Published on June 6th, 2020
An upright vacuum is a great appliance for keeping your floors and carpets clean.
The main cleaning head is the base of the vacuum cleaner, and because of its build, this type of vacuum can easily use the suction and motorized brush roll to clean hardwood floors, laminate, tile, carpets, and rugs.
But what about other areas and surfaces of your home?
If you’re going to invest in an expensive vacuum, you want to get the most out of it. You need a machine that can not only clean floors but above-floor areas too. Your stairs, furniture, drapes, baseboards, vents, and many such surfaces need vacuuming too. And an adaptable upright vacuum is up to the job!
How to make sure an upright vacuum is versatile and adaptable?
When buying an upright vacuum, you’ll want to make sure it can handle many kinds of surfaces. But which features are critical? (And if you're not sure, read more about what an upright vacuums is, and how to clean with an upright.)
First and foremost, you need to make sure the appliance comes with an extension hose. Because upright vacuums are heavy and bulky, you can’t use the main brush roll for other surfaces than carpets and floors. To reach other areas, you need an extension hose.
Furthermore, you need a stretchable hose that is long enough. If it is too short, the vacuum cleaner will just tip over when you try to vacuum a hard-to-reach area. You should also make sure the hose is at hand and easily detachable when you need it.
Next, you need the essential tools to attach to the hose.
Essential attachments for an adaptable upright vacuum
So you have a powerful motor and a strong suction. And you have that long extension hose that stretches and allows you to reach all those places that need to be vacuumed. Next, you need some attachments. And these are the most important ones:
Extension wand
This attachment will offer you even more reach than just the extension hose. The wand is connected to the hose, and the tool is attached at the end of the wand. This allows you to reach areas up high but also down on the floor level. You can use the wand when vacuuming baseboards and under appliances, but also when cleaning vents and fans.
Crevice tool
This is a no-brainer. Probably every upright vacuum in the world comes with a crevice tool. It will help you reach those tight spots like between and under appliances, between the cushions on the couch, and all kinds of nooks and crevices that easily collect dust and dirt but are difficult to clean. You can also use the crevice tool for vacuuming baseboards, and you definitely need it if you want to clean your car.
Dusting Brush
What many users don’t realize is that your vacuum cleaner is actually a much better tool for dusting than the traditional duster. Although your fluffy feather duster may be the modern microfiber version with even better static to attract the dust, some of that dust always escapes and gets wafted into the air. When using a vacuum cleaner for dusting, all the dust gets sucked inside the vacuum improving your indoor air quality.
To use your upright vacuum cleaner for dusting, what you need is a dusting brush attachment. The soft bristles ensure the tool does not harm delicate objects, but all the dust is guided to the suction path. You can use the dusting brush attachment for vacuuming anything from baseboards and lamp shades to vents and fans.
Motorized Brush Roll
The motorized brush roll is an attachment that pet owners love. It is the most effective way of removing pet hair from upholstered furniture, carpeted stairs, bedding, or car seats. This accessory is an incredibly useful addition to an upright vacuum in homes with pets.
Some of the brush roll attachments use the airflow to spin the brush, but the most powerful tools use the power of the motor. With stiff bristles and strong suction, a motorized brush roll attachment will dig into the surface and pull up embedded dirt and hair.
Upholstery tool
The upholstery tool is another great tool for keeping your furniture and bed free of pet hair and other dirt. It is usually not quite as effective as the motorized brush roll tool, but it does have its benefits. Sometimes the fabric use for upholstery is delicate and needs to be handled with care, or you want the suction to engage the surface more effectively, like when cleaning your mattress to pull out any dust mites.
Other attachments for upright vacuums
In addition to these attachments, vacuum cleaner manufacturers have designed many useful accessories that help you keep your home clean. Depending on the brand, you may be able to add a crevice tool that is flexible or even comes with LED lights. Sometimes tools are made more useful by combining two into one, like the 2 in 1 dusting brush and crevice tool. Before buying a vacuum, make sure to check which ones are included and if they match your cleaning needs.
Summing up
Attachments are an important factor when deciding on an upright vacuum. Because uprights are bulky and quite heavy, you definitely need them to get that versatility you need to keep your whole home clean.
Some of these attachments may be included with the vacuum you buy, and others may be purchased separately as add-ons. When comparing different models against each other, make sure the vacuum you choose comes with a set that matches your needs.
Most upright vacuums come with at least two attachments: the crevice tool and a dusting brush. But if you own a pet that sheds, a motorized brush is a huge benefit. Or, if you want more reach, and the extension wand is a must.
In the end, it all comes down to your individual needs and which attachments you need to make the most of your upright vacuum and to keep every inch of your home clean.
