Dyson vacuum tools guide: What each tool does and which ones you need

Today’s best Dyson vacuum cleaners come with a range of detailed tools to help you tackle specific cleaning tasks. The choice of included tools is often the only difference between, for example, an “Animal” or a “Complete” version of a vacuum cleaner. What exactly you receive may vary from country to country. It is therefore always worth double-checking the tool list before purchasing your vacuum cleaner to ensure that what you really want is included.

Some of these tools have gone through various iterations. So if you choose an older model, you may also get an older version of the accessories. However, many have remained largely the same over the years. Dyson also sells tools individually through its accessories store (browse the US store, UK store or AU store) and some are also available from third-party retailers such as Amazon. Most Dyson machines are backwards compatible with older models. However, double-check before purchasing.

In this guide, we’ve only focused on the tools and floor heads that typically come with your standard vacuum cleaners. The accessories store linked above has a larger selection of tools for niche tasks – including things like a pet grooming kit.

Let’s take a look at the tools and floor heads you might get with your Dyson vacuum and their purpose.

Dyson Motorbar / Digital Motorbar floor head

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The motor bar cleaning head can be used on hard floors or carpets(Image credit: Future)

The Motorbar cleaning headformerly known as High torque headis the floor tool you will probably use most often. It’s suitable for both carpet and hard floors (although the Fluffy floor head specializes in hard floors). The curlers are equipped with wings that untangle the hair and guide it into the container.

On newer models such as the V15 Detect and the Gen5detect it has been replaced by the Digital motor bar cleaning head (picture above). This is essentially the same thing, except that it includes sensors that allow the vacuum to detect dirt and adjust suction accordingly in automatic mode. The automatic setting only works with this cleaning head.

Dyson Fluffy / Fluffy Optic floor head

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Dyson Fluffy Optic floor nozzle — The Fluffy floor nozzle is specialized for hard floors(Image credit: Future)

The Fluffy The floor nozzle is specialized for hard floors. It includes a furry roller covered in “soft, woven nylon and anti-static carbon fiber.” These are designed to sweep the entire floor surface evenly and get really close without the risk of damage.

In the newer models it has been replaced by the Fluffy look Floor nozzle (see picture above). This features a switch to turn on a laser that is precisely aimed to illuminate hidden dirt on hard floors. The Fluffy Optic was introduced with the V15 Detect and received a redesign and upgrade with the Gen5detect. The latter version is significantly brighter and is also useful in well-lit rooms.

Various iterations of this cleaner head could also be referred to as Soft scooter Floor nozzle or the Laser Slim Fluffy Heador the Illuminated cleaning head.

Dyson hair screw tool

(Image credit: Future)

The Hair screw tool is designed to combat hair (pet or human). The tapered shape and spiral brushes direct long hair along the brush roll and into the outlet at the small end, where it can be swept directly into the bin instead of getting caught in the mechanism and having to be cut out.

Like the floor nozzles, this device is motorized for maximum effectiveness. Its compact size makes it perfect for use in small or awkward spaces such as stairs, furniture, pet beds and cars. The Motorbar cleaning head also has anti-hair wrap functions and is a better choice for removing hair from the floor.

Dyson combination tool

The combination tool has a wide nozzle and a brush part (Image credit: Future)

The Combination tool is one of the basic detail tools included in most Dyson vacuum cleaners. It’s two tools in one: a wide nozzle with a retractable brush surround. It is suitable for general cleaning and dusting tasks. The Gen5detect has a hidden crevice nozzle with a brush part in the vacuum cleaner tube, which makes it an alternative to the combination tool.

Dyson crevice tool

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The crevice nozzle is designed for cleaning the edges of rooms and penetrating narrow joints. With the Gen5detect, Dyson added a hidden crevice tool to the wand. You can access it by simply pressing a button and peeling off the wand, making it easy to switch between different types of cleaning tasks. This hidden tool is slimmer than the original crevice tool and features a brush part, making it also similar to the combination tool. Some vacuum cleaners come with both the integrated and separate tools.

Dyson up-top adapter / low-reach adapter

Dyson low reach vacuum cleaner adapter

This tool allows you to clean directly under furniture without having to bend too low (Image credit: Dyson)

The Up-top adapter (USA) or Low reach adapter (UK) attaches between the main body of the vacuum cleaner and the wand and allows the wand to bend forward up to 90 degrees. This allows you to place the floor nozzle directly under furniture without having to bend down.

This is a feature built into today’s best Shark vacuums, where it’s called MultiFlex or Flexology technology. While such features are popular, they have the downside that they can cause the wand to wobble a bit. We haven’t tested the Dyson low-reach adapter, but it appears to be more robust than Shark’s version.

Dyson mattress tool

Your mattress can be a hotspot for dust and allergens (Image credit: Dyson)

The Mattress tool is a wide nozzle detail tool with a soft band along the front. It is designed for use on flat surfaces and especially mattresses where dust and allergens can quickly accumulate.

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