How Often You Should Vacuum Your Home (and Why According to Experts)

To help you understand more about the importance of vacuuming, and the impact it can have on your home, I have compiled this guide. It’s full of interesting and informative facts about how often you should vacuum your home, as well as general cleaning and the effects of dust.

However, it’s not just my facts and research. I reached out to industry experts to get their advice on the matter as well, filling this guide with links to extensive research.  

How Often Should You Vacuum?

Why Should You Vacuum?

How Often Should You Clean?

1. Getting Rid of Stains

I actually wrote a fantastic piece on removing wine stains from a carpet if you are looking for something specific. I will be going through general stain removal steps in this section, though. For additional help with getting rid of those pesky stains, you can also check out this YouTube video I sourced. 

2. Cleaning the Carpets 

What about actually cleaning the carpets? Honestly, the answer is quite simple. The methods above are perfect for stain removal, but when you just want to give your floors the deep cleaning they deserve, a carpet cleaner is your best bet. These are a lot like vacuum cleaners, but they have been designed to wash and dry your carpets. You can choose to use a natural or chemical cleaner in it; it depends on what you prefer.  

Even if you think your carpets are perfectly clean, you are going to be surprised by the amount of dirt that it picks up. I guarantee the water will be brown within moments. They shampoo your carpets and reach right down into the fibres, scrubbing out the grime and leaving your carpets looking better than ever. It’s an effective way of killing bacteria as well, making your home a safer and healthier place.

3. Maintaining the Carpets

General maintenance is also important so that your carpets look good over time. After all, you can’t just wash them every few months and hope they look good. Vacuuming is the obvious way to keep them maintained, but there are other methods you can use as well.  

What Lives in Your Carpet?

A terrifying question, and perhaps one you wish you’d never asked. If you needed a reason to clean your carpets and keep them maintained before, you certainly have it now. This section deals with the things that are living in your carpet, and you might not be ready to face them quite yet.

General Vacuuming Tips

An important part of studies, like those on the impact of mess on mental health, is to gather up the statistics. These give a better insight into the ways people are affected by things, as well as the differences between certain groups – like men and women or children and adults. Here are some of the general statistics for mess and mental health:

1. Cleaning the filters and the bin is so important, and the same goes for changing the vacuum bag on bagged models. Dirty filters and full bins/bags cause a reduction in suction and limit the cleaning power of the vacuum.

Not to mention, it could cause severe damage to the machine. Filters should be washed every month by running them under cool water and then leaving them to dry completely. Use a HEPA filter as well, as these are best for asthma and allergies due to trapping 99.7% of dust.  

Vacuum bags should be changed when they are three-quarters full (it is easy to tell), and the canister should be emptied after every vacuuming session on the bagless models. You can also wash the dust canister with cool water, and I recommend doing this on a monthly basis just to ensure everything is running smoothly. Check that everything is completely dry before putting it back together though.

3. Make sure you are using the right setting. Don’t have it on hard floor mode when you are using it on carpet, and vice versa. The cleaning will not be as effective, and you could end up scratching your floors.

You want the best possible suction, and the first step to achieving that is buying a vacuum cleaner that is definitely able to cater to all the floor types in your home. It’s far from an impossible task as many of them are more than capable of coping with multiple floor types at the click of a switch.

4. Focus on the areas that are hardest to clean first. Like everything in life, it is best to get the hard stuff out of the way first so that you can enjoy the good parts. Vacuuming doesn’t always have a good part, but it does have an easier one.

Get the tough places out of the way first so that they get a good clean, and then you can focus on the rest of the home. Usually, these difficult areas are in areas with high levels of traffic, and they need the extra time and attention.

5. Stick with a routine. Now that you know how often you should be vacuuming your home, make it a fundamental part of your routine. It helps to maintain your carpets; it is good for your mental well-being because there is structure, and you will end up with a home that is tidy on a regular basis.

These are all good thing that you will find you want in life. Take your time, don’t rush the job, and make sure you get it all done well. This is the key to vacuuming success.

6. It’s all in the technique. You need to vacuum the correct way as well. Yes, there is an ideal way to vacuum, and I am about to share it with you. Pulling the vacuum back does the most work, so take your time with pushing it forward again.

Similarly, vacuuming in multiple directions will loosen the dirt and make it easier to suck up as well as keep the carpets looking nice. Remember to check the brush bar for clogs and trapped hair regularly as well, and remove any blockages you find.

When is Spring Cleaning?

What is Spring Cleaning?

Essentially, it is the practice of cleaning your home thoroughly once a year. You pull everything out, get rid of junk, and really scrub the house so that it looks brand new. We wipe away the winter, and the ashes of the fire that comes with it, and we let in the fresh spring air to make our homes smell fresh again. It’s giving us a chance to welcome the warmer weather, and to give ourselves a fresh start. Think of it as a second New Years, but without all the drinking and a lot more cleaning.  

