Perhaps you have known vacuum cleaners as basic appliances used to clean carpets and floors. But with the addition of some attachments, the standard vacuum cleaner can be upgraded to a versatile appliance which can be used to clean various surfaces around your home. For every cleaning need, there are various attachments that can be connected to the hose to make cleaning easy, convenient and enjoyable.
While most of these extensions are standard inclusions which come with the vacuum cleaner, there are some that can be bought and attached separately, adding to the usefulness of your cleaning device. However, you should note that not all attachments will be useful and relevant to your cleaning needs. Some of these are actually inclusions that you may not even understand how to use. Putting the less essential aside, this guide explores the most important attachments in the world of vacuum cleaners and how you will use them. Here they are, listed from A to Z:
Accessory Bag
First is first. You have to have a place to put all the accessories that I’m listing bellow. Usually, manufacturers thought about this and offer in most cases an accessory bag. You can put it in your garage, closet, tool shop or a close-by storage facility. Either way, make sure you keep this close, as you might find out the meaning of the word “utility” by using the right tool for the right job.
Where it is used: For better and easier storage. For being an organized person. For keeping the peace in the universe.
Brushes
1-1/4-inch Round brush
This is a simple rounded brush which can be used with both hoses and wands. It may be used to clean wood surfaces and blinds besides helping in general dusting. It’s bristles are rather soft and medium long, making them perfect for removing dust from furniture and TVs.
Where it is used: because of its versatility, the brush can be used for general purpose cleaning.
2-1/2-inch Multi-angle brush
It is a convenient brush that is mostly used with wands and hoses when picking up dry and bulky particles from various surfaces. It is made of soft bristles which may not damage even the softest of places that you fear cleaning using your vacuum cleaner. Due to its design, it can be oriented in any direction.
Where it is used: Although the right angle brush can be used for general purpose cleaning, it is ideal when working on wood surfaces and blinds. It is also an ideal attachment for cleaning in the workshop.
Floor brush
Floors are very tough to clean because they should be worked on regularly. The floor brush is one of the extensions meant to handle this tough job. It is designed with a beater bar and has the most durable construction which can stand daily usage.
Where it is used: a floor brush can be used to handle all kinds of floor cleaning, but there are several types of these brushes. While some are meant for hardwood floors, the rest are specifically designed for tiled floors. Depending on your needs, therefore, you will be required to choose a floor brush that suits your surface.
Powered brush
Different manufacturers have different names for this tool. I.e., Bissell calls it TurboBrush. Shark calls it the Multi-tool. Its main feature is that it has an independent motor powering a smaller brushroll.
Where it is used: this tool is used for general cleaning tasks, just like the normal brushroll. The only difference is the size which allows users to reach in tighter places. Having fewer bristles also means lesser cleaning power, so don’t use it as a regular brushroll.
Upholstery brush
This extension resembles the vacuum brush but its bristles are more brittle and quite long, making it ideal for working on carpets. Similarly, it is essential to force soap and cleaners into furniture and carpets to get rid of all dirt, odor and stains.
Where it is used: This extension is helpful when getting rid of stains from furniture or shampooing your carpets. You can also use it to remove debris from your couches and armchairs.
Vacuum brush
This is a wide attachment whose base looks like that of the hard floor tools, but it has longer and thinner bristles extending from it. These bristles can loosen dirt, hair and dust that has been lodged into the fibers of any fabric. Whether it is a sofa or carpet therefore, a vacuum brush can help loosen and ultimately clean away the tiniest particles.
Where it is used: this brush can be helpful when dusting curtains or cleaning some of the chairs on which your pets love to sit and sleep.
Ceiling fan attachment
Do you realize how hard it is to reach and clean the ceiling fans together with their blades? Well, the ceiling fan attachment offers a simple solution to this. It is basically a long strong tube which has a bend at the end to reach all areas around the ceiling fans. Some of these extensions are made in such a manner that they wrap flexibly around the fan blades so that both sides of the blade are dusted and cleaned at the same time.
Where it is used: ceiling fan attachments are used to clean the upper parts of ceiling fans and blades that are rather hard to reach.
Claw utility nozzle
This is an attachment that is shaped like a wedge and curved inwards towards the head. It is used to clear both dry and wet messes, and is mostly attached with hose ends. Many handheld vacuum cleaners, shop-vacs and cordless units come with this attachment.
Where it is used: the claw utility attachment is excellent for use in cleaning campers, boats and car interiors.
