Home Ideas

It’s safe to say many people dread chores. The word itself implies that whatever the task at hand, it’s probably not all that fun. Unsurprisingly, over 50% of Americans surveyed by Cinch Home Services felt guilty for putting off chores, specifically ones that involved cleaning.While most people do feel some level of satisfaction once they’re finished cleaning, it’s pretty clear that there’s not much enjoyment involved in the actual cleaning process, at least for Americans. We do chores for one reason: to get them done. But what if there was a way to change our get-it-done mentality? In Swedish culture, community members take part in a cleaning method called “städdag” on a weekly basis — and they don’t seem to hate it. What is städdag? In Sweden, städdag is “cleaning day,” which usually takes place on Saturdays. According to Susanna Heiskanen of The Nordic Mum, städdag is all about gathering together to tidy up. “This is a designated day to clean your common areas — like a community in a housing complex, where neighbors all come together to clean and maintain shared spaces. At home, Saturday could be the day to clean your bathrooms and bedrooms with all of your family members. This could be indoor or outdoor cleaning, like raking leaves or sweeping courtyards or tidying storage areas,” she says.Carlos Barquero//Getty ImagesWhat are the benefits?Americans are often on the hunt for all sorts of cleaning hacks that might make the process even just a bit less dreadful — just take the millions of posts filed under TikTok’s #CleanTok hashtag. People are always looking for ways to make cleaning faster and easier. But what if instead of focusing on hacks, we paid attention to changing our mindset? Städdag is more of a social experience than some terrible activity you’re forced to do. Everyone chips in, and most have fun somewhere along the process. “It creates a community feeling and encourages people to bond over areas that they all use. You get to know your neighbors,” says Heiskanen. “It’s seen as a social tradition to attend städdag.”Get all your cleaning done and catch up with friends and family? It sure sounds a lot better than frantically whipping out the vacuum alone just to complete the chore as fast as you can. How to take part in städdagZinkevych//Getty ImagesIf you live in a one-family home, simply round up your family members on Saturday to clean the bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms and any other spaces. If you live alone in an apartment building or complex, you can still take part by gathering other community members and cleaning up spaces everyone uses, both indoors or outdoors. You might even meet some new friends along the way.”There’s no better way to bond with your community than over making your shared areas look good,” says Heiskanen.More Cleaning TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

1Sentimental ClutterSharonFoelz//Getty ImagesSo many of us hang onto sentimental items much longer than we should. Greeting cards, trophies, yearbooks and travel mementos are just some of the items that tend to pile up in attics over time. So how do you decide what to keep and what to toss? “If something genuinely means a lot to you, then you should absolutely keep it,” says professional organizer Janelle Lam of Straighten up by Janelle. “But if it’s just sitting in a box because you feel guilty throwing it away, consider snapping a photo of it instead or scanning it to add to the cloud. That way, you keep the memory without the mess — and you have way easier access to it.” 2Undesirable Furniture Johner Images//Getty ImagesWhether it’s a damaged sofa or chair that no longer speaks to your design style, go ahead and find a new home for it. “It’s okay to say ‘goodbye,'” Boyd says. “Make room for the pieces that reflect the home you love today.” Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Unsorted Memory BoxesJan Hakan Dahlstrom//Getty ImagesFamilies often enjoy filling boxes or trunks with old photos, cards and other sentimental items, but don’t take it too far. “Many attics contain boxes filled with miscellaneous family items — sometimes not even labeled,” says Jacobs. “If it hasn’t been opened in years, make the time to sort through it with intention. Keep what tells your family story; discard what’s no longer relevant.”4Dated Appliances and Cablesvavlt//Getty ImagesThe last thing you want to do is keep outdated electronics and cords around for too long. Are you really going to use that DVD player? “If you’ve been holding on to VHS players, first-generation iPods or cords with unknown purposes, it’s time to recycle them,” says Jacobs, who recommends checking your local electronics recycling program for safe disposal options. “Chances are, if an electronic is in your attic and not in your daily rotation, you don’t need to keep it any longer. Williams swears by another rule: “If they