10 other uses for your vacuum – they're not just for cleaning floors

If you are only using your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from your floors, you are missing a trick or two, as they are useful for so many more household tasks.

Our panel of cleaning pros reveal 10 ways they use their vacuums for so much more than cleaning floors – and if you adopt even half of these, your home will be cleaner than ever.

While there are definitely some things you should never vacuum, this is one household appliance that tends to get underused when it is, in fact, a really versatile tool for all kinds of chores and tasks.

1. Shrink wrap your out of season clothes

If you are struggling with long term clothes storage ideas or can't find space to store your bulky guest bedding neatly when not in use, your vacuum cleaner could hold the answers to all your troubles.

'A vacuum cleaner can help you pack bulky items like puffy coats, socks and scarves efficiently,' advises Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. 'Just pop them into a vacuum-sealed plastic bag and suck the air out. You’ll have compact bags that are easy to store under the bed or in the garage.'

'Sealing those vacuum storage bags isn’t just a gimmick. I use them for off-season clothes, especially bulky sweaters or blankets,' adds Galia Ivanova, owner at Cleaning Estimate. 'After a quick pass with the vacuum, they store beautifully flat and keep everything fresh.'

All prices correct at time of writing.

2. Eliminate dust from those hard to reach spots

There are certain areas around the home that are nigh on impossible to reach – we're talking up on top of tall kitchen cabinetry, exposed timber beams within vaulted ceilings or light fittings. If you've spotted dust gathering there or cobwebs trailing you might be wondering how to get to them. These are all overlooked areas to clean before hosting.

'Ceiling fans and light fixtures can be tricky to clean, but a vacuum with an extension wand and brush attachment makes it simple,' points out Marla Mock. 'You can remove dust without having to climb up close.'

'The vacuum hose is like an extension of your arm and will help you with these areas,' adds Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids. 'You can test different attachments to find the one that fits your baseboard, the slats under your mattress, etc.'

3. Give your mattress a thorough refresh

Mattress are one area of the home that often get a little neglected when it comes to cleaning routines. While you might be feeling proud of yourself for changing your bedding on a weekly basis, if you are ignoring your mattress, then now is the time to give it a little attention and learn how to clean a mattress.

'Vacuuming your mattress at least once a year helps remove dust mites, pollen and other debris,' explains Marla Mock. 'For a deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda [available at Walmart] to eliminate odors, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it up. If you can, air out the mattress in sunlight to kill bacteria.'

4. Keep your extract fans in tip top condition

Given the job that they do, air vents and fans can become pretty dusty alarmingly quickly. You need to keep on top of this build-up and clean vents around your home regularly if you want them to run as efficiently for you as possible. This is also one of the best ways to avoid mold growing on your air vents.

'Before replacing air filters or vent covers, use your vacuum to remove any visible dust and debris,' advises Marla Mock. 'It’s a quick way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.'

'One of my favorite tricks is using the vacuum’s brush attachment to clear dust from vents and radiator fins,' says Galia Ivanova. 'Just gently running it over those grooves cuts down on allergens and keeps the airflow strong.'

Vacuums can also be used to help clean your dryer vent. Failing to remove lint and dust from it can lead to a fire risk.

5. Draw debris out of your kitchen drawers

Ever stopped to look at what lies at the bottom of your kitchen drawers? Usually, the only time we get to see the state of this hidden spot is when they are empty, but this is one area that can quickly become infested with crumbs, dust and general food debris that's fallen in from counters.

In the name of hygiene, you need to find out how to clean kitchen drawers properly.

'Kitchen and bathroom drawers tend to collect crumbs and dust,' says Marla Mock. 'Empty each drawer and vacuum it out. If there’s a spill, wipe it clean before putting everything back.'

6. Spruce up curtains and light shades

Not all curtains are machine washable and even if yours are, taking them down, trying to squeeze them into your washing machine and then getting them dry again can be a strenuous and time-consuming job. Instead, try using your vacuum cleaner to get them fresh and clean with minimum effort.

'You can vacuum your curtains with a vacuum cleaner,' confirms Alex Varela. 'The huge majority of curtains are okay with regular vacuuming, using the brush attachment and the lowest power setting.'

If you are wondering how to clean lamp shades, your vacuum can once again help. Use the brush attachment for a gentle clean.

7. Improve the efficiency of your refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator should be a weekly job to keep it smelling fresh and make it easier to find things. However, there are other refrigerator maintenance tasks that should also be routinely carried out.

'Cleaning the condenser coils under or behind your refrigerator with a vacuum can actually save you money on energy bills,' explains Marla Mock. 'Doing this twice a year improves efficiency and can save around $100 annually.'

Learn how to clean a refrigerator door seal of mold to ensure your food stays fresher for longer, but for that one, don't use a vacuum cleaner as mold spores may damage your machine.

8. Track down small lost items

This next tip is pure genius – perfect if you are prone to misplacing small items such as earrings.

'If you’ve ever dropped a tiny earring, screw or even a ring into hard-to-reach places, your vacuum can really help you out,' says Evie Graham, a professional cleaner and the owner of Waste Direct. 'I recommend placing a thin sock, stocking or piece of mesh over the nozzle and securing it with a rubber band. When you vacuum the area, the lost item will stick to the fabric without getting sucked into the machine. It’s quick, effective and has honestly saved me countless headaches.'

9. Defuzz and refresh upholstery and fabrics

Sweaters looking a little bobbly? Couch giving off lived-in vibes a little more than it should? Time to pull out the vacuum cleaner.

'For fabric sofas, chairs, curtains, or even sweaters with lint or pilling, your vacuum can be a lifesaver,' says Evie Graham. 'Attach the soft-brush tool and gently glide it over the surface. It’s an easy way to refresh fabrics, remove pet hair and give your furniture or clothing a polished, like-new appearance.'

Marla mock has a few more tips on how to clean a couch. 'Vacuuming your couch is an easy way to keep it looking fresh,' she says. 'Use an upholstery attachment to get rid of dust and crumbs, especially in the seams and crevices and underneath the cushions. Velvet fabrics, in particular, benefit from weekly vacuuming. If there are odors, sprinkle some baking soda on the cushions, let it sit and then vacuum it up.'

Nutricost Pantry Baking Soda from Amazon is a handy standby and comes in tubs up to 80oz.

10. Make your home smell like a spa

Whether you are looking to eliminate pet odors or have an open plan layout that can leave your home prone to traveling cooking smells, your vacuum cleaner can help freshen things up. This is one of those hidden tricks people with nice smelling homes use.

'Why not turn vacuuming into an air-freshening routine?' says Evie Graham. 'Add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside the vacuum bag or canister. As you clean, the airflow disperses the scent, leaving your home smelling fresh without the need for sprays or additional products. It’s a simple upgrade that makes quite a noticeable difference.'

Using a couple of drops of carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, available at Amazon, on the cotton wool before adding the essential oil will make the fragrance last longer. We've also tested out placing these in bathrooms and it makes it smell like a luxury spa, too.

In the market for a new vacuum? Learn how to choose a vacuum cleaner with our handy guide, and our home tech editor's vacuum jargon-buster.