The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Your vacuum can do so much more than clean your floors and carpets.

Make your cleaning routine easier by using your vacuum to tackle these 11 chores.

you’re free to even use the vacuum brush to suction away dust from the window panes.

Overhead view of vacuuming a jute rug

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

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Dust, dirt, and pet hair can be easily vacuumed away before they become embedded in the fabric.

Removing the loose dirt will also keep your upholstery smelling fresh for longer.

Vacuuming dirt off of the window tracks

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Freshen a Mattress

Mattresses trap dust, hair, pet dander, and dust mites.

There’s no better tool to remove all of that andclean a mattressthan a vacuum.

Or, use the upholstery brush to loosen the dust as it is removed.

Vacuum crevice tools cleaning in between couch cushions

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter so that trap the small particles.

Be sure the appliances are unplugged before you begin cleaning.

Use the brush attachment on a vacuum and keep the vacuum suction set low.

Pink hand-held vacuum cleaning roof corner

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Avoid using a vacuum on pre-lit holiday trees: Use a microfiber duster instead to prevent damage.

As a bonus, the suction will also lift and separate the shearling fibers.

Tip

Sprinkle the inside of shoes and boots with baking soda and let it absorb odors overnight.

Cleaning a mattress top with a vacuum

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Use your vacuum to suction it and debris away before wearing the shoes.

Protect Books and Delicate Items

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Dust accumulates everywhere in a home.

To protect books and delicate items from the abrasive particles that can collect, vacuum pieces regularly.

Vacuum with soft brush attachment cleaning interior of air conditioner

The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian

To prevent damage, wrap the head of the vacuum brush with a cheese cloth.

This reduces the suction slightly while still allowing the dust to travel through to the vacuum dust cup.

Artificial Christmas tree being vacuumed with hose attachment

The Spruce / Sara Lee

Vacuum with dusting brush removing dust from wall

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Kitchen pantry shelves vacuumed

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Vacuuming the inside of slippers

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

vacuuming the inside of a book

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Vacuum nozzle with panty hose on end to suction small items.

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