You use the vacuum cleaner all the time, but are you sure you're using it properly?

Vacuum cleaners have made our live so much easier. In the past, the broom/brush was the only way to remove surface dirt and dust. The vacuum cleaner is useful in all rooms - not only for cleaning the floors, but also for cleaning furniture, fixtures and more (with the appropriate attachments, of course).

That said, are you sure you are using your vacuum cleaner correctly and effectively? Well, before answering, check out the advice below:

What to do before vacuuming

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Vacuum cleaners come in an infinite number of makes and models, but one thing is common to all of them: they cannot vacuum up everything. More accurately, vacuum cleaners (of most types) should not be used to suck up over-large objects, building debris (like plaster and brick fragments), glass shards and similar objects. Doing so could damage the appliance.

• Given this, first remove these potential hazards from the path of the vacuum cleaner. Pick up beads, glass shards, paper clips, pins, any pieces of plaster that have fallen out of the door frames, pebbles, small rocks, etc - in short, pick up anything that is clearly visible to the naked eye before vacuuming. Whilst being pain, doing this pre-vacuuming task will protect your vacuum cleaner;
  
  
• If surfaces need dusting, do this before vacuuming. If you do so, you won't need to repeat the vacuuming as frequently;
  
  
• Before starting, move any obstructions out of the way, if you can (like baskets, small rugs, floor lamps, etc).

Once you've done this prep work, you can start vacuuming!

Here's the right way to vacuum up

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You might have your own vacuuming "habits", but experts advise the following:

• Rushing is not efficient. Take your time and be methodical about how you will do the vacuuming;
  
  
• Once the space to be vacuumed has been cleared, you can start. Think of the surface to be vacuumed like a lawn that has to be mowed. Move back and forth over the surface without rushing and without leaving any gaps. Although super-efficient, vacuum cleaners need a certain amount of time to suck a specific spot properly, so don't rush. This advice applies to both vacuuming floors and carpets;
  
  
• Finally, don't forget to do in corners and along the skirting boards.

Finishing the cleaning

Once the vacuuming has been done, finish by emptying out the appliance (if the bag is full). Put in a new bag and you'r good to go for next time.

Now you've familiarized yourself with the above advice, it's time to get cracking!