Social media users are championing 'slow vacuuming', a method that involves taking time over carpeted areas rather than rushing through the chore. Proponents claim it removes dirt more effectively, keeping carpets cleaner for longer and reducing airborne allergens. Videos of the technique have gone viral, with one TikTok from March amassing over 13 million views.
Content creator Amy Coulston, who shares cleaning tips with her 94,000 TikTok followers, says slow vacuuming has made her carpets feel lighter and smell better. She spends 20 to 30 seconds on each small section, doubling her total vacuum time. However, experts caution that overdoing it can damage carpets.
Adrian Lini, a small appliance expert at Australian consumer group Choice, warns that the 'crazy amount' of dust shown in online videos may actually be carpet fibres. 'The carpet isn't like this indestructible thing,' he says, noting that excessive slow vacuuming can cause fraying and premature wear.
Sean Stanley, operations manager at Butler Carpet Cleaning in Sydney, recommends vacuuming both with and against the carpet pile to dislodge dirt effectively. He also stresses the importance of keeping the vacuum clean, especially the filter, for maximum suction. Lini adds that the best way to keep carpets clean is to prevent dirt from entering the home, such as by removing shoes indoors.
