Showing posts with label cat hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cat hair. Show all posts

3/22/2012

Dyson DC14 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner Review

Dyson DC14 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We have had the DC14 Animal less than a week, but so far we are amazed at it's performance. With 2 teenage kids, 2 Newfoundland dogs, a cat, a parrot and a finch, the floors see their fair share of dirt, hair, crumbs and feathers. We have mostly carpet with some hardwood floors with runners. This machine does an equally great job on all. Its is easy to push around and the long cord allows you to cover a lot of area without having to find another outlet. The wand is easy to use and, judging by the reviews on the DC07, an improved design. Instead of having to disconnect it from the hose, turn it around and re-connect it as noted on earlier reviews on the DC07, you just release it from the handle and extend it.

I don't put a lot of credit in the "sweep with old vacuum then sweep with new" to determine how much better the new unit is. I tried sweeping with the new unit and then swept again with the new unit and picked up more dirt. The test that convinced me that this does a better job is on an item that has never been succesfully cleaned with the old vacuum. We have a 2x4 dirt mat that is in front of the door between the garage and house. It is of a thick fiber material that catches and holds dirt and especially dog hair. Our old Hoover bagless has never been able to completely clean it. In order to remove the hair, we had to use a short stiff bristle brush and brush it out. The DC14 did the job. Did it do it in one swipe you ask? No. I had to sweep it good to get it clean but it did remove ALL the hair and dirt. I was definitly impressed.

We have not used the tools enough to form any kind of opinion on them yet. We have used the turbo brush on the furniture and it seems to do a decent job but I would recommend that you remove the handle from the hose and fit the brush on the end of the hose. It makes it much easier to use.

OK! That's the fluff. Now for the grit.
I guess nothing in this world is perfect. This is the second DC14 we have had in a week. The first unit made an awful ratcheting noise when we used it on the runners on the hardwood floor. I had seen other reviews that commented on this along with statements that it is a design feature to prevent damage to the life-long brush drive belt. If a rug gets sucked up into the brush and tries to stall the brush, a clutch begines to slip rather than burn the belt up. I called Dyson and they confirmed this. Good plan in theory. However, we had tried both the DC07 and the DC14 display models at the store. The section of carpet was similar to a throw rug. I could see the rug being sucked up to the head and hear the brush bar flogging the snot out of it and neither one of those machines ratcheted. In my case, the brush bar was turning and didn't sound like it was trying to stall so, assuming maybe the tension on the clutch on my machine was not set properly, I took it back and exchanged it for another. No more ratcheting sounds. I think Dyson needs a little more "Quality Control" on their clutch. I might add there is a good example why some items might be better purchased from a local store. Much less hassle if you do experience a problem.

All and all, we are very satisfied with the DC14. Only time will tell on it's durability. But in view of the fact it is an improved version of the DC07 and reviews have shown for the most part it holds up well, I expect this vacuum to last as long or longer than any other leading bagless vacuum currently on the market.

If it wasn't for the fact of having to take the first unit back, I would have given it 5 stars. I recommend the DC14.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dyson DC14 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Product Description:
Designed for homes with pets, this Dyson upright vacuum cleaner features advanced Root Cyclone technology to ensure thorough, efficient cleaning with no clogging or loss of suction. Effective for use on all floor types, the unit's motorized brushbar can be turned on to remove dirt and pet hair from carpets, or turned off to protect rugs and delicate floors. The unit's pre-motor filter removes particles down to 0.1 micron and can be washed, while its post-motor electrostatic filter, which never needs replacing, traps harmful carbon emissions from the motor.
The vacuum cleaner also comes equipped with a quick-draw Telescope reach; the wand releases and expands 17-feet at the touch of a button for stairs and high-reach cleaning. In addition, the unit's advanced mini turbine head cleans pet hair from confined spaces such as upholstery, stairs, and the car, and its low-reach floor tool attaches to the wand to clean hard-to-reach places such as under beds and sofas. The intake nozzles of the on-board tools direct high-velocity airflow down into the carpet pile, which provides two main advantages. More gets picked up because the directional force of the air agitates and dislodges dust, and it keeps airflow continuous even when vacuuming curtains or upholstery, preventing them from becoming stuck to the cleaner.
Thoughtfully designed, the unit's hygienic 5/7-gallon bin quickly empties without ever having to touch the dust--simply pull the trigger. The clear bin allows for easily viewing the cleaning progress and gauging when the bin's full. Air expelled from the unit contains up to 150 times less mold and bacteria than common breathing air thanks to the vacuum's money-saving, lifetime HEPA filter. Furthermore, Dyson upright vacuums are the first and only vacuums certified asthma friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Other highlights include a 14-foot quick-draw hose, a wide channel for picking up larger pieces, auto carpet-height adjustment, a 35-2/5-foot cord, and an ergonomic design with a low handle that feels lighter to carry. The included carpet-care kit helps keep new carpets looking new. The Zorb powder absorbs dirt from carpets; the Dyzolve spray removes spills and marks. Made from ABS and polycarbonate, the same materials used to manufacture crash helmets, the vacuum delivers unquestionable durability. The vacuum cleaner measures 13-3/8 by 14 by 44-6/7 inches and carries a five-year warranty.

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12/17/2011

iRobot 110 Dirt Dog Workshop Robot Review

iRobot 110 Dirt Dog Workshop Robot
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Granted, I've had this thing for less than a week, but I can't quit raving about it.

I got the Dirt Dog for my enclosed patio, which is home to 12 messy caged parakeets and is also, of course, where my 4 cats like to hang out.I chose the Dirt Dog over the Roomba because I thought the sweeper would work better on the unfinished concrete than a vacuum unit, and it was cheaper.I liked the idea of the larger crud-holder than the vacuum, and I thought maybe it would be less tempramental, too.

The first time I turned it on, it wandered around exploring---I quickly learned that the fringed cotton rugs would have to go (no biggie, they just trap dirt anyway).I didn't move a lot of furniture---wanted to see how it would get along without much prep work on my part.

It quickly became my "Little Buddy" as it got stuck, or wrapped a string around its brushes and gently whimpered "Uh-Oh".I responded like the silly thing was one of my kids: "What's up, Little Buddy?Did you get caught on something?"Pathetic.

Anyway, he soon seemed to "learn" how to handle the edge of the platform my desk chair sits on and scoot under the shelves where the birds drop seeds & feathers.I learned to put barriers up so he couldn't get into trouble on the indoor-outdoor carpet that trends to unravel.We trained each other.

He's noisy...but I got used to it.The floor was looking better!

The cats seemed fascinated, but not afraid---they didn't freak out, just watched and stayed out of the way.At one point one of them actually sat on the floor and watched while he worked all around her.

By the time he finished, I was thrilled with my utterly brilliant purchase.I pulled out the hepa DustBuster http://www.amazon.com/review/R3DJL18LOJDRWI/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm and sucked up what little was missed or out of his range.Walking on the floor in my bare feet, I could feel how clean it really was---as clean as it gets when I spend half a day working on it with the big Shop Vac!

Next test:The bachelor son's house, equipped with three shedding dogs.Buddy whipped back and forth under two couches and a chair, scooping up fuzzballs like a champ.He cleaned the tile, the wood, and the (unfringed) area rug.He wanted to do the bedroom carpet, but I was afraid that might be just TOO much, even for him.

Buddy's next challenge was our garage---smooth concrete, but VERY UNclean.This is what he's built for, right?We set a timer and checked up on him about every 10 minutes to make sure he hadn't gotten stuck somewhere or pulled something into his brushes that made him stop.It took him a while, and I could tell by his yellow light that he was getting really tired, but he got it CLEAN.I emptied out his "dustpan" about 5 times.Yesterday I did some spray-painting in the garage, and the whole newly-clean floor was soon covered with overspray.So I put Buddy back to work.He swept up all the fine paint dust off the floor---no whining, no dust mask, no beer break.And now all that dust isn't getting tracked into the house.I can hardly wait to turn him loose the next time there are tiny metal shavings all over the floor from some drill-press project...

