I was unable to write a book-related blog post this week, owing to the fact that I have a serious vacuum cleaner problem that’s demanding a lot of my time.
Don’t laugh.
And let’s get one thing straight from the get-go: I am not Monk. I no longer have a neat fetish. The kids and husband cured me of that long ago. A nice layer of dust is perfectly fine by me. I can ignore it for a good long time. Same thing with dust bunnies.
Dust sperm whales, on the other hand—Houston, we have a problem.
It’s not like I don’t have a vacuum cleaner. I actually have two. Both are a problem. Vacuum #1–the one I acquired from Wal-Mart the night (and we’re talking 9 or 10-ish p.m. here) before we were required to give occupancy of our former house, in “broomstick clean condition,” to its new owners–works beautifully for three minutes or so. It has a nice 15” cleaning width and a long cord. As long as you don’t want to do too much vacuuming with it, it works great. Here’s a partial list of things that make the hose clog and the motor overheat:
Cat hair (we have two cats);
Dust; and
Dirt.
Vaccum #2 is a wonderful vacuum except it has a short cord and a narrow cleaning width. It works great as long as you don’t mind spending an excessive amount of time unplugging and re-plugging.
So the other day, after Vacuum #1 clogged for the bazillionth time, I took it to the vacuum store for the bazillionth time to be fixed. The guy unclogs the hose and tells me—big surprise—that this isn’t a great vacuum, but he’d be happy to take it as a trade-in for one of his great vacuums, an expensive model with a bag.
What about the bag-less ones? I ask, noticing he doesn’t sell the bag-less ones I’m interested in.
He shakes his head and mutters, reminding me of Lurch from The Addams Family. “Those always lose suction.”
Really?
So, being marginally smarter than the average bear and knowing he wants to sell me a vacuum and make a commission or whatever, I say I’ll get back to him. Then I go home and do some research.
Only guess what? Most of the blankety-blank vacuums out there are … wait for it … bag-less.
What’s a person to do?
Help, please! Do YOU have a vacuum? Does it, you know, VACUUM? Is it bagged or bag-less? Does it lose suction? Can you recommend it?
I know you probably came to this blog looking for book info, but really, people, this is serious. And if you insist on a book tie-in, how’s this? Angela, the heroine in Risk, is a neat freak. So if you offer me a good vacuum recommendation or, if vacuuming isn’t your thing, a nice cleaning suggestion, I’ll consider sending you a copy of Risk at the end of the day.
Deal? Deal. Thanks in advance for your help.
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One word for you: Dyson! I LOVE the new Dyson Ball. Its great, a little pricier, but GREAT! AND it doesn’t lose suction AND it’s bagless! I mean, Kirby’s are also great but they can get REALLY expensive. I have three kids and with the amount of dust and tiny paper I find on my floor, we ended up digging most of the carpet up (except for the kid’s bedrooms) and put down wood. It’s amazing HOW gross carpet actually is! You never know until you actually rip it up and see all the yuck underneath it. Vacuum cleaners miss a lot, which I didn’t realize until we dug our carpet up and I had a serious allergy attack. I didn’t realize that when a home is built, they don’t sweep the floor before putting ANY flooring down! YECH!
by brownone
on April 10th, 2008 at 6:33 am
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I have a Meile, with a bag and love it!!
Light weight, great suction!
Would not consider bagless! You have to open and dump that dust, etc… YUCK!
by Laurie G
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:12 am
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I have a Hoover upright with a bag - it is ok. I love seeing a vacuum suck up all the crumbs, fuzzas, etc. Sick, huh? I don’t like the cannister type, too cumbersome for me to lug around.
The bagless idea appeals to me. Sometimes when I change the bag, I can’t get the vacuum back together - what a pain, you can imagine the language that comes out of my mouth. LOL.
My daughter has a Tyson which is expensive - but loves it. Her mo in law gave it to her for a shower gift. Did I mention I love the idea of bagless. LOL.
Good luck.
by Pat L.
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:18 am
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I’ve got a bagless Dirt Devil. It’s not bad. Dumping it isn’t a problem ’cause that part snaps out of the machine sealed up, then I stick it end down in the trashcan and push a button and it all just drops neatly into the trash.
But the ones you’re gonna hear most about are the Dysons. High initial outlay ($500) but everyone I know says they’re amazing. And they even have a pet hair specific model.
by Lorelie
on April 10th, 2008 at 8:17 am
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brownone beat me to the Dyson suggestion–those things are amazing, and don’t lose suction ever. Expensive as all get out, of course.
I also took my carpet up a year and a half or so ago, and put down ceramic tile downstairs, laminate upstairs. Before that, though, I used an old (almost 20 years old, in fact) upright Eureka, with the bag. It’s not the best, but it worked for me for the most part.
Now I have area rugs and have discovered something better than vacuuming: the one sweep (google it). I have three cats, two dogs, a ferret, two kidlets–there are hairballs floating in the air at any given time, let alone the ones under furniture, or the individual hairs embedded in the rugs, the upholstery, the window curtains, what have you.
