Does Your Vacuum Suck?

A good vacuum's air flow rate should be about 100 CFM (cubic feet per minute). Is yours? Vacuuming is the most cost-effective maintenance procedure in keeping your carpet looking like new. You should vacuum on a regular schedule and not just when soil is visible. Research shows that 80% of soil is walked in and 20% of it is environmental. Here is a suggested vacuuming schedule: **High traffic areas -- vacuum daily **Medium traffic areas -- vacuum twice to three times per week **Light traffic areas -- vacuum weekly Laboratory tests indicate that vacuum cleaners with brush or beater action are the most effective in removing soil. The brush action from the vacuum causes the soil to loosen from the fibers so the dirt particles can be sucked out. (DO NOT use beater bar on looped pile staple carpets) Regular vacuuming is more important than the actual type of vacuum you use on your carpet. Thorough vacuuming involves 3-5 slow passes over each area from all directions. If you always vacuum in the same direction, the carpet fibers will start to mat down and trap in the soil particles. The Carpet & Rug Institute has an extensive list of vacuum styles and models that achieve the carpet industry's standards and can be viewed at www.carpet-rug.org. A good vacuum might cost a bit more, but it will payoff in the life of your carpet. For more information, visit us at www.duganpaints.com