haven’t been used in the last two years, it’s time to let them go or recycle them responsibly.” RELATED: How to Dispose of Everything, Including Old Cell Phones, Mattresses, and BatteriesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Worn Towelsondacaracola photography//Getty ImagesIf that stash of worn towels or the low-quality 10-pack you scored on sale is no longer working for your household, take action. “Old towels and linens are perfect to donate to your local animal shelter,” Boyd says. “Instead of letting them sit unused, give them a second life by helping furry friends in need. It’s a small act of decluttering that makes a big difference.”RELATED: 7 Things in Your Bathroom to Get Rid of ASAP6Childhood MemorabiliaYuliya Taba//Getty ImagesWhile they’re hard to let go of, it’s not worth keeping boxes upon boxes of old art projects, report cards and other random keepsakes from your childhood or even those from your own children. It’s time to toss them, says professional organizer Lisa Jacobs of Imagine It Done. “In reality, as your children grow older, they will only want so much of it and you are doing a disservice to everyone, yourself included, by one day leaving it all behind for them to have to deal with. Along with your children, select a few representative keepsakes and release the rest — you’re honoring the memory, not the volume.” RELATED: Pro Organizers Want You to Throw Out Your Children’s Artwork Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Unusable Christmas Decorationsrobert reader//Getty ImagesChristmas comes and goes, but somehow broken or unwanted decorations always seem to find a spot in the attic. “Broken holiday decorations, tangled lights or anything that’s been crushed or faded from years of heat and humidity can go,” Lam says. “If it doesn’t make you happy to see it each year — or it’s not in good enough shape to use next season — toss it.” Consider buying durable storage containers for the Christmas ornaments you want to keep. “Curating your holiday decor makes decorating so much more joyful and stress-free,” Boyd adds. 8Old Paint CansKypros//Getty ImagesDon’t be tempted to leave paint cans around after you’ve completed your home project. Paint does go bad. “If it’s separated or dried out, it’s doing more harm than good sitting up there in your attic,” Lam says. Professional organizer Kenika Williams of Tidied by K agrees, noting that an attic’s fluctuating temperatures, especially extreme heat, can also impact the paint. “Heat can compromise the formula, making them unusable. Most cities have proper disposal programs for hazardous waste like this. Otherwise, you can let them dry up and toss them in the trash.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Outgrown Baby Gearmonzenmachi//Getty Images”Cribs, strollers, swings and toys can take up a surprising amount of attic space,” Jacobs says. If you don’t have use for these items anymore, explore whether or not they’re fit for charity. “If your family is past this stage, consider donating them to a friend who is expecting or has children the appropriate age or a local organization or family in need — after checking for updated safety standards.”10Overflowing Photo Albums and Loose PrintsLightguard”Photos are deeply personal — but they also tend to multiply quickly,” Jacobs says. “Focus on preserving meaningful images by curating favorites and digitizing them. Let go of duplicates, blurry shots or albums you haven’t opened in years.” Consider sites like Shutterfly and Artificat Uprising, which turn your favorite snaps into beautiful photo books. It’s as simple as uploading photos from your smartphone. RELATED: 9 Best Photo Book WebsitesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Paper ClutterJose A. Bernat Bacete//Getty ImagesFrom old receipts to tax returns, it’s important to keep paper control under control. “You don’t need pay stubs from 1999,” Lam says. “Keep what’s essential for taxes or records, and shred the rest.”Be sure to protect your personal information, though, Jacobs warns: “As a general rule, shred financial paperwork older than seven years unless legally necessary. Consult with your accountant on any documents they might need before you part with them, but we recommend shredding everything that has your name, sensitive information like account numbers or addresses. The rest — especially random bills or unopened mail — can go in the trash.” RELATED: 7 Things in Your Home Office to Throw out, According to Pro Organizers12Old LuggageAnna Reshetnikova//Getty ImagesThere’s no use for defective luggage, so don’t think twice about tossing it. Your goal is to make traveling as stress-free as possible. “Luggage with broken zippers, missing wheels or musty interiors is no longer serving you,” Jacobs says. “Keep only what functions well and suits your travel needs today.” Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Unnecessary Halloween Costumes Kristin Mitchell//Getty ImagesWhile you may take pride in your creative Halloween costumes year after year, they shouldn’t take up space in your attic long after the holiday is over. “Costumes that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in several seasons are unlikely to see the light of day again,” says Jacobs. “Donate gently used ones to schools or community theaters, and discard any that are damaged or incomplete.Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1Use a pegboard to hang laundry essentials. Bless’er HouseDon’t let wall space go to waste. “Add a slat wall or pegboard — they’re easy to install and completely customizable,” says Larisa Bright, co-founder of Settled. Here, blogger Lauren Shaver of Bless’er House uses peg hooks for hanging scrub brushes and dust pans and pegboard baskets for storing bottled cleaning supplies. SHOP PEGBOARD2Store cleaning supplies on a rolling cart.Orchid Organizing”If space is limited, rolling carts can help contain all necessary laundry needs — think detergent, stain treatments and dryer sheets,” says Lindsay Melvin of Orchid Organizing. Added bonus: A metal utility cart is easy to wipe down in the case of any detergent spillage. SHOP ROLLING CARTAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Install a wall-mounted drying rack.CHRIS LOVES JULIARather than setting up the drying rack to air dry clothing, a wall-mounted drying rack folds directly into the wall to save space. Here, the bloggers behind Chris Loves Julia installed custom racks and painted them the same color as the cabinets. SHOP WALL-MOUNT DRYING RACK 4Roll a cart between machines.Sarah Joy Blog”If you’ve got that narrow gap between your washer and dryer, slide in a slim rolling cart for detergent, fabric softener and cleaning supplies,” suggests Tonia Tomlin, founder of Sorted Out. That’s exactly what Sarah Vandiver of Sarah Joy Blog does in her modern laundry room and the three-tier cart offers an impressive amount of extra storage.SHOP NARROW ROLLING CARTAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Conceal an ironing board. Avery MartinTuck an ironing board inside the cabinet, so you can discretely store it when it’s not in use. If you don’t want to invest in custom cabinetry, go the easier route with a wall-mounted ironing board. 6Hang an over-the-door organizer for cleaning suppiles.Neat MethodAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Give every family member their own bin.Arin Solange”Separating laundry as it comes out of the dryer into individual laundry bins by person will save lots of time,” says Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven. “Then each family member of age can take their own laundry to their rooms.” Here, blogger Arin Solange uses a three-bin sorter with wheels to stay organized.SHOP LAUNDRY SORTER8Hang a tension rod between cabinets. Sugar and ClothThe bloggers behind Sugar & Cloth put a tension rod over the washer, creating a place to hang dry clothing. “Bonus points if use S-hooks on the tension rod to hang baskets, clothespins or cleaning gloves,” says Tonia Tomlin on the popular organizing hack. SHOP TENSION RODSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Hide laundry bins behind cabinets. Avery MartinSort laundry behind closed cabinet doors, which designer Sarah Stacey makes possible by installing pull-out hamper hardware. You can easily slide the hamper in and out of the cabinet as needed. SHOP PULL-OUT HAMPER10Organize suppiles with turntables.Neat MethodWhether on the counter or tucked in a cabinet, store regularly used items — like detergent and dryer balls — on a turntable. “Turntables make it easier to reach items that may end up ‘lost’ at the back of a cabinet shelf,” says Murphy. SHOP TURNTABLESAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Build shelves for laundry bins.Craving Some CreativityTurn a spare closet into a dedicated zone for sorting dirty laundry. Rachel from Craving Some Creativity builds three shelves and puts a laundry bin on each.12Take advantage of magnetic surfaces.The Container Store”Make your washer and dryer work overtime by taking advantage of their metal surfaces,” says Bright. Try magnetic shelves to store laundry supplies, magnetic lint and trash bins that stick directly to the side of your appliances.SHOP MAGNETIC BINAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13String up lone socks.John keeble//Getty ImagesCreate a dedicated bin, basket or custom hanging station for lone socks. “Single socks and other miscellaneous items — think loose change or your teen’s earbuds — muddle folding stations so give them their own real estate,” says Bright. 14Transport laundry with rolling bins. CHRIS LOVES JULIA”An elevated, rolling laundry bin will make clothing transport seamless,” says Bright. “If you already have a hamper you love, just add your own wheels with casters or a dolly, and designate a ‘parking spot’ where you can tuck it away when not in use.” SEE MORE: Tour Chris Love Julia’s Laundry Room Renovation Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15DIY a laundry basket organizer.John keeble//Getty ImagesStore laundry baskets in a vertical space (a great way to save space) and label each for easy sorting. This way, when the bin is full, all you have to do is dump it into the washing machine. Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

