Vacuum

The advent of the bagless vacuum cleaner was a great invention, IMO.  However, it does rely upon regular human intervention.  The vacuum cleaners we own do not use bags, but they do need emptied.  Logically, emptying the lint reservoir after use would make sense.  However, invariably, someone didn't empty it after they used it last.  For this reason, it is necessary to check it before use, and empty if appropriate.  Then, of course, please still do the right thing and empty it again after using it! 

On the topic of vacuuming:  Common sense would say it is a task which should be done routinely on a regular basis.  No one says, "Oh, I tracked in a fir needle or leaf, I need to vacuum"!  However, over a (short) period of time, fir needles or leaves, dirt, etc. will get tracked in, hair will be shed, crumbs dropped, and vacuuming will become appropriate.  The right thing to do is to be observant, notice when particles are observable on the carpet, and take the initiative to vacuum.  It's part of being grown up, or as some would sarcastically say, it's part of giving a shit!  We prefer to call it taking pride in one's environment, and consider it a happy, happy home when everyone takes a turn or volunteers to take it over as a department, thereby making another "department" (such as sweeping or mopping) available for someone else to take initiative over.  Either way, the vacuum only sucks when it's not clogged.