Vacuum cleaners

[Inspector1]

Does anybody have experience with Dyson vac's ?
I just ordered one yesterday... From what I have read they are really good for an upright cleaner....

http://www.aaavacs.com/category/dysonvacuums

Went with DC-07 Hepa + floor tool Scarlet/Purple
Love the colors of all their vacs....

I1:)

[princess]

Have you received your new vac yet?? I bought a a good ol' Kenmore last Summer. It has 3 separate filters, including hepa. I loved my old one, but wore it out in 12 years....so when we got all new carpet I went with a new one pretty close to my old one. I really like having onboard attachments. We have a field with a bikepath/walking trail behind us & it's windy here about 300 days per year. So needless to say dust is a way of life in the dry months. Spiders too! So much fun........:rolleyes:

My top priority is a hard shell around the dust bag. I've had Kirby & hated it. I bumped the coffee table (right before expecting company, of course) & ripped the cloth bag open! In the few seconds it took to turn it off dust went EVERYWHERE!!! I had to sew it up quickly , then get it all cleaned up, then clean me up! It looked like a B (C) movie scene!:D

[Inspector1]

Yes it arrived yesterday.... I vacuumed house on Sunday with a 6 year old Kenmore cannister style. Ran the Dyson and could not believe that it picked up enough to 1/2 fill sweeper bag on Kenmore..
I will vac in a couple of days to see if it does it again..I would estimate approx 6-8 oz of dirt/dust and fibers.. No pets in the house Just the Wife and 2 Kids and myself... Shoes always come off in garage before entering house so we will see how it looks in a couple of days... But to this point I am extremely impressed....
It's real nice to have a 17ft hose when vacuuming stairs.

I1:)

[Inspector1]

Here's a picture of what came out of about 500 sq ft of carpet that was vacuumed 2 days ago with Kenmore.... That's another feature that I like.... You see what your getting..... We are very obsessive cleaners so when we saw this it was like Argh....
I1:) Driving the vacuum...hahaha

[princess]

Is a lot of it carpet fuzz? Since our carpet is less than a year old, we're still getting a bunch of fuzz. They say it's normal, but it sure fills the bags fast!

I agree seeing what's picked up is a plus. Or minus, if it gets too yucky! My machine has a light that comes on if it's picking up anything extra, so you know to go over that spot a bit more.

The only part of the house that needs extra attention is the family room. That's where the dogs are allowed. That's where we LIVE. A weekly run over the rest of the house is enough. This pup distroys his toys though & leaves strings & stuff all over, so the familyroom needs a daily cleaning. There's tile in front of both doors & a place to wipe the feet. Then I covered the bulk of the new carpet with an area rug. At least all that fuzz is on that! We don't use the living room.

Have you tried your new machine on the furniture? Hopefully you won't be in for any big shocks there! That's when I knew buying a new one was a really good idea! Now that was nasty! The couch looked clean, but when going over it I was surprised about how much dust was pulled out!!

[Inspector1]

Wow you must be clairvoyant.. Thats what I have been doing today.. yes very dusty.... (furniture)
Alot of carpet fibers even though carpet was installed when house was built 4 1/2 years ago.... We upgraded on carpet but it's still not the quality we would like.
We are planning to replace this year but just upstairs in bedrooms and hallway.. I am going to put Pergo in Living room and Office/Dining room.... When thats all complete I will have ducts cleaned..

I1:)

[princess]

When we replaced our carpet we did a bunch of homework. There was a site called the carpet guru. After knowing the kinds apart & what we wanted for our needs..... carpet wear is a bigger factor for us than stains.... we went with a PET polyester blend. It's made from soda bottles! It's soft & very thick. It's a 90oz. Really good stuff. After figuring out WHAT we wanted I shoped around. I happened to hit Home Depot during a sale! So we save over 50% from all the other stores with the EXACT same stuff. I went with grey. It's neutral & different from the beige I see everywhere. We went with the extra dense padding so it feels great on the toes! The down side is moving anything! It's so thick that stuff sinks big time!!