I will be honest: I’ve adopted an out of sight, out of mind philosophy when it comes to dusting my apartment. It wasn’t until I recently moved around a few picture frames and knick knacks that I realized just how dusty some of my surfaces had become. That’s when I knew I needed to take some sort of action.Unsurprisingly, social media has again influenced me to try the latest cleaning product — only this time, I didn’t think twice about clicking add to cart. The viral damp dusting sponge comes in a pack of four for only $9.99. If I could conquer my stubborn dust problem for just $10, I’d consider that a win. I decided to give this colorful set a shot.Damp Duster Sponge, 4-Pack How it worksThe damp dusting sponge is probably the simplest cleaning tool I currently own. All you have to do is soak it under water, squeeze it a bit so it doesn’t drip and wipe away any dusty surfaces. The raised edges lock in debris as you move across a surface so that the dust doesn’t fly back into the air. Once you’re finished or need a reset, simply clean off the dust in the garbage or rinse it in the sink, soak it again and you’re good to go. There’s a selection of different sponges online, with prices ranging from $10 to $25 depending on the brand and number in each pack. These are a few of the most highly-rated ones on Amazon.Damp Duster Sponge, 4-PackScrub Daddy Damp DusterNow 18% OffScrub Daddy Damp Duster Dusting Sponges, 8-PackMr. Scrub 4-Pack Damp Dusting SpongesNow 15% OffMy damp dusting experienceEach sponge comes pre-moistened, but I soaked mine again to add some extra water. After squeezing it out a bit, I dusted my television and console, nightstand and baseboards. Laura MillarBefore I discovered damp dusting, I had been using a vacuum extension and microfiber cloths to dust my apartment. While those tools got the job done, I still struggled to get into the smaller nooks and crannies, and dust always managed to fly back into the air. With the damp dusting sponge, the process became a lot easier. First of all, its size is perfect for getting into almost any space. The raised edges pick up dirt and keep it there, which is helpful for anyone with allergies. Laura MillarMy absolute favorite part about damp dusting is how simple the clean up is. I just rinsed the sponge in the sink, gave it a good squeeze and let it dry before putting it away. The bottom lineThe verdict? This sponge is tiny yet mighty, and for only $10, it’s definitely worth the price. Instead of having to lug my vacuum out of the closet just to clear up some dust, all I have to do now is pick up a lightweight sponge and swipe away. More Cleaning TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

A roof’s main job is to keep things out: rain, snow, falling debris, marauding squirrels. But in addition to protecting your home and the loved ones inside it, a high-performing roof can also protect your investment, as a desirable, high-value construction element that elevates curb appeal. “Certainly, performance is key,” says Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “But what we see in the industry data is that more often than not, when homeowners replace their roof, it’s for aesthetics more than failure — the roof is a really critical visual focal point.”That’s why there’s an array of factors, both aesthetic and performance-based, to take into consideration when selecting roofing materials — factors that DiClerico and the other experts at the institute rigorously investigated and tested before awarding CertainTeed the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal. Here’s what impressed them:Courtesy of CertainTeedCertainTeed’s Grand Manor luxury shingles on a North Carolina home.Superior Reliability“Something like the roof over your head — obviously, it’s an important investment,” DiClerico says. “You want to make sure you’re working with a reputable brand, first and foremost. CertainTeed has been around for more than a century, with a reliable, innovative, diverse portfolio of products and good customer service and support.”The company backs up the quality of its offerings with lifetime limited warranties that cover 100 percent of the cost to repair or replace defective shingles. These warranties are also transferable from an original property owner to a subsequent buyer, a significant inducement should you decide to sell your home.Courtesy of CertainTeedCertainTeed