In addition to the basic attachments, there are a few you’ll want to purchase separately, depending on your cleaning needs. Can’t get the dust off your ceiling fan without having to climb to the top of a ladder? There’s a fan blade duster that makes it easy to reach that high spot without risking a fall. If you’re having trouble maneuvering your normal hose attachment around nooks of light fixtures and car-door compartments, invest in a multi-angle brush that will also keep the dust off your blinds and crown molding. With this information, you can clean more efficiently with just your vacuum. See below for your guide to different vacuum attachments, along with some pro cleaning tips. For full info on each common vacuum attachment, read on. Click here to see a larger version.
14 Must-Know Vacuum Attachments (and How to Use Them)
Most vacuums come with these accessories, which can be used for a variety of purposes. We’ve also listed some novelty attachments that may not seem necessary, but are great for specialized cleaning jobs. Other uses: Dropped coins or jewelry between the couch cushions? Stretch a piece of nylon panty hose over the opening to suck up small items and retrieve them without getting them stuck in the machine. RELATED: Should You Dust or Vacuum First? Other uses: Give mattresses and carpeted stairs a once-over with this tool to pick up dust and hair. Other uses: Suction out smaller spots, too. Clear dust from a doorjamb, dirt from a window track, cobwebs from corners, crumbs from car seats, and debris lodged in tufted upholstery. Pro tip: For a more thorough room cleaning, run the crevice tool along the perimeter before your usual vacuuming routine on the rest of the floor. Other uses: Dust air vents and refrigerator coils, chair and table legs, the inset panels of doors and cabinets, and small decorative pieces, like clocks and bookends.
Add-on Attachments
You may have to buy these piece by piece from your vacuum manufacturer; pick and choose your favorites. Other uses: Conquer cobwebs in high corners with the same sweep-and-suction method. Other uses: Run it over low-pile rugs to clean them without the risk of the rug material getting sucked into the machine. Other uses: Capture grime on blinds, baseboards, and out-of-the-way crown molding, too. Other uses: Clear dirt and dust from other tight spaces, like the floor of a powder room or a small closet. Other uses: It doubles as an upholstery tool for large pieces of furniture, like sofas and daybeds. Other uses: Try it on patio furniture. It’s more precise than hosing, so you’ll get a more nitty-gritty clean. Other uses: Run it over refrigerator coils and vent slats. The bristles make quick work of stubborn buildup.
