It’s Shocking How Much Dirt Some Vacuums Miss

Perhaps this has happened to you: You’ve lived with carpeting, then for one reason or another you live with hardwood or some other type of hard surface flooring that shows up every little bit of dust and dirt. You can’t believe it! You can sweep or vacuum one day and by the next morning, the dust and dirt have returned.

Of course we think that some new dirt- and dust-producing thing has mysteriously descended on our living space, but the truth is it’s the same dust and dirt that has always been present only now we can see it.

I cannot tell you how shocked I was to see what accumulated in such a short time on my wood floors. In my mind I multiplied by 7, 14 and even 21 days. Imagining what had accumulated in the carpeting almost made me wretch. Seriously.

Another surprise is how much dirt vacuums miss, especially when we use them on carpet. Because we cannot see the dirt, we assume a single pass will do it. The problem is that once dirt goes deep into the carpet (closer to the bottom than it is to the top of the pile), it doesn’t easily come out. It takes agitation and suction to coax it out of there.

1. Keep it clean- The best defense is a good offense. That means you need to do all you can to keep the dirt from getting to the carpet in the first place. A shoes-off rule is ideal, but not always practical. Place sturdy doormats at all entrances. Vacuuming carpet frequently is the only way to keep dirt and grit from embedding into the weave of the carpet backing. It is critical to use a vacuum that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. It should glide effortlessly.

2. Know your passes- As you plan your vacuuming route, spend the most time on the areas where dirt collects. Memorize this routine and count as you work: 12 passes of the vacuum within 4 feet of outside doors; 8 passes in high-traffic areas; 4 passes elsewhere. In the areas where carpet has not been regularly and thoroughly cleaned in the last year, double the passes given above for three months. It will take that kind of effort to get all of the dirt, grit, dust and grime out of the pile and into the vacuum.

3. Best vacuum- You can vacuum with your Dyson or Miele, Electrolux or Hoover. When you’re done, I’ll vacuum the same area with one of our Riccars, or The Patriot-Hybrid. Prepare to be amazed (if not a little embarrassed) by what our vacuums will find that the others left behind