The Foods You Absolutely Want To Keep Away From Your Vacuum

Vacuuming food that has fallen to the floor can be the easiest cleaning method, yet one key to ensuring you are vacuuming correctly is to steer clear of foods that could destroy your vacuum. Most units are not designed to pick up wet food and will clog or malfunction if that happens. Avoid vacuuming any moist food, such as potatoes, vegetables, eggs, beans, or fruit like blueberries or grapes. These foods can be a recipe for disaster since once they are sucked into the vacuum, they can become stuck, clog the machine, and wreck the motor.

Remnants of wet food can become lodged in various vacuum components, such as the hose and filter. As it sits inside, food can grow mold and bacteria. You'll soon notice a foul smell from the bacteria growth. Once that sets in, there is no simple way to fix it.

Unless you have a wet vac specifically designed to pick up liquids, you should never vacuum spilled drinks or a glass of wine. Using electricity to pick up water or other liquids can put you at risk of electrocution.

Attacking a wet food mess on the floor is best done the old-fashioned way. Use a paper towel to pick up the food and allow it to absorb any residual liquid. Once the floor is dry, use a disinfectant wipe or microfiber cloth to clean any food residue. You can also mop the area, though if it's a small mess, a simple hand wipe is easier.

Some food is fine to vacuum up. Most dry foods can be safely vacuumed, such as cereal, crumbs, or chips. You can also vacuum salt or sugar, but if any glass breaks and is in the pile, don't vacuum since glass shards can break your unit.

If you drop flour, particularly a large amount, that could damage your vacuum since specks of powder can clog it. Your best bet to clean up fine powders like flour and spices is to use a broom and dustpan and then spot-clean the area with a wet paper towel.