It may seem like vacuuming is a pretty straightforward household chore, but cleaning experts say there are actually several common vacuuming mistakes you're probably making. While it might not seem like a big deal, using a vacuum improperly can actually result in a number of issues. For starters, your floors won't get cleaned like they should, plus there's a risk of permanent damage, and your vacuum cleaner's lifespan could be cut short.
We tend to put off or rush through house chores we don't enjoy, but experts say both of these things are big vacuuming mistakes. The longer you neglect your floors, the more chance dirt, grime, and pet hair have to build up and affect your home's air quality. And the faster you try to get through the task, the less your vacuum cleaner is able to pull up. It's not just about your vacuuming technique either; experts say many people make the mistake of neglecting regular maintenance of their vacuum, which can result in less effective vacuuming and a faster breakdown of the appliance.
If you want to clean your home like a pro, here are the top five vacuuming mistakes the experts say you should avoid.
1. Rushing Through the Process
The most common vacuuming mistake people make is rushing through vacuuming. "Most people fly through vacuuming way too fast, especially on carpets, and the machine doesn't get a chance to pull up the dirt," says Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning. He advises that you slow down to allow the vacuum to do its job and pull up as much dust, dirt, and hair as possible.
2. Neglecting Vacuum Maintenance
Effective vacuuming is not just about using the right technique, the vacuum itself requires proper maintenance. Cleaning experts say neglecting vacuum maintenance is a common mistake people make. "Filters get dirty, bags fill up, or something gets clogged," Webber says. These things are bound to happen with frequent use, but oftentimes we wait too long before we empty the vacuum canister or clean the roller brush.
"All of these things reduce the performance of the vacuum including the suction power. In fact, you end up doubling your work because you simply won’t get the most out of your vacuum cleaner without regular maintenance," says Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of MaidForYou.
3. Vacuuming Only in One Direction
As for vacuuming mistakes that pertain to technique, cleaning pros say the biggest one is vacuuming in just one direction. "Moving back and forth in one direction is not enough to pull up surface debris, you have to go over the area a few times, moving in a different direction each time for optimal cleaning," Gomasi says.
He explains that vacuum heads are designed for maneuverability so that they can pick up dirt more effectively. Instead of moving your vacuum back and forth in the same direction, tackle messes from multiple directions. "Going over the area in both directions makes a big difference—it helps lift more debris and clean things," Webber says.
4. Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachments
Vacuum cleaners typically come with a variety of different attachments, each of which is intended for a specific use. Gomasi says using the wrong attachment is a common vacuuming mistake and one that can actually cause irreparable damage to some fibers. Learn what each included attachment is designed for, how it should be used, and what surfaces it absolutely should not be used on.
For example, Gomasi recommends a suitable soft brush attachment for carpets and area rugs, and advises caution when choosing an attachment to vacuum hard flooring. "For hard floors, especially wooden floors, you need to make sure the beater bar is off as it can scratch the surface," he says.
5. Vacuuming Inconsistently
Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping your floors, especially carpeted ones, in good shape. People often make the mistake of waiting until there's visible dirt to get the vacuum out instead of vacuuming regularly. Neglecting regular vacuuming can potentially do more damage to carpet fibers and hard flooring than you may think. Dust, dirt, body oils, grease, grime, and pet hair buildup over time and become harder to remove the longer they sit. They can seep into natural and synthetic materials, potentially permanently damaging fibers, causing stains to set in, and even affecting your home's air quality.
Source: Sabella, M. (2025f, April 18). 5 vacuuming mistakes house cleaners want you to stop making. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/vacuuming-mistakes-to-stop-11703716