One of the most common questions we get running Tidy Casa is:
“How often should I vacuum my home?”
The short answer: probably more than you want to.
We’ve been cleaning and vacuuming over 600 homes a month for the last 10 years here in Phoenix and Tucson. So between what we’ve seen in real homes and what the science says, I’ve got some solid advice for you.
The Rule of Thumb We Swear By
👉 Vacuum once per week for every person and pet in your house.
That means if it’s you, your partner, two kids, and a dog, you’re looking at five vacuum sessions a week. Yeah, we know… sounds like a lot. But considering what gets tracked inside every day (dirt, dust, dander, Goldfish cracker crumbs), it actually makes sense.
What the Research Says (Because I’m a Nerd About This Stuff)
- Carpets are giant filters.
The American Lung Association points out that carpets and rugs basically act like giant air filters—catching dust, dander, and pollutants. Great for hiding the mess… until you remember you’re still breathing it in (ALA source). - The right vacuum matters.
A study found that HEPA vacuums cut carpet dust by more than 60% (Yu et al., 2009). That’s a big win if allergies are an issue. - But… some vacuums make things worse.
Another study showed that poorly sealed vacuums (even some labeled “HEPA”) can actually blow allergens back into the air (Gore et al., 2003). Which is why we always tell people, it’s not just about vacuuming often, it’s about vacuuming smart.
How Often Should You Vacuum Really?
It depends on your home setup:
- Got pets? Daily vacuuming in living spaces is your friend. Fur and dander don’t take days off.
- Kids? Let’s be real: they are crumb machines. Plan on 3–4 times a week in common areas.
- High-traffic areas: Entryways, living rooms, and hallways need vacuuming a few times a week. Bedrooms can usually get by with once a week.
- Carpet vs. hard floors: Carpets hang onto dust like Velcro. Hard floors don’t, but they show dirt faster. Both deserve attention.
- Allergies or asthma? Daily vacuuming with a true HEPA filter can make a big difference.
My Favorite Analogy
Vacuuming is like brushing your teeth.
Do it consistently and everything stays healthy. Skip it too often and the problems pile up—literally.
Final Thoughts
So here’s the breakdown:
- Absolute bare minimum: Once a week.
- Better: Once a week per person or pet in your house.
- Best: Adjust based on pets, kids, traffic, and allergies.
If that sounds like way too much work, that’s exactly why we exist. At Tidy Casa, we’ve been helping Phoenix and Tucson families stay ahead of the mess for over a decade.
👉 Need help keeping up with vacuuming (and everything else)? Book a professional home cleaning with Tidy Casa. We’ll handle the dust bunnies—you just enjoy the clean floors.
Ryan Knoll
Tidy Casa
📞 (602) 753-5630
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 tidycasa.com
A home cleaning/maid service in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ.