10 Vacuuming Mistakes You Might Be Making

Vacuuming is a routine chore, and most of us think we've got it down to a science. But before your next cleaning session, take a moment to reconsider your vacuuming habits. Are you using your vacuum correctly? Have you developed some bad habits? You might be surprised by how simple adjustments can make the job more effective. From carpet care to vacuum maintenance, we assure you: You’re not the only one making mistakes.

You’re Vacuuming Too Quickly (and Only In One Direction)

Back and forth, back and forth. Sure, you develop a natural pattern when it comes to cleaning carpets in your home for the 7,000th time. Vacuuming a rug in the same route every time, or routinely just moving the vacuum to and fro in a single direction, isn’t likely to pick up all dirt. Instead, pass over areas from multiple angles. Rushing can leave dirt behind; slow, thoughtful passes are more effective.

You’re Not Cleaning the Filters

When was the last time you disassembled your vacuum and cleaned or replaced the filters? "The most important maintenance for your vacuum is to care for its filters," says Liz Hawk, marketing brand specialist for stick vacuums at BISSELL. "Many machines have more than one filter that needs to be cleaned or regularly replaced to keep things running smoothly." Dirty filters will reduce the suction power of the vacuum and can recirculate dust back into the air. If it smells dusty when you’re vacuuming, take it as a sign to replace the filter or wash it thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s directions.

You’re Vacuuming Your Stairs With an Upright Vacuum

We love an upright vacuum for carpets, but when it comes to stairs, it’s more effective (and safer!) to switch to a vacuum with an extendable wand and attachment. Dragging a heavy vacuum up the stairs not only risks it falling, but worse: It can cause the user to fall as well.

You’re Skipping Surfaces

Neglecting the dust under beds, sofas, and other furniture can lead to quick buildup, worsening indoor allergies. This is why I love using a robot vacuum; it’s the first time in my life that I can be sure there are no dust bunnies underneath the couch. For those of you with an upright vacuum, make sure you move the furniture around more often to clean beneath it and target corners and edges of the room you might otherwise ignore.

You Don’t Use the Settings Properly

If your vacuum has adjustable suction settings or the ability to change based on the type of flooring, make sure you utilize those features. For instance, you wouldn’t want to use a high-powered suction setting on your vintage rug. Similarly, you may accidentally blow dust around if you use roller brushes on hardwood floors. Each vacuum is different, so review your owner’s manual for best practices.

You’re Letting Your Robot Vacuum Clean Deep Pile Carpets

Lower your expectations. While we love our robot vacuum, it doesn’t perform well on thick carpets. Not only does it move in only one direction, but thick carpets require more time and suction than a robot vacuum can provide. However, one positive note: If you use the robot vacuum often enough (3x a week or more) on thick carpets, the surface cleaning can help prevent dust from settling into the fibers.

You’re Vacuuming Over Wet Spills

There’s a reason wet/dry vacuums are in a different category. Vacuuming wet areas with a regular vacuum not only risks damaging the appliance but also leaves a smeared mess and dampens the roller brush. Worst case scenario: water sucked into the canister or dust bag can lead to mold and odor issues.

You Forget to Clean the Brush Roll or Separator

Pet fur, human hair, and other debris can wrap around the brush roll (also known as the brush head), creating a whole tangle of issues that make the machine less effective. Just as it’s important to clean the vacuum canister or bag, it’s also crucial to check the brush roll. Better yet, consider a vacuum designed to handle fur and hair. "For pet owners, choosing the right vacuum is essential for effective cleaning," shared Todd Manegold, general manager at Tineco North America. “The Tineco Go Pet, for example, has ZeroTangle technology, eliminating 99% of hair wrap from the brush head.” Hawk at BISSELL adds, "Another important part of tank maintenance is to clean your separator (located inside the dirt tank) every few cleans, which will help your vacuum continue to perform at optimal levels."

You’re Using the Wrong Attachments (or Forgetting About the Attachments)

Attachments are designed for specific tasks; using them correctly can improve cleaning results. Make sure you understand the purpose of the attachments that came with your vacuum cleaner. You likely have a crevice wand, upholstery head, hard floor brush tool, and other assorted accessories that will make cleaning easier and more thorough.

You’re Dusting After Vacuuming

This is the kind of mistake you won’t make often. If you have heavy dusting to do in your home, make sure you dust surfaces first and then follow up with the vacuum. This way, you don’t have to worry about dust particles falling to the ground — you’ll just vacuum them up afterward.