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How Long Can You Put Off Vacuuming Before It’s Gross?

Someone vacuums a rug with a dog on it
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

We’ve all been there—looking at our crumbly floors, wondering how long we can delay the inevitable, undesirable, uncomfortable chore of vacuuming. The thought of swirling dust bunnies and hidden crumbs can make us feel, well, gross.

But when exactly does vacuuming procrastination turn into grossness? While there is a time limit, that time limit entirely depends on a few things.

According to cleaning experts, regular vacuuming is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy home. However, there’s no hard and fast rule for the exact number of days you can push vacuuming aside. It all depends on your living situation and what type of floors you have.

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For example, the more people in your home, the more often you likely need to vacuum. Additionally, if you have pets carrying around their own supply of dirt and fur, you want to vacuum more frequently. Not only that, but hardwood floors can go longer between vacuuming than carpets and rugs, so make sure you take that into consideration.

A good rule of thumb is to vacuum at least once per week in low-traffic areas like private bedrooms or home offices. High-traffic areas like your kitchen, dining area, and living room may require more frequent vacuuming, like twice, thrice, or even more times per week depending on your needs.

Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the more dirt, allergens, and pet hair accumulate…which is when the “eww” factor kicks in. Feel free to vacuum any time you notice visible dirt or crumbs.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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