Crevice tool
This is a hose attachment that is narrowed towards the end such that it can clean corners, tight areas, along baseboards and in corners. These are the hidden places which are bypassed by the normal vacuum cleaner path. Some producers offer variants of this tool, such as the extended crevice tool or the 2 in 1 Crevice/Dust brush.
Where it is used: it is helpful when cleaning between sofa cushions, carpet corners and baseboards.
Drain hero
This attachment will fit the ends of a 1.25 or 2.5-inches hose. It is mostly used for bathroom and kitchen cleaning where valuables as well as dirt are meant to be retrieved from drains. This attachment is meant for shop-vacs, but there occasionally come commercial vacuum cleaners that support this feature. Just make sure your vacuum cleaner is one of those before mounting it, as you may damage it due to misuse.
Where it is used: it is best suited to unclog sinks, tubs, drains and showers.
Dustbender
Thanks to one of my readers, I’ve discovered a new attachment called the Dustbender. This tool can be attached to a vacuum cleaner and used together with a can of compressed air to simultaneously blast air and vacuum the dust released in the process.
Where it is used: on shelves, offices, cabinets, electronics
Extension wand
This is a rigid tube used to make an attachment to the vacuum hose. Similarly, an extension wand may be used to link other attachments, offering someone an extended reach to clean areas that could otherwise not be reached by an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
Where it is used: An extension wand is essential when cleaning areas below the refrigerator or when dusting some crown molding.
Hand sander
This is a simple sanding tool which comes complete with an extension hose, sandpaper and an adapter to increase its versatility. The attachment makes use of a sandpaper or standard screen and is ideal for use alongside wet dry vacuums for sanding dry walls. Most shop-vacs come with this extension.
Where it is used: The hand sander is used to clean dry walls where an ordinary vacuum cleaner may not be effective.
Hard Floor tool
This appliance is wide and flat in shape, featuring short bristles to help in sweeping. It is also equipped with wheels for easy motion along the floor, perhaps a reason why it is the most convenient attachment for handling hard flooring. Some hard floor tools may feature a minor scalloped edge which is used to clean areas over seams.
Where it is used: hard floor tools are ideal for clearing any dry mess on your tiles, hardwood floors and any other flat surface which is not carpeted.
Mini blinds and Vertical blinds attachment
The mini blinds attachment is mainly identified by its slotted design. It makes it possible for many mini blinds to be cleaned together and on both sides. The vertical blinds attachment looks similar to the mini blinds attachment, and is made of slots that are longer and widely spaced, in order to dust between and clean vertical blinds.
Where it is used: these attachments can be used to dust and clean several blinds at the same time.
Multipurpose floor nozzle
This attachment resembles the vacuum brush closely, a tool that is easy to use and can fit in 1.25-inch hoses. With a flip of one button, you can adjust the height of this floor nozzle, which makes it expedient for cleaning all types of floors. There are many times when this tool is seen as the same with the vacuum brush.
Where it is used: this is a great attachment for cleaning bare floors that have been littered with sand and loose dirt.
Pet tool
For those of you who own pets, this attachment is invaluable. You can use this accessory to groom you dog or cat, and while doing so, you will also gather all the hair that was about to fall directly out of its fur. Just make sure your animal friend likes this process before actually doing it.
Where it is used: On your pets, of course, although I’ve seen some friends of mine scratching their backs with this.
Plastic liners
These are easy-to use liners which makes it easy to clean the collection tank. They require minimal replacement and can be used in all cleaning circumstances. Depending on the brand, one pack contains approximately twelve liners.
Where it is used: a liner my not contribute directly to cleaning but it has a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of a vacuum cleaner. Besides easing the cleaning job, it protects the collection tank from premature wear. As long as the collection tank and other parts of the vacuum cleaner are kept tidy, the appliance will perform at optimal levels.
Stair cleaner
There are various styles and designs of stair cleaner attachments. A number of them, however, are defined by a wide and supportive opening towards the end of an extended hose. It mostly works with standing vacuums, allowing you clean areas around moldings without necessarily carrying the vacuum cleaner from the bottom of stairs. Regardless of how big the stairs may be, cleaning will not be much of a burden because the extension takes care of it all. A powered brush is also one of the most used extensions for cleaning stairs.
Where it is used: Its used is confined to the cleaning of stairs.
Y splitter adapter
This is a Y-shaped adapter which enables one to split any hose connection into two parts. This increases productivity because you can use more than one hose alongside other attachments to diversify the cleaning job. You can also clean with both hands, provided that the vacuum cleaner has enough power to handle both hose ends. If you have 2 children, you will really enjoy this accessory.
