This is the longest time we’ve had the same vacuum. It’s been about 4 years. And it only broke because my boys were playing indoor hockey and one smashed into it and broke part of it off. It’s nothing special, just some Target find that rated high in Consumer Reports. I hated that it was so ketchup and mustardy, and I guess if I ever actually put it away, I wouldn’t have had to see the colors and it wouldn’t have gotten broken but that’s another post.
I need a new one, and I don’t know how much we should spend since we have wood floors and tile throughout the entire house. We do have 3 rugs downstairs–one is a furry shag, and they all need regular maintenance what with boys and a dog and life and all. And upstairs there are four bedrooms and a playroom each with a rug. I kind of hate big houses, but that’s not the point of this post. Anyway….
Any advice for what vacuum, super broom, space sucker upper I should get?
EDITED:: Ok, I need to ask this, am I the only person in America still using a broom to sweep my wood floor and tile? Should I be vacuuming this stuff? Does it work? Hi, I”m from the 1600′s and still use brooms.
Couldn’t live without my Dyson multifloor!!! We have all hardwood and tile (2 large rugs) plus a cat. It’s pricey, but well worth it!! Love my Dyson!!!
I love my Dyson. This summer, I had cat fleas and I truely believe that using the Dyson helped stop the infestation quickly. Everything I read said that the larvae stick to the carpet, but the Dyson sucked those little beasties right up! It is amzing what it can get out of whatever you vacuum, whether you are cleaning upholstery or drapery. My daughter loves hers and I love mine, too.
I LOVE my swiffer vac (rechargeable) for my wood floors :)
i own a kirby, BUT since u have aloot of hardwood, i used to use an ORECK at the vet clinic i worked at. ive never seen a vac that sucks up doghair and everything else and keeps on going. that thing would suck the glue of your flooring, if u have:) anyway, dont think theyre real expensive but they sure do work. thats all :)
I’m super picky about vacuums & have purchased several different brands. Have had 2 different Dysons & after the 2nd one broke after a few months I did some research & found out the really don’t suck up that well & damage your carpeting. I purchased a Kenmore canister vac & it’s so amazing! It makes our carpeting look brand new each time & there’s no “vacuum” smell like I’ve had w/ Dysons (the dusty smell).
dyson dyson dyson! and yes you can vacuum anything!!!
The Hoover Wind Tunnel Platinum is the best. Lightweight, great for carpeted steps, great suction and sleek design. It comes with a mobile unit with shoulder strap and hose for hardwoods, drapes, etc. I love it. Best vacuum I’ve ever had.
Nester- I must be living there in the 1600s with you, because I sweep my wood floors too. A run of the swiffer for remaining dust/pet hair,and I am good to go. Any hints on cleaning a flokati?
I have no advice on a vacuum, because there’s something in me that refuses to buy something so pricey. I always just head to wally world and scoop one up when it dies every three years. In other news, my mother in law sweeps the carpet. BWAH!
Hi!! I’m sure you’ve gotten lots of great advice already– I would suggest a Miele! A lot of cost up front but entirely worth it and you’ll be a convert for life:) My real reason for writing is actually to ask you about your cute dog bed! Where is it from?? I would love to find one that is so cute for my living room.
Thanks!!
I find lots of cute patterned dog beds at TJ Maxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods :)
Miele’s are the BEST! When we first bought it my husband and I actually fought over who would get to vacuum and he kept winning…So now he does all the vacuuming! Smile…
I really really like my Riccar, saw some at my vacuum fix-it store and did some research on them. My last vacuum was a Eureka which Consumer Reports rated better than Dyson (they don’t think too highly of those) and it was good while it lasted but it only lasted about 1 1/2 years :( . To be fair, though, I was a daily vacuumer (is that even a real word) cuz we had a yellow lab. The Riccar was expensive ($300) but if it lasts longer than my other, cheaper, ones it’ll be worth it. By the way, the comment from ashley@the homemade home about her mother-in-law sweeping the carpet made me laugh out loud. Hilarious. p.s. I’m new to your blog and really like it.
I actually WORK at Consumer Reports, and am thrilled that you used our advice last time you bought a vacuum! As luck would have it, I am currently working on a vacuum story so if you can hold off on your purchase, the next issue of CR will have the latest and greatest – and the good news is that you won’t have to spend hundreds, there are ones at the top of the ratings that are totally affordable :)
-ABC
Ann, you totally need to have a new “how likely” category at CR, such as: Can Kids Vacuum for Me?
