The powered vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth, an engineer from England.
Thanks to Mr Booth’s invention, people have been vacuuming dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs and other messes for 113 years and counting.
The vacuum has come a long way since its early beginnings. Whether you own an upright, canister, cordless, bagless, robotic or central vacuum, your trusty vacuum is an important ally in your fight against a dirty house.
Vacuums do a stellar job at getting floors and carpets clean, but did you know that they can also tackle other dirty areas in your house?
Here are some areas in your home that you’re not vacuuming, but should.
Expert carpet Cleaning shares some tips...
1. Computer keyboard
Your computer keyboard falls under the category of ‘most neglected’ items when it comes to cleaning.
If you’re anything like the average person, you’re tapping away at your keyboard daily, sometimes for hours at a time.
Keyboards are notorious for getting dirt, dust, food particles and other tiny items stuck in between the keys.
One of the best ways of getting rid of all of those little particles is to use a vacuum cleaner. Just be sure none of your keys are loose before going near them with a vacuum.
2. Drawers
You may not think about vacuuming inside your drawers, but you’d be surprised just how much dust can be found inside a closed drawer.
Take precaution before aiming the vacuum nozzle inside the drawer to avoid accidentally sucking up small items like socks, pens, coins, etc.
Professionals suggest stretching a pair of nylon stockings over the nozzle. The stocking will allow dust to get through while preventing other objects from getting sucked up.
3. Dryer lint chamber and vent
Your dryer’s lint chamber and exhaust vent can never be too clean. In addition to making it run less efficiently, resulting in wasted energy, excess lint build-up can lead to a fire.
Vacuum the lint inside your dryer as well as the lint that accumulates in the exhaust vent.
Consult your dryer’s user manual for tips on how to properly and safely clean the lint from your dryer, as well as how often you should clean it.
4. Foam pillows
Foam pillows offer great head and neck support, and ensure a good night’s rest. However, they pose a problem when it comes to cleaning.
Foam pillows can’t be washed in the washing machine like a feather or cotton or polyester fiberfill pillow can.
To get rid of dust mites, skin cells and dirt, vacuum them often, preferably once a week.
5. Mattresses
Just like pillows, mattresses are magnets for dirt, dust and dust mites.
How often should you vacuum them? Experts suggest that you vacuum your mattress every six months.
So, the next time you flip your mattress (experts suggest flipping your mattress every six months), vacuum the top, sides and inside the crevices of the mattress.
6. Heating and air conditioning vents
Heating ducts and air-conditioning vents do a great job of circulating warm and cool air throughout your home. But if they haven’t been cleaned in a while, they’re also circulating unwanted dust and dirt.
Using a soft-bristled brush attachment, go over the vent slats as part of your regular vacuuming routine.
7. Refrigerator coils
Refrigerator coils, also called condenser coils, play an important role in helping to keep your refrigerator cool.
The coils can be found in the back, top or bottom of your refrigerator.
When the coils get clogged with dust, dirt or clumps of pet hair, they force your refrigerator to work overtime. This adds unnecessary strain on your refrigerator.
Always unplug your refrigerator first and consult your user manual for safety and cleaning suggestions.
8. Window blinds
Window blinds come in an array of materials, styles and designs, but they all have one thing in common - they attract dust.
While regularly running a microfiber cloth or feather duster is the best way to clean minor dust build-up, cleaning experts suggests using a small brush attachment to tackle heavier dust.
For the best results, go over the blinds in the direction of the slats on the lightest setting to avoid damaging delicate slats.
9. Brooms
Using a dirty broom to sweep your floors is counterproductive. Before putting your broom to use, run the vacuum cleaner nozzle over the bristles to remove stuck-on dirt and hair.