Looking for “The Best Vacuum Cleaner”?

Is it a Dyson? An Oreck?

The answer might surprise you…

It lies within the options and features of the vacuum, in relation to the type of carpet you have in your home.

Confused? Let us help.

   It is best to find a vacuum with a beater bar. A beater bar is located under the vacuum and ‘beats’ the carpet as the vacuum rolls over soiled areas. This beating and vibration shakes the heavier sands in your carpet up high enough that your vacuum can suck them up. These heavier sands are part of the cause of the traffic lanes in your home, generally coming in from the front door or garage or off the kitchen into the living room, anywhere you step from hard surface to carpet.

   A beater bar is wonderful, however, is not created for all carpet types. Just like fabrics, different carpet fibers have different characteristics. If you have berber, or a looped carpet, you need to avoid a vacuum with a beater bar – this can catch a loop and cause a snag or run in your carpets. We most often think of Olefin as a berber, but berber is the looped sytle of a carpet. Olefin (“ohl-uh-fin”) is actually a plastic, made essentially from the same materials as your common Coke bottle. Notice when you crumble or smash a Coke bottle, it is impossible to restore it to its previous state? The same characteristic you’ll find in Olefin carpets. If you’re someone that likes to rearrange your furniture, Olefin is not for you. The divots and indentations from furniture placement will always be easily identifiable. However, if done right, Olefin cleans and brightens so nicely with regular professional carpet cleaning.

Mistakes to avoid when setting up your vacuum:

   Our own thoughts dictate that “if high is good, low is better” when it comes to adjusting the heighth of our vacuum setting. The “Bare Floor” setting should not be used on carpet. It doesn’t clean any better, it will actually burn up the motor. It also does not allow the brushes that send the dirt flying into the suction hose the space to rotate effectively.

   The key to a good and thorough vacuuming is to vacuum 2-3 times per week, per manufacture’s warranty and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as setting the proper height adjustments for your flooring.

Some tips:

   It always seems as though cords are too short and you’re trying to just get that last inch of carpet vacuumed without having to stop, turn off, unplug and find a new outlet.   Something we like to do is take our home vacuums into a sewing and vacuum specialty shop and have a commercial length cord put on.  If you prefer to do it yourself,  simply add an extension cord.

Cleaning Frequency Guidelines
from the IICRC Standard for Carpet Cleaning S001-1991

This table is intended to serve as a guideline for recommended cleaning frequencies from a public health perspective. Originally published in a letter from the U.S. EPA, this schedule has been adopted as part of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC). Carpet Cleaning Standard S001-1991. Complete copies of the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Standard can be obtained by calling the Institute at (360)693-5675. (From: U.S. EPA Letter, January 1989)

          Rotate all loose cushions frequently to assure even wear. Vacuum dust and dirt from all fabric, cracks and crevices. By far, Fabric Protection is the best possible way to extend the life of your upholstery. Read the short section on how fabric protection works to find out why.

• Vacuum often to reduce grit that can cause abrasion.
• Reverse loose cushions weekly for even wear.  
• Protect from the sun. Ultraviolet light can cause deterioration.
• Keep Pets off of furniture. Pet’s body oils rub off and are very difficult to remove.
• Use caution with clothing such as Blue Jeans. Fabric dyes can transfer onto upholstered furniture.

• Blot (don’t rub) spills immediately with a clean absorbent cloth while spill is still fresh.
• Dried spills are more difficult to remove.
• Identify the cleaning code for your type of fabric.
• Always read & follow the instructions on the cleaning agent.
• Use distilled water with the cleaning agent if water is called for (W & WS Codes Only)
• Pretest any cleaner on any fabric in a hidden area.
• Check for Color fastness and fabric compatibility.
• Keep a small spill small.
• Work lightly, blotting from center to the edges.
• “Feather” the edges by dampening edges irregularly and blotting quickly to avoid rings.
• Quickly dry a cleaned spot using a small fan or blow dryer on low.

W – Spot Clean with water based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility. Do not overwet. Use a professional cleaning service for overall soiling.

S – Spot clean with a water-free cleaning solvent. Pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility. Do Not Use Water! Use a professional cleaning service for overall soiling.

WS – Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. Pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility. Do not overwet. Use a professional cleaning service for overall soiling.

X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic brush. Do Not Use Water or Dry Cleaning Solvents. Consult a professional upholstery cleaner.

The Specialists Recommends

The Specialists recommend periodically rotating furniture within a room to prolong the effects of sun damage and fading to upholstery near windows or a heat source. 

The Specialists recommend that you have your upholstery cleaned every other time your carpet is cleaned to prolong its life and keep colors vibrant.

Call today for a free phone quote (916) 348-7018