Ann, when will your vacuum story come out, and can I read it without having to subscribe to CR? :)
I have a Dyson that I saved my money for and I LOVE it. We are stationed in Gerorgia and there’s sand everywhere. My husband brings tons of it in with his army gear. You cant go barefoot in the house without wanting to dust your feet off in a few minutes. But as long as I use my dyson once a day it isn’t a problem it gets EVERYTHING off the floors. From kids crumbs under the table to all the sand and dirt hubby brings in. Dyson is the only one we’ve never managed to brake either.
Rainbow – I’ve had mine for almost 20 years and it still works as good as the first day we bought it. It is great for carpet or wood and it is great for allergies and it will pick up anything. Totally worth the investment. And the kicker for me, My husband wanted it more than me so technically it is his vacuum and he uses it faithfully! Love it.
I love my Shark Navigator. It has cyclone technology like the Dyson, but it’s a fraction of the price. My mother-in-law has used both and says the Shark is just as good as the Dyson. That’s what convinced me to get it. Oh, and it also comes with pet-hair-picker-upper attachments and an extendable hose. It’s the bomb.
We just got a Shark Navigator from Costco – $129ish – and love it! It works so much better than our Dyson, and it does hardwood/tiled floors too. We originally bought it as an inexpensive vacuum to keep upstairs so I wouldn’t have to lug the Dyson up to vacuum all the kids bedrooms, but the Dyson has since been relegated up there, and the Shark is now my main vacuum! I only wish I had known that this one would work better before I bought the Dyson!!! The attachments are so much easier to use, too!
kind of off topic, but can you tell me where you got that adorable morrocan-tile-ish dog bed? You’re probably going to say you made it, in which case, I’ll say…please consider making some to sell!
I have an Oreck and love it. I’ve had it for 11 1/2 years and no signs of trouble. Of course it probably doesn’t get used as often as most people use theirs. ;)
Works great on carpet & wood floors. Plus you can find an Oreck shop in your area & try one out.
(You’d almost think that I’m an Oreck comment planter, except for the part about how infrequently I vacuum! LOL!)
Love my Oreck. Wish I had the movitation to use it more often. But that’s another story…
I have 4,000 sq ft of house to clean, & I too hate big houses sometimes! :-) I have a Dyson & although I love it for the carpet, (it seriously does have great suction) I don’t love it for my many hardwood floors. I end up sweeping my kitchen with my broom MANY days because my Dyson just doesn’t pick up the things like cereal & such under the table. I wouldn’t recommend a Dyson if you have a lot of hard floors, I certainly wouldn’t buy another one for the house I’m living in right now for sure.
Dyson’s are so over-rated and way over-priced. Go with the Hoover Platinum, it’s amazing. I’ve never been more satisfied with vacuuming in my life. I have both hard wood, rugs, and carpet, though I use the low setting on the rugs to avoid damage.
I use a broom. Yes, yes I do! An ugly blue and yellow one. But I use it ALL the time on the wood floor. Really what else would you use.
I totally sweep my wood floors with a broom. I’ve vacuumed in a pinch, but just like using a broom as I feel I get more dirt up (dust, etc). Maybe I need a new vacuum too??? :)
well. I’m a little bit crazy and can’t stand the sound of a vacuum on wood and/or tile floors. So I use a broom and then a wet swifter!! :)
For many years after I got married, our vacuums broke every 12-18 months. Don’t know why — cat hair? Strange southern California dust? For awhile, I used a ShopVac because I didn’t want to spend another $100 on a machine that would just break in a year. That actually worked great on the tile and the stairs. Finally, in 2004, I bought the basic yellow Dyson and that thing is still working. Whenever there’s an issue (like styrofoam peanuts clogging up the hose, ahem) it’s super easy/intuitive to fix. I don’t know what experiences others have had that would lead to the belief that Dysons are overrated or overpriced; my experience has been fabulous. Well worth the investment ($400 for 7+years of use versus $100 every 12-18 months).
LOVE my PINK Dyson…after all, if you have to buy a new vacuum cleaner shouldn’t it be FUN??
