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Vacuum Tips to get your Carpet Cleaner
By Stacey L. Nash
Vacuuming is a simple chore you may not think about until you pull out the vacuum a couple of times a week. There are no tricks to using a vacuum, but there are some tips you can use to optimize your vacuuming and get your carpets cleaner.
- Move the Furniture
Vacuums can have a hard time reaching the dirt and debris underneath and near the legs of furniture. You don’t need to move heavy furniture like your entertainment center or a sectional every time you vacuum, but a coffee or side table or other small furniture should be moved before you vacuum.
- Vacuum in All Directions
Vacuum in all directions – up and down, side to side, and diagonal. Fibers move in different directions when the vacuum changes directions which loosens dirt that might otherwise be missed. It’s especially important to vacuum in all directions if you have long carpet fibers.
- Use the Crevice Tool on Edges
Carpet edges by the walls are notorious for collecting dirt. If left unchecked, the carpet can become discolored in this area. A vacuum can’t get to the very edge because of the design of the vacuum head. Use the crevice tool to reach edges as well as underneath heavy furniture that can’t be moved.
- Turn Off the Beater Bar
Some types of carpet like Berber or expensive throw rugs can be damaged by the beater bar. It pulls on the fibers leaving them looking fuzzy and worn. If your vacuum doesn’t have a beater bar that can be turned off, raise the height of the head so that the bar doesn’t touch the carpet.
- Empty the Bag or Canister Regularly
When the bag becomes overfull, the vacuum loses suction. The fuller the bag gets the more suction it loses. Change your bag when it gets half to two thirds full to be sure you’re always getting the best suction.
- Go Slow
It’s okay to do a quick vacuum job every now and then, but most of the time you should go slow so that the vacuum has more time to pick up dirt. Every pass you make picks up a little more. If you slow down, you can actually make fewer passes.
- Regular Vacuum Maintenance
Regular vacuum maintenance is key to cleaning efficiently. Check your manufacturer instructions for recommendations about how and when to clean filters. Some models require vacuuming the filter with a second vacuum or cleaning the filter with water and letting it dry. Others may recommend replacing the filter every few months. Whatever method your vacuum requires, follow those instructions. A clean filter will keep your vacuum running smoothly and the air in your home cleaner. You should also regularly check the beater bar for hair and strings that can slow the bar and wear down the motor. Most of the time, you can remove hair and string with scissors, but thick tangles may require you to remove the beater bar.
- Dust Before You Vacuum
Dust the entire room before you vacuum. Any dust that falls to the floor will then be sucked up into the vacuum.
A clean home invites family and friends to enjoy time together. Try one or two of these tips the next time you vacuum. You may find a spot or two you’ve been missing or you might find you’ve been doing it right all along. Either way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re creating the kind of house your family will want to come home to.
Invest In These Tips Before Investing In A Home
Although exciting, buying a home can be overwhelming for many. Purchasing a home doesn’t need to be overwhelming, though. Before you invest in a home, consider these tips that can help the process go smoothly:
- Put aside money every month
- Know your spending habits
- Seek tax advice from a professional
Practice setting aside money that would represent your monthly house payment. This habit will help to make sure you can afford your future house payment. If you have the ability to set aside the amount that you plan to pay for a mortgage payment you will not only show that you have the income and discipline to be able to repay a loan but you will also have accumulated funds to assist in the down payment and other expenses of buying a new home.
Pre-approval amount does not mean a loan payment you can afford. When you obtain a pre-approval, a lender has reviewed your application, credit report, outstanding debts, and savings. They do not take into account the lifestyle that you choose to lead. Your monthly expenses that are not reflected on your credit report or listed as debts have not been factored in. It is your responsibility to sit down and take a good look at what you can truly commit to making as a monthly mortgage payment before you decide on a home.
To get the most bang out of your buck, seek tax advice from a tax professional. Your loan officer and real estate agent are not tax professionals and it is recommended to meet with one before you sign. They may know the tax incentives that are out there for purchasing a home but not how they directly will apply to you and your financial situation. You should take note of this, especially if you are purchasing additional properties to rent or resale. The good news is that your loan officer or real estate agent can recommend you to an excellent tax professional in your area.
Rates can be a driving force behind the price you can afford
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Buyers Demand Exceeds Housing Supply
Will Home Loan Rates Continue To Get Better or Falter To Resistance?
This candle stick chart shows how home loan rates have decreased slowly over the past two weeks. Today we are facing a strong ceiling of resistance. Two months ago, we broke through the resistance for several day, but ultimately bonds fell back below. If we can break this resistance we could see rates move a leg lower. I believe Vegas would bet on the odds that we do not break the resistance. Respond if you have questions.