The carpet we chose 12 years prior when we bough this house was for looks & wore out in a short time! It was the sculptured style. Looked nice at first, but I always had a crowd & it matted badly! Even though it's just the 2 of us living here, the kids & grandkids visit & I just didn't want to feel like telling them not to ride the smaller riding toys inside when it's too cold to play outside. So we planned on this one taking abuse too.

I need to run my machine on the familyroom. After talking about it, I noticed how bad yesterdays collection of strings & fuzz are looking!:rolleyes:

[Inspector1]

We have been looking at several styles and types and yes the PET is at the top of the list... The choice to replace vacuum had alot to do with purchasing new carpet.. Dirt is carpets worst enemy, when it gets to base of fiber it acts like an cutting abrasive and cuts at bottom... I have a friend in carpet business and we had a discussion about cleaning, dry vs. wet..
He told me most manufacturers recommend steam since fibers are heated and twisted during the manufacturing process and after time the twist loosens up and steam cleaning heat aids in returning twist to fiber(memory).
Vacuuming does take some time in our house... with over a 100 baskets to dust the vac is the best for that process.. dust cloth leaves fibers on edges of basket splints.. We take the liners out and run threw washing machine about every 6 months and clean protectors w/warm soapy water.. thats a fun job..ha.. , But with the money invested in them you have to take care of them.....

I1:)

[princess]

AND I'm sure your friend told you to steer clear of "carpet fresh" type things. They work like sand & destroy the fibers!

They want you to have a carpet professionally clean every 12-18 months. Did your friend have a favorite company? Ours will be due at the end of Summer & I dread it! We have heavy furniture on it!!

We used to have tons of silk flowers/plants, garlands, scarfs.... I tossed them all. The family room's accents are eagles. So there's several of those to dust. The accent color is Eeyore blue, so there's also a few Eeyores. We designed & built a valance that is upholstered in what we did the computer chair & a tiny rocking chair in. It's the same blue as the area rug. It's a comfy room with pictures of the kids all over it! The biggest eagle painting was done by me several years ago. My pain to clean thing is the Bose cubes! Remember I'm 4'11" & they turn out best by hand. 4 of the 5 aren't TOO bad, but there's one in the corner that the computer is in & I just can't reach it! So every now & then it goes on the "honey-do" list!

[Inspector1]

Carpet cleaners vary due to being franchised.. So your best bet is ask around locally and then check BBB to see if they have complaints.....

You need one of those pole dusters... or you can do like one of my neighbors .. pull out the leaf blower and scatter the dust around some more.... toooo much hahaha..:D

I1;)

I use a product called Capture... it has a wetting agent that you spray down and then use the powder which has the consistancy of Baking soda.... it is highly rated and recommended by carpet manufacturers... I believe it's available at Home Depot..


More info.........
http://www.captureclean.com/what.html

[princess]

I may have to check into Capture....

I have neighbors with "leaf blowers" ....what happened to rakes & brooms?? Ok, I see their use for getting leaves out of rocks & a few things.....but for the normal yard cleaning, well, I'll stick to my broom! (No comments about riding it, please!)

This cube is just such a pain! Technically I could stand on the mantle. I do vacuum it, but that only gets cob webs & the surface dust. It looks so much better when actually cleaned. I really don't have an attitude about it. I just deligate!:D

[jbuffethed]

I got a little cheapo Bissel at Walmart for $50 does a great job

[Accordin2B]

We bought a rainbow vacuum a few years back.... works great, but pricey... have to take very good care of it so it will last a long time. I believe we've gotten our moneys worth tho.

[Accord9404]

I recently installed a Beam central vac system in our house(outlet in the garage for cars etc.) and it's the best investment I made.
Dust has no place to hide. The best part
is it's exausted outsite where the dust belongs and the noise is not an issue.

[NskGenakuDuckie]

I didn't read all the posts yet but I work at Best Buy as an appliances sales rep, and let me tell you if you don't already know.

