Common Vacuum Cleaner Attachments

If you are like many people, you use your vacuum cleaner fairly regularly. Most vacuum cleaners are pretty self explanatory; you plug it in, you turn it on and your slowly push it around your room to suck up life’s little messes. Have you ever paid attention to the vacuum cleaner attachments? Do you know that each piece has a specific purpose? Did you want to know what they were for, but were too afraid to ask. We can help. When used correctly, these little tools can make cleaning your home that much easier.

The Everyman’s Guide To Vacuum Cleaner Attachments

Each vacuum manufacturer will make a slightly different set of attachments, ones that are specific to their brand. There are some common pieces, though, that serve a similar purpose.

The Vacuum Brush: This tool can come in a couple of shapes and sizes.The thing it holds in common, regardless of brand, is stiff bristles that are great for vacuuming off shelves, windowsills, or chair legs without damaging the wood.

Dust Brush Tool, Courtesy: Martha Stewart

The Hard Floor Tool: Not all vacuums can boast this attachment, but this is pretty common with canister vacuums. The hard floor tool is often smooth with no brushes to clean delicate carpets without snagging and hardwood floors without scratching.

The Upholstery Brush: This brush has a small flat head with small bristles or nubs to help pick up pet hair. This vacuum cleaner attachment is perfect for sucking up dust from furniture or mattresses.

Upholstery Tool, Courtesy: Martha Stewart

The Crevice Tool: In some situations, this is the most versatile of vacuum cleaner attachments. The small nozzle lets you squeeze between the wall and the refrigerator, in between couch cushions and under cabinets where the entire vacuum can’t reach. An insider tip: if you lose something small like and earring and don’t want to vacuum it up, wrap a knee high pantyhose on the crevice tool. The thin fabric will allow for ample suction, but will prevent the missing item from getting sucked into the vacuum cleaner.

Crevice Tool, Courtesy: Martha Stewart

The Extension Hose: On some vacuums, like the Dyson, the extension hose is attached to the cleaner itself. In others it is a separate attachment that lengthens the reach of the vacuum; helping you hit those hard to reach places.

These are just a few examples of common vacuum cleaner attachments. Did we miss any? Of course, attachments alone can’t keep your house spotlessly clean. If your attachments aren’t quite up to the task, call E&B Carpet Cleaning today for a whole house, deep clean.