Listed below are the various ways you can use vacuuming tools for your benefit.  These vacuuming tools are equipped with most standard vacuum cleaners.  To know what each tool can be used for will help you use your vacuum to its full potential.  If you’re looking to purchase a brand new vacuum cleaner, make sure it has some on-board attachments so you can simply grab and use them as you’re vacuuming and make to most of your vacuum cleaner!

 

VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENTS

 

 

Crevice Tool

Oh the crevice tool, this is one of my favorite attachments – I use the crevice tool every single time I vacuum. It features a narrow nozzle that fits in tight spots and corners. It also works well along the edge of baseboards and in hard-to-reach spots like corners and vents.  It’s the bee’s knees and cat’s pajamas!

 

 

 

Flex Crevice Tool

This is a Miele tool that’s flexible and perfect for going under appliances and getting at those spots that most vacuum cleaners can’t get to.

 

 

 

Upholstery Attachment

This small tool has a felted fabric surface that makes it perfect for delicate fabric surfaces like drapes, mattresses, couches, and chairs.  I use it all the time!

 

 

 

Turbobrush or Small Vacuum Cleaner Head

This stool has powerful suction and looks like a mini vacuum cleaner head. This attachment works well on stairs and removing dog hair.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

HOW TO USE YOUR VACUUM MORE EFFICIENTLY

Hard floors

I vacuum all the floors in our house at least once a week (on Wednesdays) and sweep in between.  Remember to lower the setting to solid floor setting  so the brushes touch the service and remove all the unwanted materials.

 

Carpeting

Carpets do well with just the vacuum. However you may want to vacuum the edges with a crevice tool.   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.  Remember to adjust the setting based on the size of the fiber of your carpet.

 

Stairs

It can be difficult to maneuver a large vacuum along a stairway. I recommend using a canister vacuum or more portable vacuum. You can also your vacuum hose with a smaller handheld attachment. Use the crevice tool along the edges and corner and use the upholstery tool for the tread if you needed.  This will make you jump for joy and smile like the sun!

 

 

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.  Remember to be safe and do not fall off your latter.   Work your way down from ceiling to floor in a vertical motion as you vacuum.  It’s amazing how cool this is!

 

Blinds

Use the dust brush attachment – start by closing the blind slats so they lie flat and vacuum. Reverse the blinds so that the slats are lying the other way and repeat the same process.  Repeat this cleaning 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.  This is sweet stuff!

 

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.  Also having a professional carpet cleaner can make a big difference for 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.  Just remember a clean mattress is a happy one!

 

Vents

The dust brush tool works fabulously in those tricky vent slats for furnace and air conditioners. Dust seems to collect here especially during seasons when the furnace or air conditioner is run more frequently.

 

Baseboards

Start with the crevice tool and get in the space between the baseboard and floor or carpet.   You may want to move your furniture to the middle of the room to reach all your base board areas.  Use the dust brush attachment to run along the baseboards in a horizontal motion.  A thorough monthly vacuuming of your baseboards is ideal.

I hope the information I shared above becomes most useful for your everyday household cleaning.    Sometimes our surfaces are not as clean as we would like and need a deep hot water extraction cleaning done by a professional carpet cleaner.  If your living in the Dallas Fort Worth area and need help with your carpet, upholstery, drapery or tile cleaning needs then you can contact Quality Care Carpet Cleaning.