Floors of all types collect dirt from outside sources like debris created by pet dander, the shedding of human skin cells, and dust mite excrement. Not only is a dirty floor unsightly, allowing excessive grit and grime to accumulate can permanently damage the finish on flooring and wear out rugs and carpets prematurely. Excessive dust and bacteria can be detrimental to your wellness and food particles can encourage the growth of mold and mildew and attract household pests. While floors can be cleaned by sweeping with a broom or a dust mop, a good vacuum is the best tool to maintain a spotless look. Most vacuums can be adjusted to properly clean carpets and rugs as well as hard surface floors, and a good vacuum will trap the dust so it is not spread into the air only to resettle.
How Often Should I Vacuum?
Vacuuming frequency is highly dependent on the number of people in the household, your jobs (farmers’ boots bring in much more soil than someone’s shoes who does computer work from home), and the type and number of pets. However, the basic rule of thumb is that carpeted floors and rugs should be vacuumed at least twice weekly and hard surface floors like tile, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl should be vacuumed at least once per week. If you have furry pets, all carpets and floors should be vacuumed daily to capture dander, dust, and dirt. Rooms that receive high traffic like entryways, living areas, and kitchens may require more frequent vacuuming; while guest rooms or formal dining rooms will be fine with weekly cleaning.
