Cleaning & Organizing The Golden Rules of Vacuuming By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Published on April 9, 2015 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Use these tips from "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook" to perfect your vacuuming technique from start to finish. Leave no dust bunny behind! 01 of 11 Yes, There's a Right Way to Vacuum! A really good vacuuming job can draw in up to 99 percent of the dirt and dust in an area -- a boon to neatness as well as healthy living. 02 of 11 Clean Strategically When doing your thorough cleaning, dust the room before vacuuming so you can vacuum up the particles that float into the air as you work and settle on the floor. 03 of 11 Clear the Way Move furniture out of the way before you begin vacuuming (both so you don’t bump into it and so you do a thorough job of cleaning under and around it). Never vacuum between the legs of a chair, for example. 04 of 11 Watch Your Base Line Be especially careful around baseboards to avoid marring them. 05 of 11 Get a Grip If you use a canister-style vacuum cleaner, you might find that it’s easier to control if you carry it rather than drag it behind you. 06 of 11 Think Inside Out Thibault Jeanson When vacuuming a floor, start inside a room and vacuum your way out of it. 07 of 11 Narrow Your Path Push the vacuum forward and backward in long, slow, overlapping strokes. 08 of 11 Sweat the Small Stuff Matthew Williams Bend down to pick or sweep up any small objects that lie in your path, such as pine needles, leaves of houseplants, paint chips, or cat litter, as they might present a danger to the vacuum’s motor. 09 of 11 Remember, What's Inside Counts Don’t let the vacuum bag get too full. For maximum efficiency, always change it when it’s half to three-quarters full. 10 of 11 Know the Players Many vacuum cleaners come with standard attachments -- but all too often they're forgotten. Know which tool to use on which surface, and your vacuuming will be more effective. 11 of 11 Set a Cycle WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ What’s better than a flawless vacuuming job? A consistent vacuuming habit. Your ideal frequency will vary based on kids, pets, and lifestyle -- twice a week is ideal for high-traffic areas -- but set a reminder ahead of time to effortlessly incorporate vacuuming into your routine. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit