Essential Attachments for Your Broom Vacuum: A Buyer’s Guide

One great way to expand the functionality of your broom vacuum is by utilizing useful attachments and accessories. The right attachments allow you to clean more surfaces throughout your home and even your car.

This comprehensive buyer’s guide covers must-have broom vacuum attachments, specialized attachments for different cleaning tasks, factors to consider when choosing attachments, proper use and maintenance, and tips for organizing your attachment collection.

What are Broom Vacuum Attachments?

Also called stick vacuum accessories, these are auxiliary nozzle tools that are affixed to the end of the vacuum wand, hose or handheld component. Attachments enhance cleaning capabilities beyond just the standard bare floor or carpet head.

Vacuum attachments are designed to aid specific cleaning tasks like accessing tight spaces, cleaning delicate surfaces, removing pet hair, and more. They optimize cleaning performance in difficult-to-reach corners of your home that are otherwise challenging to clean effectively.

Benefits of Using Attachments

Here are the key benefits that broom vacuum attachments provide:

• Allow you to clean more surfaces – floors, ceilings, upholstery, curtains, walls, etc.
• Enhance cleaning efficiency by using the right tool for each job.
• Reach tight spots like crevices, edges and corners.
• Clean delicates without damage using soft brush attachments.
• Remove embedded dirt, hair and allergens with specialized brushes.
• Extend your reach to clean under furniture, shelves and appliances.
• Keep attachments handy to tackle unexpected messes quickly.
• Represent an inexpensive way to improve utility from existing vacuums.
• Help clean your vehicle interior when used with a compatible cordless stick vac.
• Allow thorough cleaning of window treatments, lampshades and other dust collectors around the home.

Attachments transform a basic broom vacuum into a versatile cleaning system for your entire home.

Must-Have Broom Vacuum Attachments

Here are the top five fundamental attachments to consider equipping your broom vacuum with:

Crevice Tool

Slender, angled crevice tools allow access to tight spaces where dirt and debris accumulate. The narrow mouth fits into crevices, along edges and in narrow gaps behind furniture and appliances. Flexible crevice tools make maneuvering easier.

Dusting Brush

For cleaning delicate surfaces, dusting brush attachments are essential. Soft bristles ensure they won’t scratch furniture, window treatments, electronics and knickknacks. Look for tapered brushes able to reach tight spaces.

Upholstery Tool

Equipped with a brush head and soft bristles, upholstery tools are designed to remove dirt, hair and allergens from sofas, chairs, cushions, mattresses and carpets. Angled design makes them easy to maneuver.

Pet Brush

Pet owners will benefit from a specialized pet brush attachment for removing embedded pet hair from upholstery and carpets. Rubber nubs help grab and extract stubborn hair that bristles miss.

Extension Wand

An extendable wand or hose attachment maximizes your cleaning reach for floors, ceiling corners, crown molding, fans and other high surfaces without climbing ladders. Look for adjustable locking lengths.

Start with these five fundamental stick vac accessories to handle the most common cleaning jobs. As your budget allows, you can then add more specialized attachments.

Attachments for Specialized Cleaning Tasks

Once you’ve got the basics covered, consider these bonus specialty attachments for your broom vacuum cleaning needs:

Window and Wall Cleaning

• Large dusting brush: Soft, wide bristles cover more surface area.
• Extendable duster: A telescoping wand puts high walls and ceilings within reach.
• Window brush: Softer bristles clean glass without scratching.
• Radiator brush: Angled brush fits between radiator fins and coils.

Furniture and Decor

• Detail brush set: Precision brushes for delicate objects.
• Fabric tool: A larger upholstery tool suited for curtains, bedding, etc.
• Electrical brush: Gentle cleaner for electronics screens and keyboards.
• Extension hose: Snakes under furniture when attachments can’t reach.

Floor and Carpet Cleaning

• Motorized power brush: Provides greater cleaning and lift for carpets.
• Hard floor tool: Softer bristles clean wood, tile, etc. without scratching.
• Flexible edge tool: Reaches floor edges and baseboards easily.
• Stair tool: Compact cleaner optimized for stairs.

