For many of us, the vacuum is a consistent part of our cleaning routines, but their attachments may not be uses as frequently.

But some cleaners say the crevice tool, which probably came with your vacuum, should be used way more often. It’s designed to access tight and narrow spaces, specifically the narrow space where our floors and walls meet.

According to our pros, the crevice tool should not only be used more often to clean the edges of our carpets, but this versatile attachment has many other, lesser-known applications too.

What Is the Crevice Tool?

The vast majority of American households have at least one vacuum, but how many of us are truly making the most of this popular cleaning tool?

“The crevice tool is a long, narrow extension for the nozzle that lets you get into corners, cracks, and of course crevices,” says Ken Faherty, the founder of Be Green Carpet Cleaning.

Most vacuums come with a selection of basic attachments, and the crevice tool is typically among them.

“Almost every vacuum comes with one,” says Derek Christian, the co-owner at All Star Cleaning. “But what they are designed for, and very infrequently used for, is to edge the carpet in your home.”

Most vacuums can’t fully clean the edges of the carpet, along the bottom of walls and baseboards. The crevice tool, however, is specifically designed to access these hard-to-reach, and often neglected, spaces.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Why the Crevice Tool Is an Essential Part of Any Cleaning Routine

The crevice tool’s primary function is to clean the spaces your vacuum can’t reach, especially the edges of your carpeting along the base of walls. However, after years in the cleaning industry, Christian has noticed that most people aren’t taking advantage of this basic attachment.

When Christian’s cleaning team begins working with a new customer, they start with a deep clean of the entire home, and the crevice tool is an essential part of their routine.

“If you walk around your house and really look at where the carpet meets the baseboard, there is almost always a gray line there, because that edge is rarely, if ever, vacuumed,” he says. “It is not uncommon for us to have to dump the canister multiple times, because so much hair and dirt has built up.”

Christian says skipping the crevice tool here and there isn’t problematic, but adds that neglecting this basic vacuum attachment will result in substantial dirt and debris build-up and even reduced air quality over time.

Ways to Use the Vacuum Crevice Tool

The vacuum crevice tool can certainly help lift and discard the pet dander and dust along the edges of your carpet, but our experts agree that it is far more versatile.

In fact, most of the narrow spaces you struggle to clean can likely be solved with the help of a crevice tool.

“It is ideal for between couch cushions, baseboards, and works wonders if you’re cleaning your vehicle,” says Faherty.

Here are some of the many areas in your home where you the crevice tool can help you achieve a deeper clean.