5 Things You Should And Shouldn't Clean With Vacuum Cleaners

There is no doubt that vacuum cleaners are efficient for cleaning more than just floors. But some things can potentially damage the filters and reduce their efficiency. Here's what your vacuum cleaner can and can't pick up.

By Parul Sharma Published On: Jun 20, 2025 02:43 PM IST Last Updated On: Jun 20, 2025 02:44 PM IST
What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Can't Pick Up

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Can't Pick Up

Ever vacuumed your floors and felt instantly better about your entire home? That's the best part about having a vacuum cleaner. It cleans effectively and is less tiring than old ways of brooming and mopping floors. But this home appliance can do a lot more than just cleaning floors. From refreshing your mattresses to picking up pet hair, vacuum cleaners are multitaskers. Despite their impressive qualities, vacuum cleaners are not meant to clean every mess. Can't guess what those are? Don't worry. Here is what your vacuum cleaner can and can't pick up. 

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Cant Pick Up

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Can't Pick Up; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Pet Hair

Did you know that your vacuum cleaner can pick up pet hair effectively? Nowadays, you can find vacuum cleaners meant especially for pet parents. They have a stronger suction capacity, brush rolls, filtration systems, and unique attachments that help lift hair from carpets and upholstery. 

On the other hand, regular vacuum cleaners can miss finer strands. If you still want to use a regular vacuum cleaner for pet hair, make sure to use the right attachment. 

2. Small Food Crumbs

The next advantage of having a vacuum cleaner is that it can pick up food crumbs, bits, and other particles. They are great for dry messes like cereal bits, cookie crumbs, and rice, as long as they are small enough to pass through the vacuum hose. 

Similarly, large food particles can clog the vacuum or damage the motor. For bigger pieces, it is ideal to sweep first and then use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the remaining dust and crumbs. This helps the appliance last longer, work efficiently, and deliver amazing results.

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Cant Pick Up

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Can't Pick Up; Photo Credit: Unsplash

3. Glitter And Confetti

Using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of glitter and confetti may seem like a quick and convenient option. But is it the right way to do so? Well, maybe not. If you have toddlers at home, you know how difficult it is to remove glitter. It tends to spread easily and stay forever.

It is the same with vacuum cleaners. Glitter can stick inside the hose and clog the filter. These tiny particles are hard to deal with and can reduce the suction power of your appliance. Thus, always use a broom and dustpan to remove as much glitter as possible. Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove remaining particles. Once you are done, clean the filter and empty out the canister immediately. 

Also Read: Kent, Agaro To Inalsa, 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners For Carpets, Tiles And Everything In Between

4. Carpets And Curtains

Dirty curtains and carpets can make any room look dull and untidy. Despite how much you spend on expensive furniture and stylish wall accents, it's the little things that truly make a difference. Luckily, a vacuum cleaner can help remove dust particles without taking down the curtains.

All you need is the right attachment that is gentle on your curtains and carpets and still cleans effectively. This way, you can spare yourself from the hassle of washing them and make your space welcoming. Although it can be a bit tiring and time-consuming, it is still a great advantage. 

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Cant Pick Up

What Your Vacuum Cleaner Can And Can't Pick Up; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Mattresses

Yes, your vacuum cleaner can take care of the mattresses, too! The daily wear and tear can cause the mattresses to accumulate dead skin cells, dust, and small dust mites over time. But with a vacuum cleaner and nozzle attachment, you can clean the surface without any heavy lifting or damage. Do this once a week and see how your mattresses feel cleaner in matter of no time. This way, you can keep your bedding fresh, reduce allergens, and improve hygiene. 

Products Related To This Article

1. KOUREVON 1000W Multipurpos Presurized Steam Cleaner for Curtain,Car Seats,Window Cleaning Steam Mops  (Yellow, Black)
2. AGARO Rapid 1000-Watt, 10-Litre, with Blower Function Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner  (Red & Black)
3. Eureka Forbes bold wet and dry vacuum cleaner  (Blue, Silver, Black)
4. MarQ by Flipkart Wiz Hand-held Vacuum Cleaner  (Black)
5. Inalsa Micro WD12 Multifunctional Wet/Dry/Blower | Powerful Suction 1200W Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner with 2 in 1 Mopping and Vacuum  (Yellow, Silver)

6. AGARO Ace Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner 1600 Watts, 21.5 kPa Suction Power with Dust Bag, 21 litres Tank Capacity, for Home Use,  (Black, Red)
7. EUREKA FORBES Quick Clean DX Dry Vacuum Cleaner with Reusable Dust Bag  (Red, Black)
8. AGARO Regal Hand-held Vacuum Cleaner Dry Vacuuming, 6.5 kPa Suction Power, Lightweight  (Black)
9. Synthiglow 2-in-1 Cordless Hand-held Vacuum Cleaner with Anti-Bacterial Cleaning  (Black)
10. AGARO 33423 Upright Hand-held Vacuum Cleaner with Reusable Dust Bag  (Transparent, Black)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should not be vacuumed?

Avoid vacuuming small toys, glass shards, or fine powders as they can clog the filter and reduce the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner. 

2. Can a vacuum cleaner clean hair?

Yes, a vacuum cleaner can help clean hair and small strands. However, you need the right attachments to get the desired results. 

3. Where should you not use a vacuum cleaner?

It is best to avoid small metal objects, fireplace ash, and wet foods while cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. 

4. Can I vacuum broken glass?

No, cleaning broken glass with your vacuum cleaner is not a good idea. It is best to avoid anything too sharp or small, as it can damage your vacuum cleaner. 

5. Can I vacuum baby powder?

While it is possible to vacuum baby powder, it may not be the best practice for your vacuum cleaner. This is because any type of fine powder can clog filters, put strain on the motor, and damage your appliance. Thus, it is better to just sweep or collect the powder using a damp cloth rather than vacuuming it. 

These were all you needed to know about what your vacuum cleaner can and cannot do. If you stay aware of your appliance's capabilities, you can use it more effectively. Keeping these tips in mind can also help you maintain the performance and durability of your vacuum cleaner. From picking up pet hair to cleaning food particles, vacuum cleaners have various uses. So, the next time you reach for your vacuum, you'll know exactly what to clean and what to leave alone for good. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.

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