For many people, a vacuum cleaner is one of those appliances you just can’t live without. Instantly able to get rid of crumbs, dust and hair, millions around the world use them and rely on them every single day.
The big-name brands usually aren’t cheap however – so making your vacuum last as long as possible is key. And experts say there’s one thing you should never try to vacuum up, as it can destroy your appliance and lead to costly repairs. The consumer pros at Which? have issued some guidance around vacuum cleaners, coming from an expert who says she would ‘never’ do these things.
Taking to Instagram, the vacuum cleaner expert strongly advised using the appliance to deal with broken glass on the floor.
While this is a very common occurrence – and it might be tempting to reach for the vacuum to clean away the dangerous pieces quickly – it’s a massive no-no.
The expert warned: “Tiny shards can lodge themselves in the hose and the motor.”
Instead, the next time you accidentally drop a wine glass or a mug, don’t use the vacuum cleaner to tackle the mess. Grab a dustpan and brush to sweep it up, or a damp cloth can work too.
This tip comes in especially useful for those tiny shards that are hard to see. Just gently press the damp cloth on to the area where the glass was dropped, and the pieces should stick to it pretty easily.
Once you’ve done this, and managed to pick up as much glass as possible, then you can reach for the vacuum. Making sure to only do this when you’ve cleaned up the majority of the glass will prolong the lifespan of your appliance, saving you money in the long term.
You should also check the nozzle for any trapped objects carefully before vacuuming, as this can make your appliance much less efficient.