15 Clever Uses for a Vacuum Cleaner at Home
A vacuum cleaner is an essential household tool, typically associated with keeping floors free of dust and debris. However, this versatile device can do much more than just clean carpets. From freshening up mattresses to retrieving lost items, a vacuum cleaner can be a valuable assistant in various unexpected ways around your home.
1. Dusting Hard-to-Reach Places
Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner’s hose to dust hard-to-reach areas like ceiling corners, light fixtures, and high shelves. The vacuum sucks up dust as you clean, preventing it from resettling elsewhere in your home.
2. Cleaning Window Tracks
Use the crevice tool on your vacuum to clean the dirt and debris that accumulates in window tracks. This method is much quicker and more effective than using a cloth, especially for tight spaces.
3. Refreshing Upholstery
Over time, sofas and chairs can trap dust, crumbs, and allergens. Use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to deep clean fabric surfaces, keeping your furniture fresh and extending its life.
4. Removing Pet Hair from Furniture
Pet hair can be stubborn, but a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment works wonders on fabric surfaces. Run it over your furniture to remove hair, dander, and even fleas, keeping your home cleaner and more hygienic.
5. Unclogging Sink Drains
If you have a vacuum cleaner that can handle liquids (a wet/dry vacuum), use it to clear clogged drains. Place the hose over the drain and set it to vacuum mode; it can often pull up blockages that traditional methods miss.
6. Retrieving Lost Small Items
If you’ve ever dropped an earring or screw in a hard-to-reach place, your vacuum cleaner can help. Place a stocking or thin cloth over the nozzle and secure it with a rubber band. Vacuum the area, and the item will get caught in the cloth, allowing you to easily retrieve it.
7. Deodorizing Carpets and Rugs
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and rugs before vacuuming to eliminate odors. Let the baking soda sit for about 15 minutes to absorb smells, then vacuum it up, leaving your carpets fresh and clean.
8. Cleaning Mattresses
Mattresses can harbor dust mites, dead skin cells, and allergens. Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean the surface and crevices of your mattress regularly, helping to maintain a healthier sleep environment.
9. Inflating Air Mattresses and Pool Toys
If your vacuum cleaner has a reverse function, you can use it to inflate air mattresses, pool toys, and other inflatable items quickly. Just attach the hose to the exhaust side and let the vacuum do the work.
10. Cleaning Curtains and Drapes
Dust and allergens can accumulate on curtains and drapes over time. Use the vacuum’s brush attachment to gently clean fabric window treatments without needing to take them down.
11. Dusting Electronics
Electronics like keyboards, TVs, and gaming consoles attract dust and dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to carefully remove dust from screens, vents, and other delicate areas, keeping your devices clean and functional.
12. Grooming Pets
Some pets enjoy being vacuumed, which can help remove shedding hair before it ends up on your floors and furniture. If your pet is comfortable with the noise, use a special pet grooming attachment to vacuum away loose fur.
13. Cleaning Air Vents and Registers
Dust and debris can build up in air vents and registers, reducing airflow and indoor air quality. Use the vacuum’s hose and brush attachment to clean these areas, improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
14. Tidying Up Car Interiors
A vacuum cleaner is great for keeping your car’s interior clean. Use the crevice tool and brush attachment to clean seats, floor mats, and tight spaces between and under seats, removing dirt, crumbs, and pet hair.
15. Removing Spills and Broken Glass
A wet/dry vacuum is ideal for cleaning up liquid spills and broken glass. The vacuum safely collects the pieces and liquid, reducing the risk of injury or further mess. Just be sure to empty the canister immediately afterward.