If your vacuum cleaner has a hose, it has attachments that work with that hose. But many vacuum owners don’t really know how to effectively use these tools, or in some cases, even where the tools have been stashed! Here’s how to use your vacuum’s attachments to clean up like a boss.
The right tool for the job
Start with the hose itself. On a canister vac, it will be the only source of suction with which to clean. On an upright, the hose offers an alternative to the floor powerhead. The hose may have an inflexible, straight extension wand for lengthening your reach. Attach a tool to the end for various jobs.
- The crevice tool is a long, narrow, inflexible attachment. Use it for focused cleaning in cracks, crevices and tight places.
- The airflow brush looks like a smaller version of the floor powerhead. This brush generally is not motorized to rotate. Use it to reach tight spaces on the floor around furniture and on upholstery.
- An upholstery tool looks very similar to an airflow brush, except that it is flatter and not as deep inside.
- The dust brush has soft, long bristles arranged in a circle. This tool gently sweeps loose the dust on blinds and shelves, allowing the suction in the center of the bristles to capture it.
- The floor tool is a wide, rectangular piece for use on canister vacs. It mimics the floor powerhead of an upright, although this tool’s brush does not rotate. The floor tool is particularly important for vacuuming hard surfaces such as wood or tile floors because it won’t cause the scratches that a powered rotating brush might cause.
Care for your vacuum and tools
To keep vacuum tools from getting separated and misplaced, store them in a plastic tub or a canvas bag near the vacuum. Or purchase a caddy specifically for them.
Change your vacuum bag at regular intervals. You can tell if the bag is full by feel. A full bag with no room left for dirt will back up inside the suction tube, diminishing power. You should also clean your vacuum’s tools and brushes occasionally with warm water and a mild detergent. Let them dry thoroughly before using.
If the floor powerhead doesn’t seem to be picking up dirt, it may be that the drive belt to the rotating head is broken even though the vacuum still has good suction. Look at the owner’s manual or online to order a replacement belt and for installation instructions.
Related – 7 Tips on How to Clean Your Carpets
