Your vacuum may seem capable of handling any mess, but some materials are better left to other cleaning tools. Using a vacuum on the wrong substance can clog its filter, tangle the brush roll, or damage the motor.
Noah Pinsonnault, a reviews analyst at the Home Care and Cleaning Lab, advises checking the manufacturer’s instructions before vacuuming uncertain materials. He identifies five things that should not be vacuumed with a regular household vacuum.
Fireplace ash is one such material, as it can quickly clog a vacuum’s filters. Pinsonnault recommends using a specialized tool, such as a shop vacuum or ash vacuum, for this task.
Other fine powders, like drywall dust, flour, and printer toner, can also clog filters and potentially damage the motor. These particles are too fine for ordinary household vacuums to handle.
Read Also: Kohler launches 4-in-1 faucet delivering chilled boiling water
Wet materials, including spilled drinks and pet accidents, should not be vacuumed with a regular dry vacuum. Instead, they should be cleaned with a wet/dry vacuum or a floor-cleaning machine designed for liquids.
Broken glass is another material that can damage a vacuum, particularly the hose or other components. It is safer to pick up larger pieces by hand and then vacuum any remaining small fragments, if the manufacturer permits it.
Random small objects, such as coins, hair ties, and stray cords, can also cause problems. They can become lodged in the vacuum, damage the brush roll, or get tangled around it. It is best to pick up these objects before vacuuming to avoid tangles and blockages.