Fit wall storage for a vacuum and mop to a solid brick or block wall

Fit a rail with hooks to solid brick or block so your vacuum and mop hang tidily off the floor.

WS-01Plan the layout and mark upDecide where the rail will go — somewhere with clearance for the vacuum body and the mop head, and within easy reach. Hold the rail against the wall at the height you want, check it's level with a spirit level, and mark the screw hole positions in pencil. Double-check nothing behind the rail will foul the vacuum's plug or lead once it's hanging.

1 each · Wall-mounted mop and vacuum storage rail with hooks

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1 each · Spirit level

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WS-02Check for pipes and cables before you drillCables and pipes can run almost anywhere in a wall, not just in the obvious zones. Run a cable and pipe detector over your marked points, but still expect something to be there — detectors can miss deep or shielded cables. Find your stopcock now, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt at all about what's behind the wall, isolate the relevant circuit at the consumer unit before you drill.

WS-03Drill the fixing holesFit a 6mm masonry bit to your drill and drill each marked point to about 35mm deep — enough for the plug to sit fully in the wall. Drilling mortar joints is usually easier than drilling brick or block; go slow on brick to avoid skidding off the mark. Blow or brush the dust out of each hole before fitting the plug.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

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WS-04Insert wall plugs and fix the railPush a 6mm masonry wall plug into each hole until it sits flush with the wall. Hold the rail up to your marks and drive a 4x40mm screw through each fixing point into the plugs, checking with the spirit level as you go. Snug the screws down firmly but don't overtighten — you can crack the plug if you force it.

1 pack · Masonry wall plugs, 6mm (pack of 10)

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1 pack · Screws, 4x40mm (pack of 8)

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WS-05Fit the hooks and test the loadClip or screw the vacuum hook and mop/broom holders onto the rail as supplied. Hang the vacuum and mop in place, then give each one a firm downward tug to check the fixing holds. Adjust hook spacing if the vacuum body or mop handles are catching on each other.

WS-06Clear upVacuum up the brick dust from the floor and skirting, and wipe the wall down with a damp cloth. Bin the packaging and check the fixings once more after a day of normal use, since new plugs can settle slightly.

1 each · Dust sheet

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