The Top 6 Things You Should NEVER Vacuum

Vacuum cleaners handle most of life’s messes. Spill a bowl of snacks? Your vacuum can handle the damage. Your pet decides to shed on your new couch- no problem, your vacuum can make that mess disappear. Break a wine glass and have large glass shards all over your floor, no problem your vacuum can - wait, stop! Not so fast.

There are some messes, like glass, that can cause a lot of damage to your vacuum cleaner if they get sucked up. In this post, we’ll look at what not to vacuum and how you can clean things safely instead.

1. Glass

We know it is tempting to safely remove all those sharp shards in one sweep of suction, but hold off on grabbing your vacuum when you have broken glass. Those glass bits can cause a lot of damage to the inside of your vacuum - if you have a bag, it can cause punctures, and you’ll end up with an even larger mess. They can also get stuck inside your vacuum cleaner hose or do damage to your vacuum motor and filter.

Instead: Carefully pick up the large pieces of glass by hand or broom - and wear gloves if you are worried about cuts. Use a broom to sweep up the rest and then go over the area with a piece of bread to pick up any tiny pieces your broom may have missed. After that, you are safe to vacuum as normal.

2. Water and Liquids

So, can you vacuum water? If you do not have a water vacuum, the answer is no. You should never use your normal household vacuum on spilled water or liquids of any kind. Not only can fluids get trapped inside your vacuum and cause mildew to grow, but they can also cause severe damage to your motor and put you at risk of electrocution.

Instead: Grab a mop and a bucket to clean up the wet mess, or if you have a lot of moisture to deal with, get a wet/dry vac or a carpet shampooer like the Royal Pro Series Carpet Shampooer. Shampooers are the only vacuums designed to handle liquids safely. We also have smaller, more compact spot removers that are easier to use and more handy than a full-size carpet cleaner.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coffee Grounds may seem like they are dry enough to work with a vacuum, but like anything else with moisture, they can clog your hoses, damage the motor, and grow mildew inside your vacuum.

Instead: Sweep them up and use them in your compost bin.

4. Pine Needles / Flocking

Every year, our number one killer of vacuums are pine needles and flocking. After the holidays once the Christmas trees are all taken down, we see an influx in vacuum repairs. Customers vacuum up pine needles, branches, flocking, and then keep doing so each day until after the holidays. Pine needles are the perfect size to get stuck into cracks and crevices inside your vacuum. Flocking is the perfect size to seep through your vacuum filters. Combined these things can be a nightmare on your precious vacuum

Instead: Sweep. We hate saying this, but it’s the best option during the holidays. Sweep up all large pieces possible, and then finish with your vacuum as normal. We always recommend getting your vacuum serviced after the holidays. It helps you start off the year with a clean machine, and limits the amount of costly repairs that can result from using a machine with a clog or a bad motor.

5. Fireplace Ash

Fireplace ash is a fine dust powder that will not only damage the insides of your vacuum cleaner, but it can start a fire in your machine. We never recommend vacuuming ash, unless you have a designated ash vacuum.

Instead: Use a broom and sweep up fireplace ash or grab a shop vac designed to handle dust.

6. Construction Dust

Construction dust is another thing that is too fine for a standard vacuum. The dust can easily clog up the filter and the bag on the insides of your machine.

Instead: Grab a shop vac with a dust filter designed to handle fine dust particles.

In short, vacuums are wonderful machines, but they are not made for every mess. To keep yours working well for a long time, avoid vacuuming up things that can cause damage. We have live experts ready to answer any questions so contact us today If you have any questions about caring for your vacuum cleaner or are looking for a new model.