TBD is how well he'll last, but can you tell I'm pretty pleased with our newest family member?

Update June 23 2007:

It's now been six months, and we're on our second "Little Buddy".After a few weeks, Buddy I began just wandering around in a circle; it turned out he had an incurable wheel issue.It IS annoying that IRobot won't cover postage on a warranty return, but it was worth the hassle to get a new Little Buddy.The house just wasn't the same without him.....

Buddy II seems to be an even better and more energetic unit than his late, lamented sibling.He has earned the weekly task of sweeping our outdoor concrete courtyard.He gets a little rambunctious launching himself at some of the potted plants from time to time, but he does a wonderful job of cleaning up dirt, dust and leaves.It still amazes me how much stuff he picks up from what appears to be a pretty clean surface.

Buddy II has also been called into service for the above-mentioned drill press project.The scene begins as I step barefoot into the garage.I return hissing, swearing and bleeding on the floor.As I head for the tweezer drawer, I snarl to my husband, "Get Buddy!You've been drilling metal again and haven't cleaned up!"So Buddy has now succesfully taken on the role of marriage counselor.

He's also been on a couple of sleepovers at friends' houses, where he delighted his hostesses by cleaning their patios, decks and garages.One friend was so impressed she asked for her own Buddy as a birthday gift.He was apparently VERY well-behaved, even without parental supervision.

Buddy continues to work tirelessly, asking for nothing but a charged battery, a clean brush and an occasional (chaperoned) date with the air-compressor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iRobot 110 Dirt Dog Workshop Robot

Product Description:
Leave the cleaning to a robot with this convenient machine. Its 14.4-volt rechargeable NiCD battery provides the power needed to clean hard floors, shop carpets, garage and basement areas, as well as industrial-floor surfaces. In addition, specially designed counter-rotating brushes spin almost 1,000 times per minute, sweeping up dirt and debris that cling to rough surfaces. Simply press the "clean" button and the unit sweeps under workbenches, cars, and other hard-to-reach places, picking up nuts, bolts, dirt, and more. For added convenience, "cliff" sensors keep it from falling down stairs or other vertical drops. The unit offers an oversized, bagless, easy-to-empty debris bin, and its power supply fully charges in seven hours. Accessories include a standard battery, a standard charger, a cleaning tool, and an owner's guide. The cleaning machine measures approximately 13 by 13 by 4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the box:

    iRobot Dirt Dog Workshop Robot
    Standard battery--non APS
    Standard charger
    Cleaning tool
    Owner's guide


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8/04/2011

Remanufactured Dyson DC17 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner Review

Remanufactured Dyson DC17 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been considering a Dyson vacuum for over a year - the high price was always a concern, along with wondering if the performance was really THAT GOOD.I was hoping a friend would get one so I could borrow it, but my friends haven't cooperated!We just got a dog about a month ago, and she's started shedding, so I thought that it was the perfect time to take the plunge into the Dyson pool of satisfied customers.I was a little conflicted about the re-manufactured Dysons, but until I see how the brand performs, spending over $500 was beyond my budget.I bought from Amazon because an extra one-year warranty is included.

I ordered the vacuum YESTERDAY and it arrived today (thanks to Amazon Prime free shipping!).Assembly took about 5 minutes after unpacking all the accessories.The manual is a little strange, but you can figure it out yourself by just looking at the unit.All you have to do is put the handle with the telescoping rod into the main body.My vacuum seems to be in new condition and still has that new-plastic smell.It's actually quite pretty with its purple highlights.

Now, to the test...I had just vacuumed (previous vacuum is a Eureka) the strip of carpeting from our kitchen into the living room, which is the main high-traffic area in our house.The berber carpet is beaten down, even though it's only about 5 years old, because we walk over this area many times a day.The nap is pretty shot, so I wasn't expecting a great result.But I was surprised and pleased to see that the carpet looks cleaner after using the Dyson.

When you first turn on the vacuum, it seems quiet compared to other vacs - I have a Eureka Boss SmartVac, and the Dyson is much quieter in comparison.But it does have a high-pitched whine in operation that might bother some people, so ear plugs or a set of headphones might be a good thing.I usually listen to the radio on a Walkman (remember those??) while I vacuum, so it won't bother me.The dog doesn't seem to enjoy it, though.

