7 common vacuum cleaner mistakes to avoid

7 common vacuum cleaner mistakes to avoid

Vacuum cleaners are the most used household appliances among other maintenance tools in your cleaning closet. There are various types of vacuums, including corded, cordless, and even robot vacuum cleaners. Today, technological innovations have made it possible for brands to manufacture smart cleaners that can be controlled with your smartphone. But no matter how fancy the gadget, you must still avoid the following common mistakes while using a vacuum cleaner:

Do not vacuum wet surfaces
Liquids coming in contact with electrical appliances is just a disaster in the making. Because water conducts electricity, you can damage the motors instantaneously or even experience minor electrocution. Regular vacuum cleaners are not designed to suction up liquids or other oddly shaped objects. There are, however, special wet-dry vacuum cleaners that are specifically designed to pick up water and other liquids. Commonly referred to as shop vacs, you can safely use these smaller-sized cleaners to clear up puddles and spills from most surfaces in and around the house.

Not using the proper attachments
Vacuum cleaners these days come with a ton of fancy attachments and accessories designed for specific tasks. For example, beater bars and roller bar accessories are ideal for cleaning heavy-duty carpets. The mechanism is designed to scrub off and suction the debris lodged between the carpet fabrics. Here, simply running a handheld cordless vacuum over carpets will not work, no matter how powerful the motor is. Similarly, special crevice tools can be used to suction out debris from tight corners behind furniture. Small cleaner heads can also pick up micro dust from upholstery and other furnishings around the house. You should always use the correct attachment to clean a particular area or surface.

Loss of power does not mean the appliance is broken
Motors heat up with prolonged use, and most modern vacuums have sensors that automatically shut down when the cleaner overheats. So, don’t chuck away the appliance when it stops working in the middle of a cleaning session. There are plenty of other reasons why the vacuum could have stalled. Try emptying a full dust bag, check the hose for clogs that prevent suction, check the connectors between various accessories, and manually remove anything that gets lodged in between to get the motor back up and running. If the appliance shuts down due to overheating, take a break before you attempt to start it up again.

Running over the cord
This is not a problem with cordless vacuum cleaners. However, if you are operating a slightly heavier vacuum appliance that needs a corded power connection, ensure you never run over the wire. Many attachments may come with a spinning brush designed to scrub and suction off dirt or debris from carpets. This suction tool is powerful enough to suck in the cord and cause it to break or expose the copper wiring, increasing the risk of electrocution. Also, it is impossible to replace damaged wires with most appliances as they are made from a certain quality and grade of materials that are not readily available.

Not emptying the dust bag
The smaller the appliance, the more frequently you’ll need to empty dust bags. It is never safe to run vacuum cleaners when the bag is full. The motors will be forced to work overtime to create more suction, as there isn’t enough room to collect dust properly. Optimal performance is affected, and you run the risk of seriously overheating the appliances. A full dust bag could also catch fire if the motors spark or overheat to compensate for the extra load. So, always take a few minutes to empty the dust bag and clear the collection bin of all dirt and debris before using the vacuum. Regular maintenance will improve the durability and use of electrical appliances.

Using the vacuum cleaner improperly
Vacuuming quickly is not helpful at all since you must apply some force and run the appliance repeatedly over a surface. The brush and motor assembly cannot suction all dirt and debris with a single sweep. You must be patient and run the cleaner a few times in the same spot before moving forward to get the best results. Also, most modern vacuum cleaners come with dedicated power control buttons and a fully functional digital display. You can adjust the speed of the cleaning brush, change the angle, and even customize cleaning functions for distinct types of surfaces. Premium high-end brands also offer additional smart control features that can be used to sync with smartphones. So read the manual to understand the features to make the most of these appliances.

Forgetting to charge cordless vacuum cleaners properly
Wireless battery-powered appliances can run for only a finite cycle before they require charging. It is never a good idea to run cordless vacuum cleaners on a low battery. There is no telling when the appliance will stop working, and that could be a really frustrating situation. So, don’t forget to plug in the cordless devices overnight to ensure they’re ready for the next cleaning round. Smart cleaners also come with a reminder feature on the digital console that shows battery use and discharge. You can plan the charging accordingly.

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Top 7 indoor purifiers for improving air quality

Air quality in and around structures can be affected by pollutants like asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, radon, pesticides, indoor particulate matter, tobacco, volatile organic compounds, and wood smoke. Purifier devices are the safest and most trusted options for improving air quality. The country's air purifier market was 2.17 billion in 2020, with a growth estimation of 8.6% by 2028. Here are seven of the best indoor air purifiers to consider for your home: Blue Pure 211+ by Blueair Blueair air purifiers are reliable, and the Blue Pure 211+ can remove a wide range of pollutants and particles trapped in your home. This device has a fabric filter for dust and larger particles and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for smaller particles like mold and bacteria. Another filter is activated by carbon that can remove other dust and odors. Blue Pure 211+ is a compact machine that has proven effective for removing airborne pollutants across 540 sq. ft., and replacements will cost around $70. Airmega AP-1512HH by Coway Coway has been leading the air purifier market for quite some time. The Airmega AP-1512HH is effective for a 361 sq. ft room size and has four filters: HEPA, washable, odor, and bipolar ion. This air purifier is the only one with ionizing functions, along with a programmable timer, four fan speeds, and a filter indicator light. It is a compact machine and one of the market's most highly rated and reviewed air purifiers. Replacement costs are also low. The company runs out of stock frequently; if you are keen on this, track its availability. Macro Pro True HEPA Air Purifier by DREO DREO's Macro Pro is an ideal low-cost air purifier with ultra-fine, HEPA, and pelletized activated carbon filters that can remove odors caused by dogs and a lot of dust. The device has three fan speeds and three additional and separate modes for sleep, turbo, and auto. DREO is fitted with sensors that can adjust the mode and speed settings based on the current air quality in the room. The replacements cost around $30. Core 400S by Levoit Levoit's Core 400S has three filtration stages: nylon, an H13 True HEPA, and activated carbon. The maximum effective room size for this air purifier is 403 sq. ft. You may have to replace the filter every six months for one year at about $50. Levoit claims the Levoit Core 4005 can capture about 99.97% of airborne particles and close to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. This device can also capture smoke, fumes, pet odors, and cooking smells. HM400 HealthMate® by Austin Air If you want an air purifier that works in larger room sizes and is durable, you can consider the Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate. This device can remove pet dander and chemical and gaseous pollutants for a large room size of 938 sq. ft. The Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate has already been tested and proved to remove volatile organic compounds. While this air purifier is slightly higher on the cost side, it is a durable machine. Pure Cool™ Purifying Tower Fan and TP04 Air Purifier by Dyson It is a standing purifying tower fan that detects air quality in real-time. The activated carbon filter removes odors and gases, and a Glass HEPA filter captures minute allergens and pollutants. This smart machine delivers pure air throughout the room at 77 gallons per second, and it can be operated through a voice-enabled app. Dyson's combination of purification and powerful fan speed makes this product a must-buy. You can set it to nighttime mode, which functions in quiet settings with a dimmed display. HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover by Honeywell Honeywell's HPA 300 can purify an area of 465 sq. ft. with a disposable pre-filter and a true HEPA filter. This portable device is easy to use, has four-speed settings, and works almost silently, even in high fan speed settings. Allergens trapped in the house are effectively removed thanks to this durable product. The Honeywell HPA has one of the highest ratings for removing dust, pollen, and smoke. However, the device may need a good amount of maintenance, and replacements are expensive. The need for air purifiers The Environmental Protection Agency says that immediate exposure to household pollutants can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. While treatment can cure them, the symptoms may relapse when they come back home. The impact of air quality on people with allergies and sensitivities could be more than cold-like symptoms. Prolonged and continuous exposure to household pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. Hence using an air purifier reduces the risk of such diseases. In addition, it can also remove microorganisms and protect you from viral and bacterial infections. Other methods to improve air quality Apart from using an air purifier to remove existing pollutants, pay attention to the household things and remove potential pollutants. Keep the house well ventilated. Check pipes, tanks, and water supply channels for any water leaks that may cause molds. Use professional cleaners to clean your home thoroughly.

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