An expert in vacuum cleaners has shared her top tips for getting the most out of your appliance
A vacuum cleaner expert has shared five essential tips to prolong the life of your device and maintain its efficiency – a boon in these times of rising living costs.
The specialist has put together an indispensable guide with steps to follow before you start your next clean-up. The list features five key tips, ranging from basic advice to more niche knowledge that might be new to you.
Never vacuum broken glass
At the top of the Which UK list for keeping your vacuum in tip-top shape is to steer clear of using it to pick up broken glass. Small shards can become lodged in the hose or motor, leading to damage.
The safest approach to dealing with shattered glass is to use a dustpan and brush, as recommended.
The guide also suggests using a damp paper towel to collect tinier pieces of glass to avoid injuries to the feet. Only after most of the glass has been gathered by these methods should you consider using the vacuum cleaner on the affected area.
Don’t skimp on maintenance
The expert emphasised the importance of regular maintenance to keep your vacuum performing optimally. She recommends frequent cleaning of filters and attachments, along with routinely emptying the dust compartment.
For hair entangled in the floor head, scissors are the tool of choice to snip it free and remove any clogs.
Removable brush bars and filters can be cleaned under a tap using a small amount of washing up liquid. These items should be dried properly before being put into the appliance.
Always check for detached objects in your hose or attachments.
Vacuum with purpose
“Vacuuming haphazardly” is the next no-go on the list. This is defined by the expert as a furious fervour of cleaning – and instead it is recommended that the operator proceed slowly and carefully over each section of the floor.
For carpets and rugs, users are best to start at one edge and push the vacuum forward in a straight line as this technique lifts the fibres to expose dirt.
The next step is to pull the machine back slowly, overlapping the next lane by about 50% until it is all clean. This in turn makes it easier for the vacuum cleaner to do its job effectively.
Users are recommended to repeat the process until the area is clean.
Never throw out a “faulty” vacuum
“I would never throw out a faulty vacuum cleaner,” confessed the expert in Which UK’s Instagram video. Instead, she recommended trading it in for money or towards a new model as many retailers do facilitate this option.
AO, Dyson, John Lewis and Currys all offer this option according to the expert.
She also recommends that consumers compare prices and use Which’s comparisons to make a more informed choice about the best vacuum cleaner. Reading reviews is also vital as they offer perspectives from people who have already tried various models.
Steer clear of cordless vacuums with a build-in battery
The expert advises against buying cordless vacuums with built-in batteries, noting that batteries deteriorate over time. She suggests choosing a vacuum with a replaceable battery, which can greatly prolong its life and be more economical in the long term.