Belmont impact-resistant shingles are also available with algae-resistance technology.A Shingle for Every Situation…CertainTeed’s breadth of options means there’s a product to suit any architectural aesthetic and fit any construction budget, as well as solve an array of potential issues. There are shingles that provide algae resistance in damp climates; “cool roof” technology for hot parts of the country; proven impact resistance — a necessity in hailstorm-prone areas; and fire protection that meets the highest industry standards.The company’s style portfolio encompasses more than 50 colors, from Cinder Black to Coastal Blue to Colonial Slate, allowing homeowners the freedom to achieve a virtually custom look. The institute’s design arbiters particularly liked CertainTeed’s multilayered architectural shingles, which add dimension and shadow that echo the look of traditional wood shakes, but with the durability and cost-effectiveness of asphalt. Courtesy of CertainTeedCertainTeed Landmark PRO multi-dimensional architectural shingles.…And at Any Price Point“They really have something for every budget, from entry level all the way up to top of the line,” DiClerico notes. For starter homes, for example, the company offers basic three-tab shingles, like its XT25 line, and the products grow in sophistication and technological enhancements from there. Dimensional shingles, represented by the brand’s Landmark PRO option, are manufactured with multiple layers to provide a thicker, richer appearance and superior protection — attributes that helped them win a 2025 Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award for reliable roofing. At the luxury end of the spectrum, the company offers premium Grand Manor laminated shingles that mimic “old world” roofing like slate or wood shakes. “They look beautiful, and they deliver excellent performance up on the roof, so they’ll give you decades of protection,” DiClerico says.Innovative TechnologyThough CertainTeed has been in business for more than 120 years, the company prefers to look forward, not back, especially when it comes to technological advances. One example: the aforementioned “cool roof” technology. Landmark Solaris Shingles use special granules to reflect UV rays, potentially making a roof’s surface up to 30 degrees cooler. The result: more comfortable living conditions and lower energy bills. Another Certainteed innovation is ClimateFlex polymer-modified asphalt, which strengthens shingles against impact damage from extreme weather like hail. It also helps them resist weathering and cracking, adding to their longevity—all without sacrificing aesthetic appeal: ClimateFlex shingles come in the same size, shape, and color options as the company’s traditional asphalt shingles.All of CertainTeed’s shingles also come in algae-resistant versions. This StreakFighter protection employs copper-containing granules to prevent the black streaking and blotching caused by algae spores, which is difficult and expensive to remove. “Algae is a real pain point for consumers,” according to DiClerico. “Five years into a new roof, you don’t want to be staring up at unsightly stains, and CertainTeed provides a guarantee that you won’t have to.”With shingles that run the gamut in terms of performance, price, and appearance, CertainTeed is ready to roll on virtually any roofing project. As DiClerico says: “Some companies only cater to one segment of the market, whereas CertainTeed has the whole portfolio. It’s a brand that you can grow up with.” More

1Soft BlueJames Furman2Very BlackMeghan Beierle-O’BrienAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Burnt OrangeBrittany Bah Photography4Earthy GreenAllison ElefanteAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Light BeigeJenna Sue DesignBrighten your bedroom with a creamy beige paint color on the walls and ceiling, like Jenna Sue Design does here. This neutral tone is warm and serene, but timeless and versatile enough for any design style. GET THE LOOK: Pearls and Lace by Glidden 6Charcoal Gray Molly CulverAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Dusty PinkCHRIS LOVES JULIA8Sage GreenMadeline HarperAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Chocolate BrownCHRIS LOVES JULIA10Powder BlueMargaret RajicAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Deep RedEmily Wainwright12Bright WhitePhil CrozierYou can’t go wrong with white walls in the bedroom. The bright hue makes a room feel spacious and airy, plus there’s flexibility to decorate it however you wish. Here, Reena Sotropa adds some intrigue with picture frame moldings. GET THE LOOK: Salt by Farrow & BallPhoto by: Phil CrozierAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Sunny YellowElliott Kaufman//Getty ImagesAssociated with happiness and sunshine, yellow walls will make a bedroom feel cheery and inviting. Don’t choose a shade that’s too bright, or it could be difficult to unwind at night.GET THE LOOK: Frosted Lemon by Glidden14Pale PinkKaitlin GreenAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Yellow-GreenSara Liggoria-Tramp16Cool GrayHandmade FarmhouseAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Rich PurpleJoyelle West18Coral PinkJonny Valiant Vibrant shades of pink — like coral — work beautifully in bedrooms, too. Play around with complementary colors and bring in shades of green to balance the space. GET THE LOOK: Pop by ClarePhoto by: Jonny ValiantAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Moody TealLolly Jane20Neutral Off-WhiteLara KimmererAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