Just for a bit of fun, I thought this Spring-Cleaning video was really quite amusing: 

How to Clean Your House

Cleaning your house is actually pretty easy, and it won’t take as long as you think. There are so many different ways you could do it, but I have collected the main cleaning tasks you need as well as some great methods to go with them. You can also check out the cleaning section in chapter one, as well as the spring-cleaning checklists below.

2. Mopping/Steam Cleaning. Weekly mopping or steam cleaning is best, especially for homes with high levels of traffic or pets. The steam cleaner will kill 99.9% of bacteria and keep your house much cleaner.

Many of them can even be used on carpet as well as the standard hard floor. A standard mop is not quite as good in terms of effectiveness and cleanliness, but it can be handy for spills that need to be cleaned up quickly.  

You should always vacuum before you steam clean as this is how you get the best results, and also prevent clumps of hair from sticking to the steam cleaner (or a standard mop).

You should also start from the top of the room and then go down to the bottom so that you are always standing on un-mopped floor and to ensure you do not go over the same spot twice. If you have a steam cleaner, you can press a button for a steam burst to tackle really stubborn spots.

3. Cleaning the Toilet. This must be cleaned frequently. We use it every day, multiple times a day, and it is a utopia for the growth of bacteria. It should be cleaned at least weekly, and some would argue that every few days is even better. I prefer to use a chemical cleaner for the toilet just so that I know it is completely clean.  

If you want the best results, you should spray the cleaner all over the toilet bowl, rim, and seat before leaving it to sit for 15 minutes. While that is soaking, you can disinfect the exterior of the toilet; starting at the tank and working down from there. When it has finished soaking, give the interior of the toilet a good scrub and then flush. After, pour bleach into the bowl and let it sit for half an hour.

4. Cleaning the Showerhead. Once a year is usually more than enough to remove limescale deposits and other gunk. It can depend on your area and the showerhead itself, however. I have written an extensive guide to cleaning showerheads, but I will also run over the basics for you. All you need is a white vinegar and water solution.  

You can soak the showerhead in a bag or basin of it for 30 minutes and then rinse the deposits out. For attached showerheads, you can tie the plastic bag around it and allow it to hang there. You can also scrub really stubborn deposits away with the trusty old toothbrush if you don’t quite manage to get it all out with the vinegar and water method.

5. Cleaning the Oven. It is terrifying how often we forget about the oven. Some say it only needs to be cleaned every six months, but I argue that and would say it is closer to three. After all, it is full of old food and grime. Remember to actually clean it though because otherwise, it can become a fire hazard. You should also be wiping the oven door down on a weekly basis for a clean view.  

I like to sprinkle baking soda in the base of the oven and then spray white vinegar on it until it begins to foam. Then, it should be left overnight to really soak in and loosen up the grime. In the morning, you should be able to wipe it clean without issue.  

You can also mix a solution of vinegar and warm water to clean any oven knobs. I tend to use an old toothbrush for this part as it can scrub tight places really well. Oven racks can be cleaned in the sink with the same ingredients and hot water; works a treat every time. Of course, you can use chemicals if you prefer.

6. Washing Towels. These are actually a little gross when you think about it. They absorb our body moisture, skin cells, and general damp. Bacteria loves it, and sharing a towel is never advisable for this reason to name but one.

To prove the point, though, cold sores and athletes’ foot can be spread through them. After every three uses, they should be thrown in the wash at 60 degrees C with an antibacterial product for good measure. Clean towels make for a happy body.

7. Cleaning Mattresses. I like to vacuum my mattress weekly because of the allergies and asthma in my home, but you only really have to do it twice a year. It removes skin cells, dust mites, and bacteria that might be lurking there, and it feels good. You should also flip it regularly for structural integrity and your general comfort at night.  

It really is as simple as stripping the bed (weekly), washing the sheets, and vacuuming underneath quickly. Got stains? Just mix up a solution of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide before gently blotting the area to remove it. Repeat as necessary and watch the stain disappear.

8. Shampooing Carpets. This can be done once or twice a year, and you can hire one out professionally or buy a carpet cleaner for yourself. They shampoo the carpet to remove tough dirt and bring it back to life, as well as drying it afterwards a lot of the time. There are some who like to do this on a monthly basis to really tackle dirt and dust in the home, but most people should get away with a comfortable annual use. 

I am also going to leave you with this fantastic video from Melissa Maker of Clean My Space. It goes through some of the top cleaning tips and tricks that you really should be using in your home. Her videos offer great insight and advice with regards to cleaning. 

List Two: Products (Natural) 

Seriously, these two products will save you from so much, and the white vinegar is even able to work as a disinfectant. If you haven’t already, you should be giving natural products a try.