The one sweep will take those suckers out like a charm, to pull up and out not only hair but dirt! Here’s the secret: short, repeated motions–don’t push down, just brush on the surface. The rubber of the bristles creates static electricity, which makes the pet/people hair stick together and traps a helluva lot of the dirt with it.
I used to have to vacuum clean, then steam clean, my rugs about every couple of weeks, because the house smelled of pet–it didn’t matter what I did, the smell was there Amazingly, now that I use the one sweep every other day, the house smells clean.
Another tip: I disinfect with a Borax solution–with laundry, of course, but also to mop floors, to clean up pet accidents (if and when *knocking on wood*), and to keep the house pest free. It also helps with smell control–only be careful to rinse properly, since it’s poisonous.
Good luck!
by azteclady
on April 10th, 2008 at 8:52 am
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I have a Windtunnel and I loved it for the first eight years. It is now past it’s prime. It’s bagless so that is wonderful, but I’m looking at the 8lb Oreck. The light weight vac will be a blessing after carting around my heavier one. But after all of these suggestions to look into a Dyson, I may have to go vac shopping a little more.
This post may not be about books, but it is very helpful. 
by Patty L.
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:10 am
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Things look a little dirty/dusty? Dim the lights………..
by Karen B
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:28 am
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I have a Filter Queen. I absolute love it! I have had it for close to 22 years now. It is all metal, has all kinds of attachments, and is bagless. It is a cannister vacuum where you put in paper cones between the cannister and the motor housing. It is also a great vacuum for people who have allergies, like me, because it doesn’t release any dust particles in the air since the cannister is all enclosed. It is so easy to clean, never smells since there is a spot on the top where you can put a cotton ball saturated with flavored oils to scent the air. It was fairly expensive when we bought it, $660.00 but was well worth every penny spent on it.
If you buy one now a days it is close to a $1000.00 I was told. We take it in every couple of years to have it serviced, cleaned, etc. to keep it in top shape. We have an excellent vacuum store nearby. I would recommend this vacuum over all others! We have had guys try to sell us filter queens and when we tell them we already have one they are so impressed because it is one of the best ones out on the market. Then they ask us how long we have had it, and when I tell them they say, they are not surprised because they are made so well. It still has the same suction power as the day we bought it. My mom went through so many and the ones she bought were all, what would you say, throw aways. This is the one I would highly recommend!
by Michele L.
on April 10th, 2008 at 11:30 am
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I own a Kirby and love it. After years and years of vaccums breaking and certain department stores not up holding thier warrenties my husband and I decided to spend the money and get one. It uses a bag, which I really didn’t want but it pickes up so much. It was well worth the money.
by Rebekah
on April 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
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Besides having one like you have that doesn’t work and a regular upright Hoover my favorite sweepers are Hoover and Eureka portables. We went to a vacuum store and got industrial portables (looks the same but larger motor). I have 6 cats at the moment but had 7 and also a dog with long hair. These sweepers have the cloth bag that you can just empty or you can use the regular paper filters that can just be thrown away. Of course they have all the attachments and they’re on rollers for easy movement, a very long cord and a handle (they’re light). My Hoover came first and eventually I went out and got a second because I really like having one on each floor since I do a lot of vacuuming with all those animals
by catslady
on April 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
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Well, before we got a cleaning service, I used one of those orange heavy duty extension cords (they come in 100′ lengths) so I wouldn’t have to plug and unplug like you do with vacuum #2. That’s all I can suggest. These other women are more informed about this subject. My mother taught me early, if you keep things picked up and straight, no one will notice the dust. Bless her heart! 
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I have a bagless Bissell CleanviewII. Also have 5 cats. It has never lost suction or had a plugged hose, and I’ve had it over a year.
by Estella
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
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I go through vacuums like you wouldn’t believe, so I don’t think I’ll be much help. I have 2 boys and I usually end up vacuuming about 2-3 times a day (if I’m lucky). I’ve owned my current vacumm for about 3 months and I think it’ll die any day now. One of these days I’m going to get a Kibry like my husband tells me to. He used to sell them a long time ago and he’s always telling me how great they are. But they’re expensive and I’m stubborn, so we’ll see.
by Nicole Price
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
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Well, I will be absolutely no help at all… 
I have wood floors throughout. Dust mop, or sweep, then damp mop and you’re done. I never could find a vacuum that didn’t have countless problems or one that could clean the carpet.
by Janet H
on April 10th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
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I would go with a Dyson. They’re pretty pricey, but they’re amazing and bag less.
by Jane
on April 10th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
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We have a Hoover Windtunnel–it’s got a bag. It’s probably six or seven years old, but still seems to be doing its job, thankfully! I admit I’m not looking forward to figuring out what to get next when its time comes… I’ll probably get DH to do the research Good luck choosing!
