its way back to the floor. Another common sign is the change in the vacuum cleaner’s suction. If it isn’t that strong the way it should be that means the bag is full or almost full.
6. Clean the brushes and filters of your vacuum cleaner regularly
Cleaning the brushes/brush roll of your vacuum cleaner from time to time is very important. Certain things tend to get wrapped around the brush roll with time such as hair, floss, string, and similar items. This can reduce its spinning performance. Avoid removing the brush roll from the vacuum cleaner as it may be a little difficult to get it back on. Simply try removing these stuck items while the brush roll is in place. Vacuum cleaners differ from brand to brand and model to model. Most of the brush rolls are attached to a plate.
If you really need to remove the brush roll from the vacuum, then you can do so. Lift or remove the plate and then slide the roll out from the slots on either side. Once you have identified the items wrapped around the roll, you can use your fingers to remove them. Else, you can use a pair of scissors. Gently pull out these objects from the roll until they come off completely. You may even use soap and water to wash it. This will ensure that it is as clean as possible.
Nowadays, most vacuum cleaner models have filters attached to help pick up the particles. This may contaminate your indoor air quality. The filter needs to be cleaned and replaced periodically. If the filter is made of plastic, then you can rinse it. And if it is made of paper or fabric, then you can simply shake it. Cleaning your filter is one of the most crucial things especially if your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter since it improves your indoor air quality.
To clean your vacuum cleaner’s filter, all that you need is a kitchen trash can and warm water. Always check the instructions provided in the user manual before you get started. The first step to take while washing the filters is to remove them and tap them against any hard surface. This helps to knock off any dust. Ensure you do this over a trash can. Next, simply rinse the filter under the sink tap using warm water. Don’t use any soap or cleaner unless the instructions provided by the manufacturer ask you to do so; check the user manual. Lastly, allow the filter to dry overnight. To be certain, check if it is completely dry before you replace it.
Tips for Avoiding Damage to the Vacuum Cleaner
1. Keep the vacuum cleaner away from heat sources
One of the most important tips you need to keep in mind is to keep the vacuum cleaner away from heat sources. Using or placing your vacuum cleaner close to any sources of heat is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. As a matter of fact, heat can damage your vacuum cleaner. Therefore, ensure you keep it away from stoves, heaters, ash, and other heat sources and corrosive materials. Also, avoid using a vacuum cleaner to clean flammable or toxic materials. Avoid cleaning areas where you have placed candles or desk lamps. When the vacuum cleaner is not in use, simply unplug the vacuum cleaner from the wall outlet. This helps to prevent accidents by protecting the cord and plug. If you’re not too sure about the material or substance, then avoid risking the vacuum cleaner in that area.
2. Avoid vacuuming large debris or sharp objects
In order to prevent the motor from burnout, you need to keep your vacuum cleaner away from large debris, construction debris, drywall, and even fine particles like sawdust. Ensure you avoid using your vacuum cleaner to pick up large and sharp objects like glass, toys, stones, paper clips, marbles, coins, pens, stationery items, and more. This will help to prevent an electric failure and clogs in the vacuum cleaner. Don’t use the vacuum cleaner to clean any spilled liquid. Additionally, avoid picking up any metal object as it may damage the fan of the vacuum cleaner’s motor. Therefore, try picking up all the big and heavy items manually.
3. Abstain from Vacuuming Wet Spills and Damp Dirt
Never ever vacuum fresh spills or any liquids mainly for the sake of your safety as it can lead to electrocution. Also, avoid vacuuming wet substances such as soil. For instance, if you spilled soil while repotting a plant, don’t vacuum it as it will clog the motor. Simply wait for the soil to dry completely. Brush away as much soil as possible using a stiff brush. Later, you can vacuum up whatever is left. The same rule implies to cleaning damp dirt.
Your Cleaning Companion!
There you have it all. We hope these tips were easy for you to understand and will help you while using your vacuum cleaner the next time. Ensure you go through this walkthrough thoroughly again. Do pass on this information to your loved ones to educate them on how to use their vacuum cleaner effectively. Save it from damage and experience perfect vacuum results. Maximum efficiency with a durable vacuum cleaner is just a step away.