Where it is used: the Y splitter adapter is specifically used for tuck pointing.
1-1/4-inch Anti-static replacement hose assembly
This is a specially designed replacement hose assembly which is used to prevent accidental shocks in case there is a huge build-up of static electricity once the vacuum cleaner has been used for quite a long while.
Where it is used: the attachment is used with dust extractors because there is a high risk of static electricity building up when dusting some ground. To prevent the possible shock, this is the kind of hose assembly recommended for use.
2-1/2-inch conversion unit
This is a conversion unit which transforms a hose for use with 2.5-inch accessories. It is made of heavy duty plastic, making the attachment tough and durable for use in all kinds of home cleaning.
Where it is used: the conversion unit makes it easy to use other accessories by converting a hose for use with 2.5-inch accessories to make cleaning convenient.
There is general trend that can be established when assessing vacuum cleaners and the attachments that can be used alongside. Looking at upright vacuum cleaners for example, most of them are designed with a standard hose size. Most of the appliances in the market too will be designed to fit this standard hose size, so you must be keen not to buy anything outside of your standard hose size unless you are going for extra extensions such as adapters to convert the size of your hose.
It is true that some attachments will be supplied with the vacuum cleaner but never dispute the fact that there are a lot more tools that you will be required to buy separately.
Just like the vacuum cleaners and accessories that come along, the brand is a critical concern when looking at the attachments that will complement your cleaning responsibilities. When buying these attachments, therefore, take note of the brand and always strive to buy from a trusted manufacturer. If you cannot get right-hand recommendations, at least look at the number of years that the manufacturer has been in the industry, together with the length of warranty they offer and what it covers.
Buying extensions online
It is true that the convenience of online stores cannot be downplayed because they save the burden of visiting one store after another in search of the right cleaning tools. However, one must be careful when shopping online. Unless you buy attachments that are best suited to work alongside your vacuum cleaner, it may be a waste of valuable resources. Always keep it in mind that not all online retailers have an attractive return policy and even if they do, most of these will demand some unexplained fee for the replacement. To avoid these inconveniences, therefore, study your vacuum cleaner well and order for attachments and accessories that are fitting and functional.
In case an upright vacuum cleaner does not have the standard hose size, it is important to order these attachments from the manufacturer in order to maintain quality and ultimately extend the shelf life of your vacuum cleaner.
In summary, buying a vacuum cleaner alone is not satisfactory. There are numerous attachments and accessories that go into making the cleaning job a success and an interesting activity to take part in. However, you must be careful when looking around for the right attachments because not every piece in the market is designed to enhance the efficiency of your appliance. For an easy cleaning experience though, pay attention to each of these attachments and find out a couple of them that will be most appropriate. The considerations herein are as valuable as the attachments, so be sure to follow the same for an improved cleaning experience.
Did I miss any attachment or extension? Do you have problems with your vacuum cleaner accessories? Comment bellow!
Jason Roberts
Latest posts by Jason Roberts (see all)
- Dyson v8 vs Dyson v7: Which One Is Best? - January 7, 2021
- Roomba 890 vs 960: Which One Is Best? - January 7, 2021
- Roborock S5 vs S6 – Which One is Best? - January 7, 2021
Nick Bean says
Jason, that is a fairly nice sized list of accessories. What do you recommend for detailing cars?..
I’ve been looking at some of the reviews on here and since I already set my mind on a vacuum… I wanted to know which tip would make detailing my car a bit better.
Thanks
Nick-
Jason Roberts says
My favorites are the crevice tool and a powered brush. I also like use a round brush for cleaning the board, the stereo and navigation. These get a little dusty due to their electrostatic charge.
Chris Califano says
Hi Jason, I stumbled across your great blog while trying to locate a wide brush for vacuuming my dusty walls, 1.25 inch. Nothing exists (in any diameter coupling) that I could find but floor brushes not wall brushes! It is tedious to vacuum the wall with the standard dusting brush attachment obviously. Any ideas? I want to vacuum not wipe the dust off. Thanks and keep up the good work, Chris
Jason Roberts says
Most manufacturers don’t produce wide dusting brushes for vacuuming walls. This type of attachments needs to have soft bristles (made out of animal hair – i.e. from horses), for not leaving scratches on the wall paint. Here’s an 8″ attachment from Kirby you may like. Also check this one and this one. I would really appreciate if you share your thoughts after you find a suitable accessory.
valerie hervey says
recently I bought a used Shark Lift-Away model 440 26. It works great and I am delighted, however (you knew that was coming), as was really no surprise, it came with no attachments). Now I notice that maybe it never had any, but I would love to have a few – particularly a “Genuine Shark Rocket Dusting Brush Attachment Vacuum Tool”, extension wand, a crevice tool, and maybe small tools for cleaning computer keyboards. The indications are that the attachments that are for sale fit a one and 1/4 inch attachment, and the way I measure ours, it is closer to one and 5/8 inches.