Vehicle Interior Cleaning

• Backseat tool: Extends to reach all interior crevices and spaces.
• Flexible hose: Slides to extend reach into tight areas.
• Motorized mini brush: Power brush fits in consoles and cup holders.
• Interior detail kit: Includes crevices, fabrics, and electronics cleaners.

Look for specialty sets focused on particular cleaning needs. This eliminates having to purchase attachments piecemeal.

Key Features to Look For in Attachments

Not all attachments are created equal when it comes to quality and usability. Look for these key features when shopping for broom vacuum accessories:

• Secure Fit – Attachments should be affixed firmly to prevent them from popping off accidentally while cleaning. Look for tight clip-on connections.
• Maneuverability – The ability to angle and pivot attachments helps target debris in tight spaces. Avoid stiff, fixed-position designs.
• Brush Bristle Material – Nylon bristles are long-lasting. Natural bristles work well but require more care to avoid damage.
• Brush Bristle Length – Short bristles are best for fine dust. Longer bristles better suit removing pet hair and debris. Look for a mix.
• Brush Bristle Density – Denser bristle packs prevent dust scattering and improve cleaning efficiency. Too sparse allows dust to escape.
• Durability – Look for attachments made from tough ABS plastic that won’t crack or warp with regular use. Metal is the most durable.
• Brand Reputation – Stick with reputable vac brands for attachment quality and compatibility. Avoid generic off-brand parts.

Seeking thoughtfully designed, high-quality attachments suited to your cleaning tasks results in better experience and performance.

Shop Vacuum Brands for Guaranteed Compatibility

For optimum fit and cleaning results, purchase attachments specifically designed for your broom vacuum brand and model. Here are some top brands providing specialized attachment sets:

• Dyson: Dyson sticks feature a universal click-in attachment fit. A large variety of kits and individual tools are available.
• Shark: Shark provides handy attachment kits with crevice tools, pet multi-tools, duster crevice tools and more. All use a secure click-in fit.
• Bissell: Bissell stick vacuums use clip-style attachment ports. Kits bundle floor heads, dusting brushes, crevice tools, upholstery tools and extension wands.
• Hoover: Hoover stick vacs utilize click-in attachments. Bundles include crevice tools, upholstery brushes, dusting brushes, extenders and more.
• Moosoo: For Moosoo cordless vacuums, a clip-on attachment design is common. Convenient kits group crevice tools, mini motorized brushes, upholstery cleaners and more.

Check your user manual for guidance on which attachments will properly fit your vacuum model. Avoid off-brand parts that risk poor fit and performance.

DIY Attachment Solutions

If suitable attachments aren’t available for your specific vacuum brand, here are some DIY solutions:

• Foam pipe insulation slid over the end of the vacuum wand functions like a dusting brush. Use the slit side for accessing crevices.
• Pantyhose leg stretched over the vacuum nozzle catches dust and lint when cleaning delicate objects.
• Old socks turned inside out to work similarly to pantyhose for protecting delicate items during vacuuming.
• Paper towels or rags can be wrapped with rubber bands around the nozzles to clean delicates gently.

Use your creativity to devise attachment solutions from items around the house while you save up for compatible branded accessories.

Getting the Most Out of Attachments

Follow these tips for effectively using broom vacuum attachments:

• Periodically check airflow by seeing if attachments strongly hold a piece of paper against the end when turned on. No suction indicates a clog.
• Empty dust bins before using detailed attachments to maximize suction power.
• Adjust your vacuum head height lower when utilizing detail attachments for cleaning floors and carpets.
• Angle and pivot attachments to best reach dirt in corners and crevices. Avoid just straight-on contact.
• Use motorized brushes on carpets and stubborn dirt. Use brushless tools on bare floors and delicate surfaces.
• Clean attachments after each use to keep bristles free of debris that can fall back out on future cleaning jobs.

Learning to wield attachments for maximum efficiency takes some practice but improves your cleaning ability.

