A vacuum cleaner is designed to clean everyday dirt and dust without consuming too much time and energy. The machine makes the house cleaning process smooth and easy. However, not using a vacuum properly can hamper its capacity to perform and clean effectively. Careless usage can also damage the appliance and cause it to malfunction. Keeping this in mind, we have listed the most common mistakes to avoid while vacuuming the home:

Not emptying the bag regularly
You may buy a vacuum cleaner that has a massive dust bin to store the vacuumed garbage. But this does mean you should allow the dirt to accumulate until the bag has reached its capacity. It is one of the primary mistakes people make when using vacuum cleaners. According to experts, you must clean or change the bag when it is almost two-thirds full. If you operate the machine when the bag is filled to its maximum capacity, the appliance could get clogged with dust and debris. This reduces the longevity of the device and decreases its efficiency. Also, the airflow within the electronic appliance gets affected, resulting in the motor overheating.

Not dusting first
To keep vacuum cleaners operating efficiently and ensure your home is spotless, you must dust before vacuuming. When dusting, some of the dust inevitably gets knocked into the air and eventually settles on the floor, which is then picked up by the machine. Dusting the surface before vacuuming also has other advantages. For instance, it can remove tiny objects like a coin, screw, or a small toy out of the way. These items can damage the appliance and cause it to stop working. Further, dusting before vacuuming can eliminate water or other liquids that can cause electrocution and severely damage the device.

Not using the correct attachments
Vacuum cleaners come with several attachments, such as crevice tools, dusting brushes, extension wands, etc. You can use these to clean the ceiling and other remote areas in your home more effectively. But first, read the instruction manual and use the attachments as directed to get the best cleaning results. Different kinds of extensions help to accomplish specific vacuuming tasks. But many overlook and ignore them and what they are specially designed to do. Using the wrong attachment can cause your vacuum cleaner to break down or even damage the area you are vacuuming.

Not vacuuming in all directions
Most people assume that vacuuming is all about moving the machine back and forth over the floor. But, this movement will not help you clean the surface properly. Moving the vacuum in all directions—back to front, side to side, and diagonal—is essential to ensure you get the best cleaning results. Some surfaces may have cracks and grains, where debris can collect, which are not visible to the naked eye. Moving the machines in all directions helps pull out these tiny particles, thus offering better cleaning.

Not adjusting the height
It is necessary to adjust the height of the vacuum cleaner depending on the floor you are cleaning. Adjusting the height helps you manage and control the device more comfortably and conveniently, ensuring a properly cleaned home. Doing this is especially important when you move across different surfaces, such as the thick pile carpet in the living room, the hardwood floor in the dining area, or a rug in the entryway.

Not taking care of the machine
Besides using vacuum cleaners to clean the home, you should take some time every week to maintain these mechanical devices. Skipping or delaying maintenance will hamper the ability of the machine to execute the cleaning process effectively. For instance, filters trap dust and dirt particles; if they are clogged, the device will not be able to do the job correctly. A clogged filter can cause the vacuum belt to break or the roller brushes to stop working. You should also clean the different accessories that come with the device, such as the brush roll and extension wands. While the main appliance can be cleaned once in a while, these tools may need maintenance before or after every use. Cleaning the machine from time to time helps to prevent it from malfunctioning and ensures its smooth operation.

Not spending adequate time vacuuming
In today’s age, most people are in a hurry and just want to get the job done as soon as possible. So they do not spend sufficient time allowing the cleaning device to collect all dust particles entrenched in the carpet, tiles, vinyl, and hardware floors. If you move the machine very fast, it cannot dig into the carpet properly, and dust particles will be left behind. So, push the electronic appliance across the floor slowly to give it time to gather all the particles.

Vacuuming is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to clean your home without outside help. It offers a smooth, quick, and hassle-free cleaning experience. But you will reap these benefits only if you avoid the abovementioned mistakes and use the machine appropriately. Besides providing efficient cleaning, these tips increase a vacuum cleaner’s longevity and prevent it from frequent breakdowns.