15 things you should never vacuum up

The vacuum is one of the most important tools when it comes to cleaning a home. However, like any other type of device, there are safety and operational concerns to be aware of, including when it’s best not to use a vacuum at all.

1. Glass

When glass breaks, reach for a broom instead. Sharp pieces of glass, including shards, can puncture a vacuum's parts.

2. Liquid spills

This one falls under the "hair dryer in the bathtub" rule — never expose electrical appliances to water, or other liquids, for your safety. Vacuuming liquids can also cause the machine to short circuit and, when left inside the vacuum bag, water and other liquids can cause mold.

3. Sticky messes

Things like chewing gum, tacky glue or honey will stick to every vacuum part along the way, clogging everything from the brush roll to the bag.

4. Wet messes

Liquid and electricity don’t mix, for one thing, and that wet mess can turn into a moldy mess if it lingers in the bag or canister.

5. Hair clumps or piles

Large piles of hair, like those left behind after an at-home haircut or de-furring the couch, can clog the vacuum, and long strands can become tangled around the beater bar.

6. Shredded paper

Large piles of shredded paper, just like clumps of hair, can clog up a vacuum and worse — burn out the motor. Spare your vacuum and use a broom for the bulk of the work.

7. Cords

It’s worth taking the time to remove cords from the floor before vacuuming to protect you and the vacuum. The force and friction can crack the protective exterior of the cord.

8. Coins

In addition to making a horrible racket when you vacuum them up, coins will do a number on the interior parts of a vacuum, causing scratches and dings, as well as on the motor.

9. Legos and other small toys

Like with coins, bypass the vacuum in favor of a broom or your hands. Small bits of hard plastic can break apart when vacuumed, leaving pieces that get stuck in the brush roll or clog the interior.

10. Paperclips, thumbtacks and other small desk supplies

Puncture wounds abound when small, sharp objects traverse a vacuum’s hose and chamber. Pick up small desk supplies like paperclips or thumbtacks before vacuuming.

11. Coffee grounds

Wet coffee grounds can clog up the vacuum’s parts, leaving behind organic matter that can breed mold and mildew, and forcing the motor to work overtime.

12. Sawdust, drywall and other construction debris

Whether it's sawdust, drywall and other construction debris, ashes or makeup, vacuuming fine particles in large quantities can burn out the motor, effectively ending the life of your vacuum. Additionally, those fine particles can end up being released back into the air.

13. Soil and plant debris

Soil and plant debris can clog a vacuum, and damp or wet leaves can lead to mold, so use a broom or your hands to pick those up.

14. Tree needles

Needles are sticky and bulky, leading to clogs and an overworked motor. Use a rubber broom to sweep them up or, if you must vacuum, switch to its hose attachment, and empty the bag or canister both before and after vacuuming.

15. Glitter

The best way to put this one is: Don’t vacuum up glitter unless you would like to vacuum your home with glitter for the rest of your life.