Maintaining Attachments

Like your vacuum itself, occasionally maintaining attachments preserves performance:

• Use scissors to trim loose or bent bristles that reduce cleaning effectiveness.
• Remove built-up debris around attachment inlets that block suction.
• Check attachment seals and connections for wear and replace if suction seems weak through the attachment.
• Rinse plastic and metal attachments when needed to remove clinging dust and dirt. Allow to fully air dry.
• Replace heavily worn bristle brush attachments where matted bristles reduce pickup.

Proper care keeps attachments working like new for extended usability.

Organizing and Storing Attachments

Keep your vacuum attachments organized and at hand using these tips:

• Affix a piece of hook and loop fastener tape inside the vacuum body or handle to hold attachments.
• Command hooks mounted near your vacuum storage spot provide a convenient place for attachment holders.
• Store in a small hanging tote or shoe bag for quick access and visibility.
• Place sets in labeled resealable bags to group all related attachments and identify contents instantly.
• Mount a magnetic strip or magnetic tool holder on the wall to grab and hold metal attachment pieces.
• Attach a small storage caddy near the vacuum to keep essential attachments handy for immediate use when needed.
• Use a plastic parts organizer case with customizable compartments to hold attachment sets.

Keep your most-used attachments readily accessible to tackle surprises quickly.

Choosing Quality Broom Vacuum Attachments

Not all attachments are created equal when it comes to durability and cleaning performance. Follow these tips when selecting attachments:

• Choose attachments specifically designed for your vacuum brand and model for proper fitting.
• Look for sturdy construction from ABS plastic rather than cheaper plastic that can crack over time.
• Nylon bristles last longer than natural fiber bristles, which require more delicate care.
• Densely packed bristle sets prevent suction leaks and improve cleaning efficiency.
• Well-designed angled crevice tools glide smoothly into tight spaces and corners.
• Prefer metal attachment connector pieces for durability over plastic connections.
• Read reviews and look for recommendations from other owners of your vacuum model.

Investing a little more in quality attachments that properly fit your vacuum delivers lasting performance.

DIY Attachment Storage Solutions

Don’t have room for fancy attachment organizers? Try these simple DIY options:

• Magnets: Secure metal attachments to a knife strip or cookie sheet mounted on the wall.
• Shower Caddy: Hang or mount a plastic shower caddy near the vacuum to hold attachments.
• Peg Board: Use a pegboard and hooks to create custom attachment holders.
• Jars or Cans: Screw lids onto anchored jars or paint cans to hold attachments upright.
• Mesh Pouches: Use leftover mesh laundry/lingerie bags to store soft bristle brush attachments.

With some creativity, you can devise clever attachment storage using items you already have around the house.

Troubleshooting Attachment Issues

Have problems with your attachments? Try these troubleshooting tips:

Attachments Falling Off:

• Inspect attachment clips for damage and replace them if cracked or worn.
• Clean vacuum inlet and attachment to ensure no debris obstruction.
• Try gently bending clips outward to grip the attachment tighter.

Weak Suction Through Attachment:

• Ensure the attachment inlet is clear of obstructions like hair or carpet fibers.
• Rinse attachment in water to dislodge hidden debris reducing airflow.
• Check attachment gaskets or seals for wear and replace if needed.
• Try a different attachment to isolate the issue to a particular accessory.

Brush Attachments Not Picking Up Debris:

• Trim bent bristles reducing contact with the surface.
• Use scissors to cut out debris tangled deep in a bristle brush.
• Replace heavily worn brushes where bristles are compacted down.
• Confirm attachments are adequately secured to vacuum when in use.

Addressing attachment problems quickly helps restore full cleaning functionality.

Conclusion

Equipping your broom vacuum with a selection of attachments tailored to your home vastly expands your cleaning capabilities. Must-have attachments like crevice tools, upholstery brushes and dusting brushes tackle dirt and debris in hard-to-reach areas.

Buy attachments designed specifically for your vacuum brand for proper fit and performance. Follow these tips to build your cleaning attachment arsenal for whole-home cleaning versatility.