How to Use Vacuum Cleaner Attachments

 

If you have a love/hate relationship with your vacuum cleaner you might want to start putting those attachments to use and get your vacuum cleaner working for you!  Your vacuum cleaner may have more (or less) attachments, but these three tools are the ones that are use the most and the ones included with most standard vacuum cleaners. Knowing what each tool can be used for will help you use your vacuum to its full potential.

 

Crevice Tool: This crevice tool is used the most when vacuuming. It features a narrow nozzle which fits in tighter spots, such as under the stove, refrigerator and other large appliances. It also works well along the edge of baseboards and in hard-to-reach spots, such as vents. This tool is also used to pick up small pieces that the vacuum cleaner doesn’t grab right away.

Dust Brush: A dust brush attachment typically has a circular brush head and is especially effective at picking up dust and particles without scratching surfaces. It works particularly well on window blinds, shelves and wooden surfaces.

Upholstery Tool: The upholstery tool has a small, flat head and powerful suction, this attachment works well on fabric surfaces such as mattresses, couches, chairs and other fabric based pieces.

Now that you have a better idea of what those common attachments are for, let’s look at just how to use your vacuum and attachments effectively on most of your household surfaces.

Carpeting:

Most carpeted surfaces will do well with just the vacuum. Areas that receive a lot of traffic such as entrances and main living spaces may need a more frequent vacuuming, but most carpeted areas can be vacuumed once a week.

Hard floors:

I vacuum all the floors in our house at least once a week (on Saturdays) and sweep in between. This is my personal preference, but I find it easier to keep all the floors cleaner that way.

Stairs:

It can be difficult to maneuver a large vacuum along a stairway. I recommend using a canister vacuum or more portable vacuum if you have one. You can also utilize the length of your vacuum hose with a smaller attachment. Use the crevice tool along the edges and corner and use the upholstery tool for the tread if you needed. Most stairs can be vacuumed weekly unless they receive a high amount of foot traffic, in which case a more frequent job may be necessary.

Walls and Ceilings:

Use the circular dust brush attachment and start at the ceiling. You may need to add an extension to your attachment or use a step stool or small ladder in order to reach higher surfaces. Work your way down from ceiling to floor in a vertical motion as you vacuum. Most walls and ceilings benefit from a yearly cleaning unless you have a lot of dust in your home. In those circumstances, a spring and fall cleaning are ideal.

Blinds:

Blinds are often a dust magnet and may need a monthly swipe with the vacuum in order to keep the dust at a minimum. Use the dust brush attachment – my vacuum has vertical dust brush that works great for this, but any dust brush will work. Close the blind slats so they lie flat and vacuum. Reverse the blinds so that the slats are lying the other way and repeat. Repeat monthly or as needed.

Upholstered Surfaces:

Use the upholstery attachment on mattresses and fabric surfaces. Work in a horizontal or vertical motion from top to bottom. Use the crevice tool in the tight corners and seams. Use the dust brush on leather furniture to reduce any risk of scratching. The upholstery attachment is great for vacuuming mattresses.

Mattresses:

The vacuum cleaner is the best way to remove dust and dust mites from the surface of the mattress when you rotate your mattress. Make sure that the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner is clean and slowly vacuum all of the crevices. Follow up with the upholstery tool to vacuum the surface of your mattress.

Vents:

The dust brush tool works fabulously in those tricky vent slats for furnace and air conditioner runs. Dust seems to collect here especially during seasons where the furnace or air conditioner is run more frequently. With weekly touch ups you can minimize the buildup that is more difficult to clean effectively.

Baseboards:

Start with the crevice tool and get in the space between the baseboard and floor or carpet. Then use the dust brush attachment to run along the baseboards in a horizontal motion. A thorough monthly vacuuming of your baseboards is ideal.

 

When you utilize your vacuum and its attachments as designed, you will find your cleaning tasks to be more efficient.