The accessories for your vacuum are supposed to be helpful — not confusing. But with busy lives, it's not uncommon to default to the same one all the time, or just totally skip them. Read on for the nitty-gritty on all the attachments, so you can make the most of your next cleaning session.
THE COMMON FOUR
If a vacuum comes with attachments, these will be included.
1. Crevice Tool
With its skinny shape and angled tip, this one gets into the tight spots: corners, along baseboards, around radiators or vents, between sofa cushions, and more. You can also use it for cleaning refrigerator coils or de-linting the inner workings of your dryer.
2. Dusting Brush
Round with long, soft bristles, it helps whisk windowsills, bookcases, framed art, lampshades, and blinds. If your vac is equipped with variable suction, you can also use it for more delicate tasks, such as cleaning around knick-knacks.
3. Upholstery Tool
This attachment is wide and sometimes has a lint-catching fabric strip perfect for coaxing dust from sofas, chairs, mattresses, and cushions.
4. Extension Wand
This gives you more reach, and nabs dust dangling from high ceilings and corners or buried deep behind appliances. Or try this neat trick: If you've dropped something lightweight in a spot you can't reach, stretch a piece of nylon pantyhose over the end of the wand, secure it with a rubber band, and use it as a tool to retrieve your item.
RELATED: 5 Things You Should Never Vacuum »
CANISTER VAC-ONLY TOOLS
Typically more accessory-equipped than uprights, a canister will often come with these, too.
1. Motorized Brush Head
Sometimes called the "power nozzle," this large attachment has a rotating brush to clean carpets more like an upright. Some allow you to turn off the rotation, so you can use it on bare floors, too.
2. Bare Floor Brush
This wide narrow tool has short, stiff bristles for removing fine dust and grit from hardwoods and tile.
RELATED: 11 Spots You're Forgetting to Vacuum »
EXTRA HELPERS
You can tackle most vacuuming tasks with the usual suspects above, but some manufacturers offer innovative tools tailored to tricky jobs. Some of these might come with the vacuum, and others you'll need to buy separately.
1. Power or Turbo Brush
Similar to the canister's motorized brush head but smaller, this tool offers rotating bristles and a compact size that are useful on stairs and good for deep-cleaning upholstery, mattresses, or car interiors. Some have rubber parts to better grab and remove pet hair stuck to fabrics (but skip using it on delicate silk).
2. Mattress Attachment
Designed to remove even more dust and allergens from mattresses, some have textured pads, extra width, or a unique shape for the job.
3. Ceiling Fan and Blind Attachments
These simplify the challenge of certain chores: Getting to the top of fan blades and between blinds. You can also try tackling them with the standard dusting brush.
4. Pet Groomers
Sure, you can vacuum your pup's favorite perch, but you can also vacuum your dog. This comb lets you do just that ... if your pet doesn't freak out at the sound of the vac.
NEXT: Pick the Best Vacuum for Your Home »
Photo: Courtesy of manufacturers
