01/22/2026
Here are six things you should not vacuum up with the average home vacuum:
1) Water and wet debris - Can damage the vacuum, as well as promote the growth of mold in the dust bag, canister, and filter. Only a designated wet/dry vacuum should be used for wet or moist debris.
2) Drywall dust - super fine powders like drywall dust can quickly clog the filter and lead to suction and airflow problems, as well as potentially damaging the vacuum. Only shop vacuums should be used for cleaning up construction debris like drywall dust. Sweep up as much as possible before vacuuming.
3) Pine needles - will quickly clump and create clogs within your vacuum. They can also poke holes in a dust bag. Sweeping them up or laying down a tree skirt is best.
4) Hot or flammable materials - Ashes from a fireplace, coals, and flammable items should never be vacuumed up. They can result in damage to the internal workings of the vacuum, as well as pose a safety risk.
5) Sticky substances - Glue or syrup are substances that can create a mess of your floor head and create clogs when dust and debris stick together.
6) Sharp objects - Sharp objects like pins, nails or glass shards can scratch, or even pierce the internal workings of the vacuum, as well as pierce or tear a vacuum bag. Be sure to pick up sharp objects and remove all visible glass shards before vacuuming.