Some main benefits is that you NEVER have to buy a new filter which usually costs around $30, and you need to change them twice a year. And suction power is at a whopping 34 compared to others in low to mid 20's, and it will never loose suction. If you guys ever have the chance go play around with one you'll fall in love with it.

It's like buying a porsche, you don't need it, but if you have the money why not?
:D

[princess]

Welcome NskGenakuDuckie!! Best Buy, huh. That's a store we frequent......lots of gadgets! We were in our local one yesterday buying movies.....8 of them. We'd got a bit behind.....

When I wear out my kenmore, I do plan to check out the filterless vacuums. It seems like another neat thing is that you see where you may need to repeat due to extra crud. Mine has a light that tells you, but it sure be nice to actually SEE it. Well, nice so I could be sure to get it all up.... Nasty to see it there!:rolleyes:

[Inspector1]

Well its been almost a year and I have to say that this is the best Vac I have used or owned!!
Had the Kirby sales guys stop the other day and I said I was not interested I have a Dyson. The one guy said "Oh I trade those in all day long" I said either your one heck of a salesman or full of
Cr*p. They departed very quickly.
I started thinking about what he said and should have asked him if he had one of those trade ins at his House!
I washed the Hepa filter once in Sept. and will wash again in March. Thats the only thing I have had to do in 10 months.
Well worth the investment!!!:thmsup: :thmsup:

I1:)

[princess]

Good to hear that something held up to the expectations!! That seems rare now days!:up:

[hondacuraworld]

Originally posted by Inspector1
Well its been almost a year and I have to say that this is the best Vac I have used or owned!!
Had the Kirby sales guys stop the other day and I said I was not interested I have a Dyson. The one guy said "Oh I trade those in all day long" I said either your one heck of a salesman or full of
Cr*p. They departed very quickly.
I started thinking about what he said and should have asked him if he had one of those trade ins at his House!
I washed the Hepa filter once in Sept. and will wash again in March. Thats the only thing I have had to do in 10 months.
Well worth the investment!!!:thmsup: :thmsup:

I1:)

I fell for the Kirby rep's sales pitch back in 1997. Paid full price for a G6 with all the bells and whistles. Had a payment book on the stupid thing!

But, I gotta say, I felt it was worth it at the time, and still do. Hell of a vacuum :)

I like the bagless ones, but I just don't care to watch the cat hair and fallen cheerios whizzing around in that clear plastic tornado in a can :D

[Inspector1]

I know that flying around thing and going all that was on the floor????
My Mom has owned 4 Kirby's over the past 50-60 years... workhorses!!!
They are good vacs!! Just real pricey!!!


I1:)

[hondacuraworld]

Funny as it was, after I got mne, I ended up picking up a couple older ones and rebuilding them for the upstairs and the basement....then another, then another......

I ended up rebuilding close to 20 of them, and selling them on eBay. Gave some to friends. Amazingly durable, usually all they needed was some working over with scotch-brite and Mothers Mag polish to make them gleam like new :)

[Inspector1]

Thats cool!! How do you find time?? Are you still collecting and selling pinball machines??

I1:)

[anysia]

i love kenmore's vac' since they're a little cheaper and also hold up extremely well and do a great job.

i think the key with a vacuum is to make sure it has a pile height indicator/option to change.

now if only i could find a decent vacuum for under $50 for my apt..... i'm leaving behind my $250 kenmore one and can't afford another... :bawling:

[hondacuraworld]

Originally posted by Inspector1
Thats cool!! How do you find time?? Are you still collecting and selling pinball machines??

