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Tips for Vacuuming Floors and Carpets

Vacuuming 101.

There really is more to it than just plugging in the machine and giving your rug, carpet or wood floor the once-over.

To really suck up all dirt, allergens and dust that have settled into your carpets fibers, you'll need to spend about 20 seconds per carpet section.

Here's how to make your cleaning routine time-efficient and thorough.

1. Don't rush.

To suck up all the dirt, dust and crumbs that have become embedded in the pile and carpet fibers, you'll need to spend about 20 seconds or so going back and forth over each area of the rug or floor. Slowly.

2. Here's how to leave those carpet or rug patterns that announce: "I've just been cleaned!"

Pretend you're mowing the lawn. (This is a great job for the kids by the way. They love this stuff.)

Divide the area into 3 or 4 foot visual strips, and tackle each strip with a back-and-forth motion.

Use the same technique for floors. (Although you won't, of course get those pretty stripes.)

Read more on choosing the right appliance for the job here.

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About the Author

Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.