I got a LOT more dust, dirt and hair up from the carpet.In fact, I wonder if all that hair is from the dog we just got, because she hasn't been here that long!OK, well, so far, so good.I emptied the bin of the Dyson, which is easy and quick, just one button and done.I changed the bag on the Eureka and vacuumed the hallway from the living room to the bedrooms.The Eureka really sucks down onto the carpet *hard* when the bag is changed, but I'm not sure it is still getting ALL the dirt.It's hard to push and feels as if I am almost pulling the carpet up as I go.

The Dyson is much easier to push and as I vacuum, I wonder if it's really even doing anything, yet once again, when I go over the same area and check the dust bin, sure enough, there is another pile of dirt, dust, and hair.I wondered as I read other reviews whether people were just not used to seeing the stuff their vacuums picked up, because of the bags, so they merely *thought* the Dyson was getting more, but my two little tests have convinced me.

I also read Consumer Reports and they do not give the Dyson a very good score, not compared to other vacuums.That gave me pause, because I do take their reviews into consideration.But this time, I'm glad I didn't let their reviews keep me from buying this machine.Everywhere I went on the 'net, it was people absolutely RAVING over their Dyson.Now I'm one of them!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Remanufactured Dyson DC17 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Product Description:
Having already revolutionized the vacuum with the world-renowned patented Root Cyclone technology, Dyson takes it another step further with the new Dyson Absolute with Level 3 Root Cyclone technology. Dyson Absolute has constant suction, better pick-up across all floor surfaces, is easier to use, and out clean all other vacuums, room after room. Designed for pet owners, this Animal version boasts a mini turbine head to clean fur from stairs, sofas - even cars - and it comes with a low reach floor tool, perfect for cleaning under beds and other furniture. Factory Reconditioned

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1/27/2011

Swivel Sweeper G2 Swivel Sweeper G2, Cordless 1 ea Review

Swivel Sweeper G2 Swivel Sweeper G2, Cordless 1 ea
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this item knowing full well that I was taking a risk. What if it was NOT as grand as the infomercial made it out to be? Still, I'm somewhat limited physically (I'm an old bird, ok?) and I liked the idea of something lightweight to keep up with the little everyday messes at home. I share my home with two Chihuahuas and two cats. Enough said. Oh, and I live on a mountain...so "stuff" gets tracked in frequently.

This sweeper is phenomenal. I charged it up the day it arrived. After nearly two weeks of everyday use, and asking a LOT of it (cat litter, dog hair, lint, and some nails that got spilled long ago...) I find it is amazing for its size and weight. I have yet to re-charge the battery; it's still going strong. It goes everywhere, and sucks up everything effortlessly. I also love the little cleaning tool that came with it. I use it on my "regular" vacuum as well, to untangle the cat hair and such...why the big vac manufacturers haven't thought of this I don't know.

At any rate, this item is a winner. I have recommended it to everyone I know, particularly those who have pets. It's not perfect for heavy duty carpet cleaning, but on the other hand, I did use it to clean up my dogs' fleece bed after they crunched up a dry leaf all over it...guess what...it grumbled a bit, but it cleaned everything up. The easy empty feature is worth a lot to me too; and as I have arthritis, I appreciate not having to bend and crawl under furniture to sweep up.

Thank you Ontel for a wonderful wonderful product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Swivel Sweeper G2 Swivel Sweeper G2, Cordless 1 ea

Product Description:
Swivels & Picks Up Like No Other!
2 New features!
Back Saver Elbow Joint: Pole bends so you don't!
Touchless Dirt Tray: Just push tabs to empty!
4 Quad-Brush® Technology: Picks up on all four sides! Gets the mess along the walls and corners. Powered edge cleaning brushes. Super Sliders sweeper effortlessly glides on all floor surfaces. Picks up from all four corners at the same time for faster, easier cleaning.
Lightweight-2lbs
Powerful -7.2 volts
Swivels 360