I1:)

Eh, to a certain extent. I'm actually looking to sell my Monday Night Football one and maybe my Williams Swinger ;)

anysia, if you're in the market, I do have a nice Kirby Classic from the early 90s that is the last one I have to redo that would fit in that price range :)

[Pairallel]

Originally posted by anysia
i love kenmore's vac'...

now if only i could find a decent vacuum for under $50 for my apt..... i'm leaving behind my $250 kenmore one and can't afford another... :bawling:

You might try your local Sears Hardware department or a nearby Sears hardware store. Since Sears has such a liberal return policy, many times you will see several returned vacuums on the shelf mixed in with the new displays, and they will mark them down as much as 50% - 75%.:cool:

[anysia]

Originally posted by Pairallel
You might try your local Sears Hardware department or a nearby Sears hardware store. Since Sears has such a liberal return policy, many times you will see several returned vaccuums on the shelf mixed in with the new displays, and they will mark them down as much as 50% - 75%.:cool:

most likely exactly what i'll do... so far i haven't had any luck though. they've actually had the same models brand new on sale cheaper than the returned ones.... tried to negotiate oot get the used one lower didn't work! :mad:

[Inspector1]

Well after 2 1/2 years use and never replacing a bag or filter I have to say if was well worth the investment. No problems or issues. I don't understand why Consumers reports rated it so low :dunno: and said that the plastic attachments break.

My 10yr old is pretty rough on it too.

I1 :)

[RTexasF]

That's good to know I1. Seeing all that was picked up after you had vacuumed already really open the eyes!
Top that with fault free service and that makes it hard to beat. Good information.

[04EXNavi]

I just have one little tip...on our vacuum, I use one of those compressed air dust removers for keyboards to clean all the fine dust out of the filter...works like new after a few shots with that. :yes:

[JWesG2]

We have a Dyson and its the coolest thing ever.. It cleans EVERYTHING

[Inspector1]

I just have one little tip...on our vacuum, I use one of those compressed air dust removers for keyboards to clean all the fine dust out of the filter...works like new after a few shots with that. :yes:

Good tip!! I have been using the blow gun and air compressor to blow out fine dust :thmsup:

I1

[CBass170]

Where can I buy a good used Dyson DC-14 pet vacuum? I have two orecks in the house and i would be willing to let them go for a good price, if anyone is interrested? :banana:

[04EXNavi]

Using the compressed air is a lot cleaner and faster than standing there banging the damn thing on the garbage can.

[fuzion]

I've been told the Orecks are more expensive than the Dysons.. I've also heard that some people don't like the Dysons because while they may not loose suction they don't have a lot to begin with.. I have a Eureka Altima and i'm quite pleased with it.. It's got a foam filter (comes w/ 2) so you can wash it & swap it out with the one you cleaned previously.. $70 vs. $500.. can't beat that! :)

[princess]

Well, my Kenmore vaccum that has served me well is getting picky....it doesn't pick up as much anymore with the slightest dust in any of the filters!! The red light telling you there's extra dirt keeps coming on.... I'm tired of taking it apart & cleaning it just to get it to work!! :thumbsdow

So today my prince got me a Dyson. It's the "animal" one. I'll use it on Wednesday..... tomorrow we're water skiing & Tuesday we're relaxing. I'm hoping to love it!! Having the extra thing for pet hair sounded good to me for the curtains & couches!! :thmsup:

Right now it's still in the box!! :paranoid:

[Inspector1]

Cool :thmsup: :thmsup:

Lets us know the results :yes:

I1 :wave:

[princess]

First impression:

The floor suction is great....looks & feels much better after going over once...then doing it again the carpet & couch actually looked a bit brighter!!

I'm disappointed in the user friendly...or lack there of, with the attachments. Mine has 3 on board & 3 other bigger ones that we plan to put shovel hooks or something in the closet where it's stored.

It seems to have a lot LESS suction power when using an attachment....am I doing something wrong????? :dunno: I tried it with a small beater head on just the hose, a flat one with just the hose & the brush one with the wand. None seemed to retain even close to the suction of the floor use.

Also I'm getting ZAPPED!! Mine has purple trim & if I touch anything purple when it's on, I get shocked! Is this normal??? :paranoid: I hate getting zapped! Maybe it's flawed!

Tomorrow I'll do a "controled" test. I'll use my Kenmore (with all the fiters fresh) in my room, then use the Dyson afterward. Then empty it & do it again. My room isn't one that ever has anything to "see" on the carpet, so I figured it would work well as a test area.

