The trick to carpet cleaning and maintaining its appearance is to take the time to vacuum on a regular basis.
Choosing the best vacuum
cleanerHouse cleaning experts dished the dirt on the best ways to keep floors cleaning, saying the first step is to choose the right vacuum.
“I endorse vacuums with HEPA filters to remove allergens,” says Kevin Wagnon, owner of My Sweet House Cleaning in North Charleston, South Carolina. “I choose vacuums with long hoses to go under sofas, beds and other furniture, and also to reach into ceiling corners to remove spider webs and dust from tops of doors.”
Finding the right vacuum attachmentsIt's also important to choose a vacuum cleaner that’s light with detachable hoses and attachments that come out with a push of a button.
You might also want to consider keeping a vacuum on every level of the house for convenience.
Declutter before vacuuming
But before you use that perfect vacuum, do a quick walk-through and pick up anything on the floor.
“Set yourself up for success by making sure the floors that you’re about to clean are clear of clutter,” says Kim Condon, vice president of Godsend Cleaning in Lynchburg, Virginia. “That way, when you’re vacuuming, you’re not constantly bending over and picking up items to get them out of your way.”
Vacuuming from the outside in
The secret to a professional-looking carpet cleaning is in the approach: Begin by vacuuming the perimeter of the room with the edging tool. Then, start at the far corner and move backward, vacuuming yourself out of the room so you don’t leave footprints behind.
“When vacuuming, move the machine slowly over the carpet,”
says Ray Smith, owner of Green Genius Cleaning Services in Clermont, Florida. “Slow and steady will gather more dirt than several quick passes. Keep the vacuum close to your body, so you’re not overstretching. For best results, vacuum once a week and more often if you have pets or children.”