Dirty Talk

I use a fresh scented dryer sheet in my vacuum cleaner to diffuse the house with a fresh clean scent while I vacuum.

To anyone who hates to vacuum or hates the noise that most vacuums make, I suggest investing in the Roomba. The newer generations go over both carpeted and linoleum/hardwood floors and picks up the smallest particles, even pet hairs. It is also extremely quiet. You can barely hear it when you out of the room. You also get the added bonus of entertainment!

Before cleaning a bathroom (especially in homes with pets, and men who trim mustaches) I use the vacuum crevice tool attatchment to quickly vacuum up all the dry hair from floors, shower, sink etc. It's much easier than trying to clean (and catch !) all those unruly hairs once they get wet.

If you have a vacuum like a dyson, take apart the canister part, clean all the dust from all the parts, then after it drys, rub down all the parts inside with essential oil (like lavender or tea tree oil) with cotton balls. When you are done toss the cotton balls into the canister. When you vacuum again, it will make your house smell lovely. (and you are killing germs inside your cleaner)

Cleaning removable filters from your vacuum is easy if you have a leaf blower. I take them outside, hold the filter in one hand. In the other hand I hold my leaf blower. A basic leaf blower has 150 mph air. I simply blow out all the dust with the leaf blower. It works wonders. It's quick and easy, and your vacuum works much more effficiently.

For the bonfire dog pee dilemma-- try a urine remover with enzymes, or a laundry detergent with enzymes (also called biological powder) --mixed with a bit of water, so it's like paste. Leave it overnight, then wet-vac it up (or blot it up with a lot of papertowels or old rags). Also, I've heard piling salt does well on fresh stains, for soaking up the liquid (let dry, then vacuum up the salt crumbles). Good luck. --I just found runny poo on our white carpet. ;o;

Puppy urine accidents on carpet, blot with paper towels to remove as much as possible then cover the spot with table salt. Make the salt pile pretty thick, 1/2" to 1" thick. Salt will draw out moisture that has gone deeper than the towels wil reach. Let the salt dry completely, it will be hard and crusty. Pick the salt off the carpet and then vacuum.

Puppy urine accidents on carpet, blot with paper towels to remove as much as possible then cover the spot with table salt. Make the salt pile pretty thick, 1/2" to 1" thick. Salt will draw out moisture that has gone deeper than the towels wil reach. Let the salt dry completely, it will be hard and crusty. Pick the salt off the carpet and then vacuum.

For old dog piddle smells and stains, use one bottle hydrogenperoxide 2%, 2T baking soda and 1T dish soap. Pour on stain generously. Let dry, then vacuum. A miracle!

Cut up a cheap dog or cat flea collar. Put a piece in the vacuum bag to hellp kill any fleas vacuumed up. Keep the extra piece of collar in a plastic bag until you change the vacuume bag. One flea collar can be used for four bags!

Smelly carpets? I tackle mine with a good sprinkle of baking powder, left overnight to suck up the smells, and vacuum in the morning.

If you’re fed up of a smelly house, try putting some aromatherapy oil on a cotton ball and putting it inside your vacuum bag. As you vacuum up dirt you’ll leave a great smell behind.

Long hair on carpets causes vacuum roller brushes to get clogged. Instead, get a large damp rag and rub over the rug. It'll pick up loads!

A lot of people don't think to clean down the back of the radiators. You will be surprised just how much dust , muck & dead bugs gather down there! I find it easiest to use a telescopic feather duster & push it down the radiator (when switched off). It doesn't necessarily catch all the dust but it will at least push it out where you can easily vacuum it up. (A lot of allergies are caused by this dust that we forget about!)

If there's someone in your house with long hair & you find it hard to vacuum their malted hair up, put your shoes or slippers on & rub your foot backwards across the carpet. The hair works itself into balls & is easy to vacuum without you having to bend down & strain your back!

WHEN STEAM CLEANING CARPETS: Always be sure to vacuum thoroughly beforehand. Also, I have found that a mild vinegar and water solution will remove dirt, dust and allergens just as well as a carpet shampoo will. Plus, there's no shampoo residue left over to attract more dirt! If you're not keen on the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar/water mixture. Lavender and bergamot are my favorites.

If you have an old vacuum you'll find that a lot of dust can come back out through bad joints and holes in the bag - upgrade is my advice, new ones with cylinders are much more efficient.

If you want to get pet hair out of the carpet use a vacuum with a good brush or brush roll.

invest in a better vacuum