How Often Should You Vacuum?
You’ve invested in a high-powered vacuum, plus attachments for cleaning every nook and cranny. The right equipment can make a difference, but only if you use it often enough.
Unfortunately, if you’re like many people, your home or apartment goes unvacuumed far too often. Infrequent vacuuming can be problematic, leading to the swift accumulation of dirt, debris, and allergens.
On the flip side is excessive vacuuming – yes, there is such a thing – which wastes your time while providing limited returns on all that effort. What’s more? This adds unneeded strain to your vacuum cleaner.
How often you vacuum your home depends on who lives there and how human or animal residents interact with the space. Below, we’ve highlighted a few common scenarios – and how they relate to preferred vacuuming frequency:
Baseline Vacuuming Frequency
Perhaps you live in a small home with a few rugs and no pets or kids. Your situation represents the baseline; this is the absolute minimum required for vacuuming.
Under such circumstances, you should plan to vacuum all rugs and carpets in main living areas (such as bedrooms or living rooms) at least once per week. The most highly-trafficked areas may require further attention. Guest rooms that are rarely used can be vacuumed every other week.
Homes With Pets Or Children
Now that you understand the bare minimum for household vacuuming, it’s time to determine how you should level up if your home is regularly exposed to dirt and debris. The chief sources are either pets or kids, both of which add instant complications to your vacuuming regimen.
In most situations, adding a child or pet will require at least one extra vacuuming per week. Many families can get by with twice-weekly vacuuming. High-traffic areas, however, may require near-daily attention. Keep an eye out for the whirlwind of crumbs that toddlers leave behind and extra hair from pets.
Allergy Prevention
Allergies should be top of mind when determining how often to vacuum. Pet dander is a common point of contention, but frequently vacuuming may prove important even if you don’t have pets at home. Allergens from pollen cling to your clothing and may travel with you inside, where they continue to compromise your health and well-being.
The solution? Extra vacuuming. Entryways, in particular, deserve extra attention, as this is where the majority of allergens will be tracked. To limit exposure, impose a strict no-shoe policy, plus a habit of vacuuming high-traffic areas two or even three times per week.
Hard Surfaces
Are you accustomed to only vacuuming rugs or carpets? These surfaces may require the most attention, but they are by no means the only spaces that can benefit from regular vacuuming. Hard surfaces such as tile or hardwood floors are also well-suited to vacuuming, although this will only be needed once per week – or once every other week for rarely used spaces.
Vacuuming Power
You only have so much time to dedicate to vacuuming, so it’s natural to feel frustrated by the guidance below. If daily or near-daily vacuuming seems out of reach, remember: you can reduce your need to vacuum by investing in a high-powered model from a brand with a strong reputation.
With more suction comes an enhanced ability to rid surfaces of dirt, dust, and even embedded pet hair. Don’t forget targeted attachments that reach oft-forgotten spaces.
If you’re eager to cut back on cleaning time, consider your options carefully before investing in a vacuum. You might find that you can limit yourself to twice a week or less while keeping your home looking, smelling, and feeling fresh.
A Personalized Approach to Vacuuming
It should be abundantly clear that there is no simple answer to the common question: how often should I vacuum my home? It all depends on your lifestyle and your personal preferences. When in doubt, aim for once or twice a week – and adjust as circumstances dictate.
As you determine your personal vacuuming needs, think carefully about the challenges your household faces and the power of your current vacuum to keep unwanted debris at bay. You’ll never regret investing in the right vacuum or developing a cleaning schedule your household can handle.
