The secret to vacuuming carpeting

We know, we know?you're probably rolling your eyes and thinking, "What's the big secret about vacuuming? Don't you turn it on and go?" But, no, there is a right way to do it, and vacuuming is essential to the performance and longevity of your carpet.

First, why and how often

Dirt and soil can be sharp, which, in turn, can fray the fibers. It also affects both appearance and health. A dirty rug becomes matted, dull, and prone to crushing when the fibers collapse. When you don't vacuum at least once a week, dust, dirt, and bacteria will?build-up and exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

At the minimum, you should vacuum the entire rug at least once a week, but if you have kids, pets, or anyone who tracks in dirt, do it more often. Some break it up by vacuuming high traffic areas twice a week and then going over the entire rug once a week. It's up to you how you choose to do it, but don't let it go more than a week without vacuuming your carpet.

Still, have questions? Don't hesitate to come into our showroom when shopping for carpet in Portland.

How to do it correctly

1. Don't hurry: Some high-traffic areas, like hallways or living rooms, have carpet flooring that requires more attention because these areas probably have more dirt. You won't get the most out of vacuuming if you just run the vacuum across the floor as if it's "one-size-fits-all. Instead, use the right setting and move the appliance back and forth, as it will help to release soil.

2. Maintaining the vacuum: A clean vacuum functions correctly. Empty bags and canisters after each use so there's proper airflow.

3. Use proper attachments: How many of us ram the vacuum into corners to try to get at the dirt rather than using crevice tools? Also, some kinds of carpets, like looped constructions or rugs made with natural fibers like wool or silk, shouldn't be vacuumed with beater bars, so make sure you're using the right type.

At Marion?s Carpet & Flooring Warehouses, we don?t just give you a beautiful carpet floor but will help you keep it that way. If you have a home or business in or around Wilsonville, Beaverton, Portland, Vancouver, and Lake Oswego, come into our showroom at any of our two locations: Wilsonville and Portland, OR, to explore our inventory and get a free quote for your carpet installation.