Vacuum cleaners are a great tool for keeping your home clean and tidy. They are especially useful when it comes to cleaning floors and carpets, and many of them come with attachments that can be used to clean furniture, curtains, and other household items. However, there are some things that should never be vacuumed, as doing so can cause damage to both the item being cleaned and the vacuum cleaner itself. In this article, we will discuss some of the things you should never vacuum.
- Water and other liquids: Vacuuming water and other liquids is a big no-no. This is because vacuum cleaners are not designed to handle liquids, and doing so can damage the motor and other internal components of the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, water can cause electrical shocks, which can be dangerous.
- Hot ash: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, it’s important to never vacuum up hot ash. Hot ash can cause the vacuum cleaner to overheat, which can damage the motor and other internal components. It can also start a fire if the ash is not completely cool.
- Fine dust: Fine dust, such as the dust that is produced by drywall or concrete, can clog up the filters and reduce the suction power of your vacuum cleaner. It can also cause damage to the motor and other internal components. If you need to clean up fine dust, it’s best to use a specialized vacuum cleaner that is designed for this purpose.
- Broken glass: Vacuuming up broken glass is never a good idea. The sharp edges of the glass can damage the internal components of the vacuum cleaner, and it can also pose a safety hazard. Instead, sweep up the broken glass with a broom and dustpan.
- Large debris: Large debris, such as rocks or pieces of metal, can cause serious damage to the motor and other internal components of your vacuum cleaner. If you need to clean up large debris, it’s best to use a broom and dustpan.
- Personal items: It’s important to never vacuum up personal items, such as jewelry or coins. These items can get stuck in the hose or other parts of the vacuum cleaner, causing damage. They can also pose a choking hazard if they are accidentally ingested.
- Electrical cords: Vacuuming up electrical cords is a big no-no. The cords can get wrapped around the brush roll or other parts of the vacuum cleaner, causing damage. Additionally, vacuuming up cords can pose an electrical hazard.
- Flammable materials: Vacuuming up flammable materials, such as gasoline or lighter fluid, can cause a fire or explosion. These materials can ignite when they come into contact with the motor or other internal components of the vacuum cleaner.
- Insects: While it may be tempting to vacuum up insects, it’s best to avoid doing so. Insects can get stuck in the hose or other parts of the vacuum cleaner, causing damage. They can also pose a health hazard if they are released back into the air when the vacuum cleaner is emptied.
- Pet hair and other large debris on hardwood floors: Vacuuming up pet hair and other large debris on hardwood floors can scratch the surface of the wood. It’s best to use a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop to clean hardwood floors.
In conclusion, vacuum cleaners are a great tool for keeping your home clean and tidy, but there are some things that should never be vacuumed. By following these guidelines, you can keep your vacuum cleaner in good working order and avoid damaging your household items.