[princess]

I finally got around to calling Dyson about the shocking.... they're sending me a new handle. They said about 1% are having this problem ^& the new handle should take care of it.

I've been getting shocked EVERY time the thing is under load. Which is at every use. If I vacuum the playroom's indoor/outdoor rug...ZAP, if I vacuum the area rugs...ZAP, if I linger too long on the carpet....ZAP.

Other than that, it works well. It's great for the cat hair!! (on the furniture & floor...I haven't tried it on the cat :lmao: )

[princess]

No shocks from the new handle!! :thmsup: I guess they did know what the problem was!! :yes:

[Inspector1]

Glad to hear the shocking problem is fixed!!
Mine still maintains the great suction after almost 3 years, with no other problems. Yes the turbo head and floor tool storage is a slight inconvenience, but the lack of bags and only washing the hepa filter every six months makes that just a slight issue :yes:

I1 :wave:

[stevencrosbie]

Hmm...looks like I will get one of these for my Apartment when I graduate. Seems like everyone has great luck with these.

[BenjiBoy650]

A friend bought TWO Dyson's...one for upstairs, one for downstairs :lmao: Goes great with their $600 espresso maker and $1300 massaging chairs

[Inspector1]

A friend bought TWO Dyson's...one for upstairs, one for downstairs :lmao: Goes great with their $600 espresso maker and $1300 massaging chairs

Hmm.. Why not just hire a maid :lmao:

I1 :)

[princess]

I really like hearing that your's has lasted. :thmsup:

It sounds weird....different than I'm used to. I'm adapting. It's now to the point that the bucket only gets about a third full when I use it. That means the old stuff should be gone now. It's consistant. Well, almost. There's lots less when the kids done visit!! I did all sorts of comparisons with my trusty Kenmore. Weird things like putting things UNDER a rug & seeing how much disappears... :paranoid:

I like having the "animal" version since ragdolls DO shed a little.

I'd only get a maid if she looked like the one on Two & a Half Men...... anything else & forget it!! :lmao:

[James.uk]

Ooops, only just read this post! :blush: I have had a dyson upright for about 2 years now and think its brilliant! Best vac I ever had by miles :thmsup: :yes:

Just as a point of interest, my son worked with Dyson, the guy who invented it a few years ago, they both worked making fibreglass boat hulls at the time.. :) My son being a carpenter by trade.. :)
.

[CA05LXDriver]

I have a $169 commercial model Oreck XL that replaced our Kirby Generation 3 (actually the kirby is now my car/shop vac). I use Hepa bags in both so no stinky ;). :thumbsup:

For anyone who is frugal, this is definitely the best bang for the buck.

I highly recommend the oreck for everything but when you need a hose attachment, but that's why they sell 'em with "dust-buster esque" attachments.

[stevencrosbie]

Hmm...looks like I will get one of these for my Apartment when I graduate. Seems like everyone has great luck with these.

Update. After Thanksgiving, my mom and dad purchased a DC14 for the house as their old Kenmore canister gave up.

I have used it to and the vacuum is great. I was very impressed as I am OCD w/ clean floors. I also like to have all of the carpet laying the same direction after I get done vacuuming.

The Dyson always surprises me with the amount of dirt it can pick up.

Today, I picked myself up a DC 14 at Sam's. This one is gray (no need for purple :nuts: ). Sam's has them on sale right now for 399 each, so I jumped and got one.

I didn't need it until after graduation, but I couldn't pass up the savings.

[SSMV6]

I got a Dyson DC14 last month on clearance for $275! It's purple, but it still works great, nonetheless. :D

[princess]

I think the colors mean they come with slightly different attachments. My purple is the "animal" model. So it has a couple of things that help pick up fur. I only use one though. The little thing for upholstry has felt on it & it lifts the cat fur off "her" chair with one pass. The others would do it, just not as quickly.

The new handle cured the shocking!! :thmsup:

I still like mine. I use it on the tile too. It's better than sweeping for the grout.

Now I just need a push button lift system for moving the furniture!!! :lmao: