Before you start: Pick up small objects such as buttons, coins and pins that could clog the beater brush or roll bar. Make sure string, thread, hair, etc., are not wound around the vacuum’s beater brush or roll bar. With scissors, snip any accumulated material until bar spins freely. Check vacuum bag. Anything more than 50 percent full will sap your vacuum’s cleaning energy and strain the motor. The right pile adjustment is critical. Set the brush to its highest setting, complete up off the floor, and turn the vacuum on. Lower the setting gradually until you hear the brush come in slight contact with the carpet.
How to vacuum: At least once a week, vacuum high-traffic areas where most of the dirt is. Edges and areas under furniture can be vacuumed less frequently.
Vacuum in slow, deliberate strokes. This allows the bar to loosen the dirt and for the air flow to suck it up. Overlap in parallel strokes only in heavily soiled, high-traffic areas.
Hold the vacuum cord in your free hand. Vacuum into the room instead of out and you won’t be fighting the cord.
Vacuum stairs in the center of the tread. The corners and edges can be wiped with a clean cloth.
Tips: Vacuum heavily-traffic areas several times a week The entire carpet should be done weekly, though you can let the edges and areas under furniture go a little longer. To freshen carpet cheaply and ecologically, liberally sprinkle baking soda all over it. Wait 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. Always keep your vacuum on carpeted area while it’s running. A low-adjusted bar can dent a floor.
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Sources: “Is there Life After Housework” by Don Aslett (Writer’s Digest Books,
$10.99); “Reader’s Digest Household Hints and Handy Tips” (Readers Digest Association Inc., $14.95); “Household Hints & Tips” by Cassandra Kent (DK Publishing Inc., $19.95)
