There are so many great cleaning tools out there — from autonomous robot mops to powerful carpet cleaners — but a hardworking vacuum is one we’d be hard-pressed to live without. The versatile cleaning tool can be used both indoors and out to rid your space of dirt, dust, allergens, pet hair, and other debris. Some of the best vacuums equipped with HEPA filters can even help improve the overall air quality inside your home.
But what you might not realize is your vacuum can do more than clean your floors — so much more. Vacuums, particularly those equipped with multiple attachments and various suction levels, can be used in virtually every room of the house for other tasks like dusting blinds, refreshing mattresses and keeping appliances in check. And doing so can help you keep your entire home cleaner in a fraction of the time you’d spend on other methods.
To help you speed through your cleaning routine in record time, our pros explain how to make the most of your go-to vacuum cleaner.
1. Blinds
You can clean all types of shades and blinds using your vacuum cleaner. For Roman and cellular shades, use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment on low suction. Sheers and panel track shades are similar — simply glide your vacuum dust-brush tool over them on the lowest setting. For aluminum and vinyl blinds, pull the blinds slightly away from the window, keeping it taut. Then, attach the soft dusting-brush tool to your vacuum cleaner and vacuum a few slats at a time, using a side-to-side or top-to-bottom motion.
2. Mattresses
Keep your bed dust- and odor-free using your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools. Using the upholstery tool, go over the top and sides of the mattress and as much of the box spring as you can access, pressing down firmly to draw out dust beneath the surface. Then, use the crevice tool to get into any grooves in the quilting, along the edge welting and where any pillow top is attached. If your mattress has any lingering odors, you can sprinkle baking soda onto the mattress, brush it in lightly, wait 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum.
3. Ceiling fans
After turning off the power source, you can remove caked-on dust from the blades of your ceiling fan by using the extension wands and soft dusting brush on your vacuum cleaner — no step stool required. If your vacuum comes with a bendable elbow attachment, pop it on between the wand and brush to more easily clean the entire surface of the blade. If any fine particles remain, use a damp microfiber cloth with a grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner and wipe down both sides of the blades. For this, you’ll need a step stool.
4. Molding and baseboards
For floor-to-ceiling woodwork, your best bet is a vacuum that comes with multiple attachments — particularly a machine that comes with a hose, extension wands and either a small round dusting brush or a clean bare floor brush. Working from top to bottom, vacuum molding and baseboards with the brush to remove dust. Then, tackle any lingering spots using a wet cloth lightly sprayed with water or an all-purpose cleaning solution.
5. TVs and other electronics
To remove dust from vents, ports and cable connections on your TV, computer or other electronics, use your vacuum’s soft dusting brush on low suction. Just be sure to turn off and unplug any devices before cleaning.
6. Air vents and filters
To help improve the indoor air quality in your home, vacuum the slats of any wall, ceiling and floor registers with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment as part of your regular cleaning routine.
7. Window AC units
To keep your window unit running efficiently, regularly vacuum the front grilles, body and control panel with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush tool to remove any loose dust and debris. You should also check the foam filter monthly for dirt, lint and hair. If needed, vacuum on low suction with the upholstery tool.
8. Clothes dryer
For regular maintenance, use the crevice tool on your vacuum to quickly remove lint from down inside the lint filter chamber. We also recommend a deeper clean once per year. Pull your dryer away from the wall, disconnect the duct and use the hose of your vacuum cleaner and crevice tool to reach as far into the duct and back of the dryer as far as you can.
9. Yoga mat
Sweat and natural body oils can cause bacteria to breed on your favorite yoga mat. To absorb oils and give the oft-used surface a refresh, sprinkle and rub baking soda on the surface of your mat. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum up the excess.
10. Pet beds
Similar to your mattress, you can clean and deodorize your pet’s sleeping spot by sprinkling the surface with baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes and then vacuuming it up.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
