Are Vacuum Cleaners Damaging to Carpets?

Vacuum cleaners are supposed to keep carpets clean. Why do some people say that vacuum cleaners actually damage carpet fibers? Are vacuum cleaners bad for carpets?

Answer: The argument here is that a rotating beater bar/brush pulls, stretches, and wears out carpet fibers. In reality though, dirt does more wear and tear on carpet than most vacuum cleaners could ever dream of.

That being said, it is possible to overwork your carpet. If your vacuum cleaner has multiple settings, you shouldn't be vacuuming your carpet on the bare floor setting.

Consumers get a little freaked out when they see carpet fluff in the dust bins of their vacuum cleaners...but overall carpets can stand to be vacuumed several times a week without sustaining damage. Leaving dirt in a carpet, however, actually breaks down the pile underneath the carpet fibers. It also creates a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria.

Bottom Line:Carpets sustain much less damage from regular vacuuming than they do from dirt left in the carpet.