10 Tips to Make Vacuuming Your Whole Home a Breeze

You may love topping off a sparkling clean room with those oh-so-satisfying vacuum lines, but you may not always love the actual act of vacuuming.  

However, when you consider that regular vacuuming can keep your home clearer of dust and allergens and make your floors look next-level spotless, the benefits definitely outweigh the burden. Luckily, there are 10 easy ways to make vacuuming a breeze so you can find a little more joy in this weekly task.

1. Use a Compatible Extension Cord

Unplugging and replugging your vacuum over and over makes the job take way longer than it should. Avoid this hassle by using an extension cord that can span throughout your house. It’s a simple fix that can save some major time and frustration. Be sure it’s a high-amperage cord that can handle your vacuum’s output, though—otherwise, it can pose a fire hazard. 

2. Keep Your Vacuum Clean 

Rolling a dirty vacuum across your rug might leave it dirtier than when you started. Don't let your hard work get turned into dust. Once or twice a year, give your hardworking vacuum some TLC by taking it apart, cleaning the components, and clearing away clogs. 

Also, regularly check for clogs near the rollers, as hair or lint can get wrapped around and compromise your vacuum’s performance. You can usually clear these clogs with a good yank, but be careful not to pull too hard, or you may damage your machine.

3. Vacuum From the Inside Out

Tromping over your freshly vacuumed carpet will distort those crisp lines you worked so hard to achieve. To be sure you vacuum the right way, and keep the job clean and neat, start in the furthest corner of the room. Then, you can work your way out the door and on to the next section.

4. Don’t Neglect Your Crevice Tool

Your clunky vacuum can’t get to those hard-to-reach spots in walls, crevices, and furniture. The crevice tool is meant to assist, but many vacuum owners forget it exists. This tool can clear corners, windowsills, cobwebs, trim, and other small areas with ease. You can also use it to help vacuum your stairs. If your vacuum didn’t come with one, you might be able to purchase a compatible attachment separately.

5. Vacuum Your Tile Floors

No disrespect to the broom, but a tile-compatible vacuum is the best (and easiest) way to clean dirt and debris from hard floors. "Many homeowners are unaware that you can vacuum your tile floors and that most new model vacuums have a ‘floor’ and ‘carpet’ setting,” says Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dust Busters janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “By vacuuming your floors, you’re decreasing the chances of dust, dirt, and debris being pushed around the floor and into cracks and crevices." Add vacuuming to your kitchen cleaning checklist, or just hit the kitchen and bathrooms while you already have it out. Work smarter, not harder.

6. Enforce a “No Shoes” Policy

By observing and enforcing a “no shoes” policy in your home, you'll significantly reduce the buildup of dirt and debris—not to mention germs. If the members of your household need some convincing, get everyone some comfy slippers that they’ll want to put on ASAP when they walk in the door. Pro tip: Keep sturdy mats by all doors to catch additional dirt, too.

7. Get Vacuum-Friendly Rugs

A little prevention can go a long way towards easing your vacuum woes. If you're in the market for a new rug, consider the fact that low-pile, synthetic options are the most vacuum-friendly. That's not to say that wool shag rugs aren’t cleanable, but it'll be a labor of love. 

8. Clear Stuck-On Hair With an Old Hairbrush

Thick carpeting tends to gather a layer of stuck-on hair that is hard to pick up with your vacuum. Rather than cursing under your breath and running over the same spot over and over, grab an old stiff-bristle hairbrush to comb the mess from the fibers. The bristles will pick up the stray hairs and form a gross-but-satisfying clump. 

9. Consider a Cordless Vacuum for Daily Maintenance

For the crumbs after pizza night and the dust pile that appears in the same spot like clockwork, busting out the big vacuum can be a pain. A small rechargeable vacuum or dustbuster makes daily cleanups in the kitchen and other high-traffic areas much easier to manage. 

As a bonus, staying caught up with the little jobs will make your dedicated vacuuming day that much easier.

10. Keep Up a Routine

If you wait until you can see the specks of dirt and who-knows-what on your carpet, you’re making the job harder than it needs to be. Rather than going on an “as-needed” basis, make vacuuming a part of your regular cleaning ritual. With less of a mess, you’ll be done in no time.

Of course, if you just can’t fit regular cleanings into your busy routine, that’s where a local house cleaning service can come in handy. They’ll make sure you get pro-level clean floors every time without ever having to bust out the vacuum yourself.