According to experts, effective vacuuming requires spending at least 30 seconds on each square meter of your home, particularly in high-traffic areas. Katie Lilywhite, a floorcare expert at AO, explains that this duration allows vacuums to effectively lift dirt and dust embedded deep within carpet fibers. Modern vacuums depend on strong airflow, brush agitation, and adequate contact time with surfaces to dislodge particles. To achieve a deeper clean, it's advised to vacuum slowly, overlap passes, and clean in multiple directions. Dyson's senior design manager, Ketan Patel, adds that vacuuming in each direction and limiting passes to two or three maximizes cleaning efficiency. Additionally, using the correct attachments for various surfaces is crucial for optimal results. Regular maintenance, such as emptying the dust bag when half full and washing the vacuum filter monthly, helps maintain suction power. Experts also caution against vacuuming certain items like sharp objects and liquids, which can damage the vacuum and pose safety risks.