by Fedora
on April 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
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I will have to say I have used a Rainbow vacuum for years. They are a pretty high dollar vacuum like a Kirby which are good vacuums too. I am kind of hook on the Rainbow because it sucks the dirt up into a bowl of water and never clogs. The only drawback to this vacuum is that you have to fill a bowl with water before you start to vacuum and you have to take it outside when you are finished and empty, but you wouldn’t believe how much dirt you pull out of your carpet. Also I will say that we had our carpet changed a few years back and the carpet layers said they could tell we had a good vacuum because there wasn’t much dirt under the old carpet. The biggest drawback to the Rainbow is having to empty that water every time you vacuum.
by Virginia H.
on April 10th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
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I have a Dirt Devil bagless upright and it does the exact same thing as your vacuum #1. I’ve never had a plugged up hose, and when it does work, it does a half-way decent job, but like yours, after about two, two and a half minutes, it stops dead in its tracks! Grrrr! 
Drives me crazy!
Another thing I hate is emptying the canister. I have to bang the filter on the side of the garbage can to force the dirt out of the creases, and dust flies everywhere! I’d love to get a new one, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. Guess I’ll just have to deal with this one until I do.
by Carol
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
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Count me in as a Dyson fan. You know those commercials for vacuums where they run it over dirt just once and then it’s gone? That actually happens with the Dyson! Best vacuum cleaner I’ve ever used. We were lucky and got ours at a big discount, but if/when it breaks, I’ll have no problem forking over the small fortune it takes to get another one. Life’s just too short to deal with any other vacuum cleaner. We bought one of the small Dyson handhelds, too, which is just as wonderful–great for quick cleanups. I really can’t recommend the Dyson enough!
by Bekke
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
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Once again, another fascinating discussion! Thanks, ladies!
Borax–have heard of it but never tried it. Will have to do so.
Kirby–I checked their site and … YIKES! One vac was $600+ For that kind of money I’d want it to vacuum by itself while I drank a margarita on the couch, and then empty its own darn bag!
Dyson–I’m thinking that may be the answer. Otherwise, if I buy some other brand and it dies in a year or two, I’ll be kicking myself and saying I should have gotten the Dyson.
Winners–I picked 2:
azteclady because of the great One Sweep suggestion–gotta get me one of those; and
Karen B for her brilliant “dim the lights” suggestion. Now why didn’t I think of that???
Please send me your addys so I can get the books in the mail ASAP.
Have a great night, everyone! I’m off to watch THE OFFICE which is, thankfully, back.
Ann 
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I never did have much luck with vacuums so many years ago we decided to install a central vacuum. I absolutey love it! I only have to drag the hose around with me. As a back-up, we have a 25 year old Hoover canister that is held together with duck tape.
by Linda F
on April 10th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
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Yay, thank you, Ann!
And Karen B, when I read your suggestion, I about fell of the chair laughing–it’s truly brilliant!
It’s a shame it doesn’t work when my mother visits, though 
by azteclady
on April 10th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
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Congrats to the winners.
by Jane
on April 11th, 2008 at 3:00 am
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According to the Oct. 2007 Consumer Reports, Here are the top rated upright vacuum cleaners and their prices:
1. Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive 35922 (cost $300)
2. Hoover Wind Tunnel 2 U8311-900 ($250)
3. Kenmore Progressive 36932 ($300)
4. Hoover Windtunnel 2 U8361-900 ($320)
5. Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra 4870 ($150)
6. Electrolux Oxygen EL5035A ($400)
7. Kirby Sentria ($1,350)
8. Riccar SupraLite RSL3 ($350)
9. Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140-900 ($60)
10. Bissel Healthy HOme 5770 ($250)
11. Dyson Absolute Animal DC17 ($550)
12. Oreck XL21-700 ($750)
From there the list goes through other models of Hoovers, Dysons, etc. Most of them are rated high on bare floors. The highest for carpets are #1,2,4, 5, 6, 7, 9.
I have to admit that I have never understood the appeal of bagless vacuum cleaners. True, you have to remember to change the bag occasionally, but I’d rather have the dust and dog hair trapped in a bag than having to shake it out.
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Oh, wow, Gail! The Dyson I bought just hours ago (but is still in the box!) isn’t on the list! What to do … what to do … 
Thanks for the info!
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I’m happy that my Eureka came in 5th at the low price of $150 congrats to the winners.
by catslady
on April 11th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
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Thanks Ann! Dimming the lights does work, as well as blaming my beginnings of cataracks and closing the drapes…………
by Karen B
on April 11th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
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Ann - if you want to email me off loop with your model number, I can tell you what C.R. says. My old Panasonic Performance Plus vaccum is #36 on the list, though, and truthfully, it has worked fine. I wouldn’t say it’s fabulous, but I’ve had it for 16 years and it has been okay. So what you have is probably fine, too. No need to worry.
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You should try a Dyson. They are bagless and they load from the top so they don’t clog or lose suction as bad as others. The only problem is they are expensive.
by Debby Creager
on April 16th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
