When you’re shopping for a new vacuum cleaner, whether for yourself or for your business, there are a lot of attachments that could provide numerous benefits, some of which you might not even know about. Here are some of the most common options for all types of vacuum cleaners and their benefits.
1. Brushbar / Beater bar / Brushroll
Many vacuum cleaners come with some kind of brushroll (on residential models these are referred to most frequently as beater bars). While these a great for vacuuming carpet, they can damage hard surfaces and even some other types of rugs. You want to have the option to either raise/lower or switch on/off the brushroll to get the most out of your new vacuum. Many more upright vacuum cleaners are beginning to have this option, although some of the lower priced vacuum cleaners may not.
2. Retractable Cord
This is a common option on canister vacuums; upright vacuums only have this option sometimes. Retractable cords are important if you have large cleaning jobs or a vacuum with an extended cord. Rolling it up and even transferring it from one outlet to another is more time consuming than you might think. This feature makes the cleaning process much easier.
3. Adjustable Height
For the best clean possible, adjustable height is key. This allows the machine to be at the perfect level for the type of flooring you are cleaning. Some machines will automatically adjust while others need to be adjusted manually.
4. Telescoping Wand
A telescoping wand allows you reach high or hard to reach areas by extending your wand. This is a necessary feature to effectively clean ceilings, ceiling fans, drapes, etc.
5. Crevice Tool
These attachments taper off at the end to a narrow point to allow you access to small or tight areas. These are great for corners, stairs, along baseboards, etc.
6. Dusting Brush
A dusting brush is not the same as the standard brush attachment. They have angled bristles to more effectively sweep dirt into the hose. They are very helpful on furniture, hard surfaces, and delicate areas where a crevice tool might be too rough.