What am I missing, what do you suggest?
Jason Roberts says
That is odd indeed. That vacuum should have at least a crevice tool, an extension wand and a dusting brush, not to mention the pet tool. Have you bought it brand new? You might miss an end connector, that would explain your measurements.
valerie hervey says
Jason,
you have helped me already, just by being “there,” as I had spent a fair amount of time, trying to find answers, without any success, and began to feel like I was just going to have to buy something off of Ebay and hope it would fit, even when the connection measurements didn’t match.
I did indeed buy my Shark used. My comment about “maybe didn’t come with attachments” is because it turns out my machine was missing the “Accessory holder” and all related tools. This became apparent when I printed out the manual, available on line, and spent more time reading (thanks for that suggestion too). It also included pictures showing that one of my extension tubes was built in to the design, and was disguised as the vertical tube making it into a standing vacuum. Finally, the manual provides a list of the parts numbers, so hopefully I can get what I want the first time.
So thanks for your support and questions/comments that led me in the right direction.
Lynette says
i took apart my friends Hoover Windtunnel Air to clean it. Now I don’t know how to attach the tool hose. I can’t find info on the internet that helps me. Please show me!,,,,
Jason Roberts says
Lynette, you must get the manual. Connecting back the hose after a complete disassemble is a bit tricky, I know from experience. However, don’t panic. The same way it was disassembled, it can be connected back together.
pranay says
Hi Jason, great article. My vaccuum cleaner smells of burning rubber when I use. We had just replaced a burnt-out belt because of the same cause. I opened and checked the belt which seems to be fine. However, the rotating brush(made of rubber) seems to be melting in the area where the belt rolls over. Can I use the upholstery brush to clean my carpet in the meantime, after removing the belt? It could atleast pick up big-size dirt. Is there any difference between general rotating main brush versus the upholstery brush as far being safe to use on the carpet is concerned?
Thanks
Jason Roberts says
Well, the belt usually actions the brushroll. No brushroll equals no more need for a belt. If you use an upholstery attachment, you will definitely not get the same performance, but it’s a perfectly valid temporary solution.
Dorothy Collins says
PLEASE tell me where I can purchase the ceiling fan attachment. I have searched in every store available on Kauai and every website that remotely mentions this product. Here in Hawaii we use ceiling fans to avoid using the AC. When I have the purchase information, I will pass it on to my neighbors who need the same attachment.
Thank you.
Aloha
Jason Roberts says
Check out Amazon, there are plenty of kits available. If you own a Dyson however, you might want to buy the Multi-Angle Brush Attachment instead.
Dorothy Collins says
Thank you for your reply. I have checked Amazon, purchased a different style from them, but the pipes didn’t fit my vacuum cleaner, which is Bissell, a popular and well-known brand. The one pictured on your website is the same one that I had before and lost through a long dull story. It worked well, and when I saw it on your website, I wanted to purchase it immediately. I bought the item at Wal-Mart probably 25 years ago and they don’t carry it anymore.
Any other options?
Thank you
Jason Roberts says
That’s where I’ve got mine too. I don’t know what to say, check this one out. It looks exactly like the one we’re talking about, and it fits universal wands (check out the package in the photo). Or you could run over to Home Depot, I think I’ve seen some similar stuff around there.
Dorothy Collins says
Thank you for the info. I will order it as it does look like the one I had before. The ones I have seen at Home Depot and other stores are brushes, so that the gunk comes down on your head when you clean the blades. You would think that stores who sell ceiling fans would have a stock of the attachments to sell to the fan purchasers.
LHenderson says
Looking for an exact copy of the stair cleaner attachment that you have pictured above. Used to have one, and it disappeared. Any idea where one could obtain this item?
Jason Roberts says
It’s called the Powerwisk stair tool. A simple Google search will show plenty of stores still selling this.
LHenderson says
Thank you so much for your time and assistance!!~
Have a blessed day