When it comes to the appearance of carpet, vacuuming is the most important and most cost-effective element of an efficient maintenance program designed to protect such a large investment.

Vacuuming can remove more than 80 percent of dry soil on a daily basis, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute, and vacuuming should be scheduled according to the amount of potential soil buildup of a particular area, and Seal of Approval/ Green Label Plus certified vacuums should be specified for use.

The CRI says, daily removal of spots and spills helps maintain the carpet’s appearance. Immediate action against spots and spills also reduces the probability of a permanent stain. To keep your carpet in the best shape possible, you’ll need to follow a simple maintenance routine to protect your investment.

Vacuum your carpet regularly, especially in high traffic areas. Eighty percent of soil in carpet is dry and can be removed with the vacuum cleaner.

Use a vacuum with a beater bar and brush, and be sure it’s set to the correct height for your carpet pile. If the setting is too high for your carpet, you may not be cleaning it effectively. If it’s too low, your carpet will get unnecessary wear and tear from the vacuum cleaner. Changing the direction of the cleaner frequently will make vacuuming more effective. This regular maintenance will improve the overall appearance of the carpet.

Change the bag often to maximize the effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner.

High traffic areas will need to be cleaned more frequently by spot cleaning or with a steam cleaner.

Every vacuum cleaner on the market will pull up dirt and debris. The question is which particular style and model will best suit your specific cleaning needs and preferred cleaning methods. A more expensive vacuum cleaner is not always a better vacuum cleaner, and attachments are only a factor if you plan on using them regularly.

One important decision to make is whether you prefer an upright, canister or backpack design. An upright vacuum cleaner places the powerhouse in the same unit as the agitating brushes. The entire cleaning housing sits on wheels just above floor level and dust is collected in a bag attached to the handle. The handle generally reaches the user’s waist level and can be swiveled to extend the reach of the cleaning unit.

Some upright models have powered wheels that help to propel the motor and sweeper forward, much like a self propelled lawn mower. An upright vacuum cleaner may be ideal if you don’t need many attachments and want to reduce bending while cleaning. An upright vacuum cleaner may have trouble reaching under furniture, however, and maneuverability may be limited.

The other option is a canister vacuum cleaner. This model has a central unit, which contains the powerhouse and collection bag. The central unit of a canister vacuum cleaner may be carried manually or allowed to roll on casters or wheels. A hose extends from the motor and various attachments perform specific vacuuming jobs-such as cleaning crevices, curtains, floors and ceilings. A powered sweeper may also be attached to the hose for general floor vacuuming.

A canister vacuum cleaner may be ideal for those who need a generous selection of attachments and are comfortable with the physical demands of vacuuming. A canister vacuum cleaner can be bulky to store and attachments may have to be changed frequently while using one.

Backpack vacuums offer lightweight design and ease of use. While they do go on the back, they are rather easy for almost anyone to handle. They make it easy to clean hard to reach places, as well. They’re popular for cleaning airplanes, and one standout feature comes when high things, such as ceiling fans, need to be cleaned. Rather than having to wrangle an upright into position, all a user of a backpack vacuum needs to do is stand on a ladder correctly since the machine goes with the person.

The design of a standard backpack vacuum makes it easier for the operator to move it and themselves around a room, upstairs and so on. While these machines tend to be lightweight and fairly small, they pack a big cleaning punch. They tend to be very powerful and often quite durable, as well.

Ergonomic Design

These machines are meant to help take the pressure off a person who is vacuuming. By making it easier to reach high places quickly, easily and safely, these machines can help prevent back and neck strains.

Ideal for multiple surfaces, backpack vacuum designs tend to be made to handle carpet, tile and even wood floors with ease. Since they are used widely in the commercial market, this versatility is a must.

Another consideration is suctioning power. A vacuum cleaner’s main power source is an industrial electric motor, which means suctioning power should be estimated by amperage (amps). Suctioning power can be a time-saving difference.

A further element to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner is bag versus bagless. Some prefer the self-contained aspect of a traditional vacuum cleaner bag attached to the motor through a filter. The main drawback to a bagged system is making sure replacement bags and filters are available. Different manufacturers and models use different size bags, some of which can be difficult to find outside of the original point of purchase. Bags still have to be handled manually when full, but the contents generally stay out of sight and out of mind.

Newer vacuum cleaner models may have no bag at all. Dirt and debris are collected in detachable compartments on the handle. The contents of these compartments can be dumped into a garbage can routinely to avoid build-up. Bagless vacuum cleaners eliminate the need for replacement bags and filters, but some people are bothered by the sight of dirt and other substances being in plain view while they clean.

Proponents of bagless vacuum cleaners say they are more powerful because the motor exhaust is not blocked by a thick bag.

Modern vacuum cleaner technology may have created yet another viable option in the form of a robot. A self powered vacuuming unit with obstacle detecting sensors can now be used to clean an entire room without any help from a human. Some models work on the principle of an electronic grid system, while others prefer the less sophisticated ‘keep going until you hit something’ approach. These robotic vacuum cleaners may be ideal for housekeepers with large area of open carpeting and few obstacles. ❑