List Three: Products (Chemical) 

List One: General Tasks  

List Two: Kitchen Tasks

List Three: Dining and Living Room Tasks 

List Four: Bathroom and Laundry Room Tasks 

List Five: Bedroom Tasks  

Dust Allergies 

If you aren’t sure if you have a dust mite allergy, you can find the symptoms below. They are quite similar to hay fever though, so make sure you speak with your doctor: 

Symptoms that are caused by dust mite allergies combined with asthma: 

Allergens in Carpets 

Allergens and Other Floor Types  

“There is a thought that only carpets harbour the dust that causes the increase in allergens and asthma, but hard, non-carpeted floors can be just as bad.” – Julie Finch Scally 

Julie is an expert with dust, and she has provided a good chunk of the information in this section for me. It’s important to remember that dust and other allergens lurk on other floor types as well, and we need to keep on top of it before it becomes a problem.  

Carpets might hold the dust, but hard floors allow it to move around freely and create more dust in the room. As it is always on the go, it feels dustier and can be harder to breathe through.

This is why professional tilers and layers of hard floors recommend that hard floors are swept and vacuumed daily (or at least twice a week) so that this loose dust can be removed quickly. Otherwise, the dust is allowed to accumulate and may lead to some unpleasant reactions.  

Dust bunnies are the number one enemy when vacuuming, and they are often found lurking under the sofa and other furniture. This is why you should be moving said items when you vacuum in order to reach them effectively.

Although you may be able to avoid this if you are using a flexible stick vacuum to reach right under those tight surfaces. Either way, they need to be removed before they are allowed to build up too much.  

If you have pets in the home, especially those with long hair or double coats, you are going to find even more fluff around the home. They also shed dander, which can cause allergic reactions in those who have allergies to them.

Pet vacuums are the ideal solution for this because they have bee designed to cope with the amount of fur left behind, and they also come with tools for cleaning their bedding as well as touch areas of carpet. This is also true if you have asthmatics in the home, as it will greatly reduce their symptoms.

Allergy Proof Your Home 

It’s essential to make sure you are guarded against allergens so that you, or those who suffer, can live in peace within their own home. To bring an end to this guide, here are some great ways to build up a resistance and fight those pesky allergens once and for all.  

1. You need to be more brutal with your cleaning, and this means things like damp dusting surfaces regularly, as well as mopping the floor after every vacuuming session, or steam cleaning it. Damp dusting should be carried out after vacuuming because any dust that has been stirred up by the machine will be caught by the cloth easily.  

2. You should vacuum on a daily basis to make sure there are as few allergens as possible, and also make sure that your vacuum cleaner is using a HEPA filter to capture the majority of the dust particles and other microbes. You might be able to get away with vacuuming a little less, it all depends on the severity of the allergies you have.

3. With the fight against dust mites, you will discover that while more difficult to remove, it is certainly not impossible. Remove your bed linen and wash it on a hot cycle of 60 degrees centigrade every week.

When it has been through, dry it in your preferred manner and then make the bed again. While the linen in being washed, however, you can also vacuum the mattress and under the bed. The mattress should also be turned regularly for comfort, longevity, and dust mite prevention.

4. Curtains and slat blinds are hard to clean, but also gather dust like there is no tomorrow. The best idea is to replace them with washable materials or roller blinds that can be washed off easily and quickly on a regular basis. Similarly, during allergy season your windows should be closed at peak times of day to prevent pollen and other allergens from drifting through and into your home.

5. Air purifiers are one of the most effective forms of keeping the dust and pet dander away. They are a little more expensive to buy and run, but also well worth it for the results. It is amazing how much they catch, but also to see the change in air quality even after a short period of time. 

It should also have a HEPA filter for better effect. They are a fantastic investment, and one that will make life a lot easier for you. Of course, they are best used alongside a very regular cleaning schedule. 

6. Similarly, a dehumidifier is great for the bathroom as they suck up all of the extra moisture in the room and store it in a container. It reduces the risk of mould, mildew, and bacteria, as well as keeping the humidity levels nice and low. You are likely to find that you breathe easier, because dust isn’t the only allergen in the home.  

7. Following the spring-cleaning steps in the previous chapter will help a lot. Spring cleaning is something that should be done regularly throughout the year, and it will help alleviate your allergies. A lot of it is quick and simple, and some of it will take a little longer, but it is worth it for cleaner air and a more comfortable living experience. Or, if you are feeling really lazy, you can always hire someone to do it for you. 

To Conclude

I hope that this guide has been able to provide you with all the answers you need about vacuuming your home, why, and how often you should do so. It really is a fundamental part of the cleaning process, and it is exceptionally beneficial to your health. Without a vacuum cleaner, you are at risk of asthma and allergies, as well as general illness due to the accumulation of germs and dirt. 

Dust is something we rarely think about, and you need to take it into consideration more often. While harmless on its own, it becomes dangerous as it grows and is left to settle on your floors and surfaces. Carpet, in particular, is the perfect home for harmful particles to amass and thrive. 

Even general cleaning is underestimated. I’m not saying you should have a show home at all times (homes need to be lived in), but you should be mindful of the little tasks. Just ten minutes each day can make all the difference. It’s time we made cleaning a priority again. 

What did you think of my guide to how often you should vacuum? Do you agree with the answers and views here, or are there areas that you disagree with? Your feedback and opinions are important to me, so feel free to drop a message in the comment section below.