Vacuuming is simple enough — plug it in, turn it on and go. However, a little extra know-how can help you avoid faux pas that can harm not only your efficiency but also your machine over time. If your floors still feel dusty after a cleaning session or your vacuum doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to, you might be making one (or more) of these common vacuuming mistakes.1. Using the Wrong Attachment (or Not Using Them at All)Those extra attachments that come with your vacuum serve specific purposes. A soft brush attachment is perfect for dusting hard surfaces like shelves and baseboards, but it’s not meant for upholstery or fabric. In these instances, you’re better off using a motorized or upholstery brush. For bare floors and low loop carpets, use straight suction, not a rotating brush, which can scatter dirt or damage delicate rugs.2. Not Emptying the Bin or Bag EnoughA full bin or bag reduces your vacuum’s efficiency and can even lead to overheating. Make it a habit to empty bagless models after each use. For bagged vacuums, replace bags when the current one is about three-quarters full. 3. Neglecting the FilterVacuum filters trap fine dust and allergens, but they need regular cleaning or replacement, depending on whether they’re washable or not. A dirty filter reduces airflow and suction and can even blow dust back into the air. If the filter shows signs of wear, or if it’s very dirty or torn, it’s time to replace it. Check your manual for specifics on how often to clean or replace it, but in general, most filters need attention every six months, depending on usage. Valeriia Mitriakova//Getty Images4. Using the Wrong Height or Suction SettingsMost vacuums let you adjust the height and suction power to more efficiently clean different surfaces — so be sure to use them. A vacuum set too low won’t maneuver easily on thick carpet and can even damage the carpet fibers. Conversely, if you use a setting that’s too high on hardwood, it might miss dirt and debris. 5. Only Vacuuming in One DirectionIf you only vacuum in a single direction, especially on carpets, you could leave embedded dirt behind. For a deeper clean, go over these areas in multiple directions to lift and loosen dirt that’s trapped deep in carpet fibers.6. Vacuuming Floors Before Cleaning Higher SurfacesStart high, finish low. Dust and debris fall as you clean counters, furniture, shelving, ceiling fans and any other higher surfaces that require dusting. If you vacuum your floors first, chances are you’ll end up vacuuming twice. 7. Relying Solely on a Robot VacuumRobot vacuums are handy for touch-ups between deep cleans, but they’re not a full replacement for a traditional vacuum. They can’t tackle spots like stairs and may miss corners or edges. If you want to extend the length of time in between more thorough cleanings, we recommend sending a robot vac out several times a week to collect dust and pet hair, lint and surface dirt on your floors before it has a chance to build up or get ground in.coffeekai//Getty Images8. Vacuuming Up Larger DebrisThere’s a distinction between your average household vacuum and a shop vac, and the former shouldn’t be used as the latter to pick up hard objects like coins, paper clips and small toys. These items can get lodged in hoses, and even if they eventually make their way into the bag or bin, can cause damage to the motor. Always remember to scan the floor for larger objects before you start vacuuming.9. Ignoring a Clogged Brush RollYour brush roll needs regular attention — especially if you have pets or family members with long hair — since hair and string can wrap around the brush, restricting its movement and putting extra strain on the motor. Most vacuums have a brush roll that you can easily remove for more thorough cleaning. Simply turn off the appliance, unplug it, and unwind or snip away any tangles. 10. Being Too Rough With the CordYanking the power cord from the outlet or letting it whip back into the vacuum can damage both the plug and the retracting mechanism. Always gently remove the plug and hold the cord in your hand as you press to wind it back onto the reel.Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More