How Often Should You Vacuum Your House? Tips, Facts, & FAQ

Everyone’s standards of what a clean house looks like can vary, and that’s okay, but floors and carpets can reach a point where they are beyond dirty and can become unhygienic. While some homeowners can be a little OCD and clean every nook and cranny every day, others will clean only when things are visibly dirty.

All types of floors and carpets collect dirt and debris, and if they are not cleaned regularly, the filth can cause some damage to your flooring and wear on your carpets in the long run. A daily sweep with a broom can prevent the build-up of dirt, but by vacuuming, you can pick up the most debris and trap it.

So, how often should you vacuum your house? Well, that depends on the material your floor is made of.

How Often Should I Vacuum?

The frequency you should be vacuuming your house will depend on many factors, including the type of flooring you have, the number of people living in the house, whether or not you have pets, and your surroundings.

Rooms with the most foot traffic will need to be vacuumed more regularly than less visited areas. Hallways, kitchens, bedrooms, and the floors of mudrooms should be vacuumed every few days, maybe twice a week, as they are usually walked over the most. Home offices and other spaces that aren’t used frequently can be kept clean by vacuuming once a week. Guest rooms and other areas that are used rarely can be vacuumed every second week.

If you have pets, vacuuming every day is recommended to pick up fur, dander, and dirt that is brought in from outside. You can do a quick vacuum or focus on the areas where your pets are most of the time.

Carpeted floors should ideally be vacuumed at least twice a week. Carpets will require more vacuuming as the fibers easily trap dust and dirt, as well as allergens and spills that can be a growing ground for bacteria. The longer you leave a carpet unvacuumed, the more the dust and dirt will build up and spread.

Hardwood and tiled floors should be vacuumed at least once a week. Dust and allergens can still accumulate on the surface and become trapped between wooden floorboards and tiles,  so regular vacuuming is necessary.

Why You Should Vacuum Your Floors

While vacuuming your floors can help them appear spotless, there are many other benefits to keeping them clean.

Vacuuming your home is vital for your health. Skin cells, hair, dirt, and allergens accumulate over a short period and need to be removed by vacuuming. If your floors are left uncleaned, they can be harmful to your health and cause respiratory issues.

Vacuuming your home is also good for your mental health, as there is nothing more gratifying than a clean and tidy home. It also maintains a clean and inviting home for guests, which can give you a boost of confidence. If you are not a highly active person, the process of vacuuming can help you physically.

By vacuuming your floors and carpets, you can save money by preventing degradation and damage to your flooring, which can be expensive to repair and replace.

How to Vacuum Efficiently

While vacuuming your floors as often as recommended is helpful, you need to do it more efficiently to avoid a buildup of dirt and debris.

Choosing the Right Vacuum

To vacuum efficiently, you need to have the right vacuum for your type of flooring. Canister vacuums are typically better for hard flooring as they collect dust without spreading it. On the other hand, rugs and carpeting are best cleaned with an attachment or upright vacuum with a rotating brush to loosen the dirt.

To trap as much dust, dander, and bacteria as possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. These filters trap more particles than a standard vacuum cleaner and don’t disperse them onto other surfaces.

Consider whether you need something lightweight and portable or heavy duty and if you need a machine that is battery operated or corded. Whatever device you need, there are many options available. Read several reviews to help you find the best option, and once you have purchased your vacuum cleaner, be sure to maintain it to keep it working for years to come.

Conclusion

The frequency of how often you should vacuum your home will depend on factors such as your type of flooring, your lifestyle, and how many people or pets live in your home. While vacuuming is probably not at the top of your list of favorite things to do, keeping your home clean and healthy is essential. Vacuuming your home regularly benefits your health, your flooring, and your bank account, so getting into a regular vacuuming routine should be a priority.

Featured Image Credit: jarmoluk, Pixabay