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Despite the many people I know, I love to vacuum. I love the way it makes the house look.
But a vacuum is not to be used for anything and everything you don’t feel like bending over to pick up. Vacuums are great devices for keeping a home clean but you’ve got to follow a few rules, and one of them is the things you should never vacuum.
Table of Contents
The Eight Things You Should NEVER Vacuum
Fine Dust
I’m talking about the kind of dust after you do a remodeling job, sand your floors or prep your walls before painting. That fine dust, when sucked up in your regular vacuum cleaner, will kill the motor. All those small dust particles end up clogging the engine and filter and spewing the dust back into the air. Use a heavy duty vacuum instead, like a shop vac.
Read: The Domestically Challenged Guide On How To Use Vacuum Cleaner Attachments
Glass
Using your vacuum to pick up large chunks of glass can rip the bag, tear the hose or get stuck in it and scratch up the interior. Always use a broom and a dustpan to pick up the large chunks of glass. If there are some small little pieces left behind, those are ok to vacuum.
Anything Wet
I remember the first time I made this mistake. It was the last time too! Your vacuum isn’t meant to pick up anything wet whether it be water on the floor, juice or milk. You run the risk of electrocuting yourself or doing serious permanent damage to your machine. Leave those messes to absorbent paper towels or rags. If you have a shop vac, you can use it to pick up water.
Read: 5 Ways To Use Your Swiffer When You Vacuum
Hard Objects
When I was a kid and I’d vacuum the house I always sucked up loose change from the ground. I wasn’t a frugal person back then, but I probably should have been. Using your vacuum to pick up ridged items can cause severe damage to the interior of your machine or can get lodged in places that are almost impossible to remove.
Cords
This may seem like a no-brainer, but I see people do this all the time. They usually run over the vacuum cord more frequently than any other. First, if you do this over and over again, on any cord, eventually it will fray or completely split in two making it unusable. Second, it’s relatively easy to go around cords or pick them up so do it!
Read: The Best Cleaning Tools To Get The Job Done Fast
Soil
Cleaning spilled dirt off a carpet is tricky. Avoid the vacuum (it can embed the dirt further into your carpet while rolling over it). Use one of the additional tools that often comes with your vacuum to suck up the excess dirt directly. Don’t come into contact with the floor, keep it up and gently suck it up from the site of the spill.
Cosmetics
Just like soil, cosmetics can often cause an even worse carpet stain as you begin to clean it, and if you do try to vacuum it, it can smear and melt inside your vacuum. Instead, gently pick up the mess, and reach for a good stain remover to handle the rest.
Read: Housekeeping Tips for The Domestically Challenged
Fire Place Ashes
These ashes trap heat (and are also fine particles) so don’t suck them up with a standard vacuum. Let the ashes cool for at least four days, then use a utility or a wet/dry vacuum to clean out the area.
So next time you’re tempted to run over that cord or suck up that spilled milk, remember your vacuum isn’t the be all and end all that will pick up what you don’t want too. It’s got its job to do yes, but it does have its limitations.
I’m a professional cleaner with over 13 years of hands-on experience cleaning homes, a published writer, certified money specialist, and the founder of A Mess Free Life. After paying off over $50,000 in debt, I dedicated myself to helping others master their homes and their money — proving that a clean, organized, stress-free life is possible no matter where you’re starting from. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me cooking, playing bocce, sipping an extra dirty martini, or enjoying the ocean with my cats nearby. I’m also a proud mom and grandma who cares deeply for my mother at home.
