Quick Tips to Start Using Your Central Vacuum

Whether you've moved into a home with a central vacuum system already installed, are considering installing one, or simply want to learn more about how a central vacuum works, this overview should help you better understand it and make the most of this versatile system to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Overview of Central Vacuum Systems

The Vacuum Wall Inlets' Location

Your central vacuum system should have vacuum inlets strategically located around the house for attaching the hose strategically outside bedrooms, near the kitchen and garage door, and near the foot of the staircase.

The First Steps

To operate a central vacuum, plug the hose into the specified wall inlet, attach the cleaning attachments to the hose's end, then suction as much as needed before transferring the central vacuum line to another inlet in the house.

Suppose any of your inlets feature a retractable vacuum hose, such as the Hide-A-Hose. In that case, you may access it by removing the inlet cover, pulling out the required length of the hose, engaging the lock around the hose's base within the inlet, attaching the cleaning tool, turning it on, and cleaning.

Cleaning Tips for Vacuums

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Keeping your hardwood, tile, and other hard flooring surfaces clean is easy with a central vacuum system. To sweep away dust, dog hair, and other items that might scratch your flooring, use a soft-bristled brush in conjunction with a broad brush. It may also be used to remove dirt stuck in grout or grooved floors.

There are many different hard floor attachments and accessories to fit various cleaning chores, including some that can mop and vacuum at the same time!

Cleaning Carpets

The best way to clean carpeted areas is using a beater brush, which uses revolving bristles to separate the fibers. At the same time, the central vacuum's deep suction eliminates embedded debris. Hairs and other things that may be adhering to the surface are then grabbed by the bristle movement. Brushes that are powered by air and brushes that are propelled by electricity are both available. Electric-powered vacuum brushes are typically recommended for cleaning carpet, depending on your vacuum system.

Simply attach an air-driven beater brush to the end of the wand and turn on the suction. The air from the vacuum pushes the brush through a turbine. You'll need an electric hose hooked into an electrical outlet or an electrified central vacuum inlet to use an electric power brush. The hose features a three-position switch to operate the electric brush in this manner: one for off, one for air suction only, and one for electric brush and air suction together.

Other Surfaces

We recommend starting with the highest surfaces first, such as draperies and window sills, then working your way down to the furniture, worktops, and bedding, as with many cleaning tasks. This work will be easier if you use a soft dusting brush on the end of a wand (or two wands linked for added length). You can also clean the baseboards without bending down if you use the dusting brush and one or more wands.

Crevice brushes, lint brushes, specialized wands for hard-to-reach locations, and other attachments and specialty equipment are available to tackle virtually any surface in your home. All of them attach to the end of the hose or extension wand for convenient use. Giving them a 10-degree twist while in use will prevent them from detaching suddenly.

Quick Cleaning Tips

Other specialist inlets, such as a VacPan, may be placed in a baseboard or beneath a cabinet in your home. These are excellent for doing a fast sweep and ensuring that any dust is properly disposed of. Simply move your toe over the foot lever, and it will begin gathering anything you sweep in its direction. This is a fantastic substitute for a dustpan!

Some systems, like the WallyFlex, also include an auxiliary stretch hose located in locations like the laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen. These are ideal for fast clean-ups that do not necessitate the use of the main hose.

Dog Grooming and Pet Hair

Last but not least, there are family pets! We provide pet vacuum attachments that do no harm and make it a hassle-free experience, whether you're searching for a dog vacuum or the finest choice for dealing with pet hair. These are a must-have for any dog owner, especially for breeds like huskies who lose a lot of hair.

Hose and Storage Management

Storage for Hoses and Accessories

Hoses that are left on the floor or in the vacuum cleaner are more likely to be damaged than hoses that are properly hung up after use. Therefore, we recommend using a wire hose hanger to store vacuum hoses. Unplug both ends of the hose, form four or five loops on the floor, and then store it neatly with the hose hanger.

Attachment tools can be stored in a variety of ways. For example, for securely storing hose attachments and accessories, a wand wall clamp and a mesh caddy might be used.

Using a Vacuum Hose that Retracts

Some modern central vacuum systems, such as Hide-A-Hose, include hose-management inlets with a retractable hose that is kept inside the wall's internal vacuum pipe. With the vacuum still flowing, remove the valve lever within the inlet base, place your palm over the end of the hose, and it will retract back into the piping system.