I love love love my ORECK, I use it everyday! http://www.target.com/p/Oreck-Signature-174-Plus-II-Upright-Vacuum/-/A-13037267 Its 299.00 at target with FREE SHIPPING and it comes with a free handheld vacuum as well so you can vacuum up small stuff or the stairs….also the main vacuum is SUPER LIGHT and it vacuums every last crumb!
DYSON. The end. There is no debate :)
I love my Dyson. I have had it for years. It is my “back-up” vacuum cleaner.
Seriously, I looove my Roomba. He goes under the couch and beds and whistles while he works! My older version was better than the newer one. But, I wouldn’t live without them anymore. (BTW–They are pricey. I bought mine on sale at Kohls with a 30% coupon and then got the $10 / $50 back.) You can set them to clean and do other things! Love love love it. Did I mention I love that vacuum?
Love my Dyson Animal. I’ve had it 6 years, and have not had a single problem with it. I love the fact that it’s fairly light weight when taking it upstairs. Best vacuum I’ve owned.
I still sweep my floors. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned corn broom!
I’ve had an upright Kenmore from Sears for the last 10 years. It has on board attachments and can switch from carpet to hard floors with a switch. It was not very expensive, and I’ve been really please with it.
Wow, 336 comments when I am posting mine so you might not even get to it. We have a Hoover Wind Tunnel Max Multi Cyclonic. What sold it for me was that it has a switch to turn off the beater bar so that it is uber-effective on hardwoods and tile. I have 2 messy kids & a Black lab in a house with equal parts hardwoods/tile and cream carpet, and this vac works everywhere. It has the detachable hose so that you have the tools like you would on a canister vac and a retractable cord. And it isn’t condiment colored. LOL mine is a pretty teal/aqua colored.
I am another Dyson fan. We tried many different brands and had just as many different problems. My husband did a bunch of research and settled on the Dyson. I thought he had lost his marbles when he bought it. Who in their right mind pays $400 for a vacuum when the only rug in the entire house is a 5×7 area rug? Well, he did. I balked and I pouted and I complained that he spent so much. I thought it worked okay on the rug though but never really liked how it ran on the hardwood. I preferred to sweep that with a broom. We ended up moving to a house that has 90% carpet and I have to say, the Dyson rocks! It was so worth the money! We used it for 3 years at the old place (eventually we did get a few more area rugs and I did use it to vacuum the couch, pick up kid messes and suck down spider webs) and we have been here almost 3 years and it is still going strong despite hard daily use. We have rabbits. My kids use the Dyson to vacuum out the rabbit cage consisting of stray pine shavings as well as rabbit poo and bits of hay that fall to the floor. That machine sucks everything up like nobody’s business and, if something gets clogged now and then, its so easy to take apart and clean out. My 5 year old does it. We love it! Oh, and it works great on our laminate flooring but not on the linoleum and, like I said, I didn’t like it on the hardwood. Hmm…
Thanks for this post! We need to buy a new vacuum also. Ours is a hand-me-down from my in-laws and it just doesn’t handle the fur that comes off our black lab. I’m going to look into the brands mentioned her! As for hardwoods and tile, I use a dust mop. It’s microfiber and does a great job of picking up dirt and dog hair. Then I just vacuum the dust mop and the pile it created. It works great and dust mops are cheep! Thanks again for the great blog!
I always sweep my tile and hard wood floors. We have a Meile vacuum.
I always sweep my tile and hard wood floors. We have a Meile vacuum that seems to work fine, but nothing too thriling I must say!
Oh girl! I feel ya – I researched SO much before we finally went and bought the Dyson. It was overwhelming and I still wonder if I made the right choice – BUT it woks like magic! It has picked up SO much dog hair that left a film across my carpet. AND – I love it on my hardwood floors! NO MORE DUST BALLS! It makes it easy to mop now because all I have to do is make one pass with the Dyson and I”m ready. It is also GREAT on my blinds that have dust and the window seals!
HI Nester!
Love, love, love your blog. I thought I would chime in. My husband cleans carpets for a living and he tells me that when he goes into a house inevitably the people with the cleanest carpets own a Dyson. I old school sweep and mop our tile and wood floors with a corn broom and a cotton mop.
LOVE my Kirby…it sucks up EVERYTHING!!!!!!
I love my Shark Navigator as much as you can possibly love a vacuum! I thought I really liked my previous vacuum (a Wal-Mart special) and then it died and I realized it was horrible! The first time I vacuumed with my Shark I was thoroughly disgusted my everything that came out of my carpet. At the time, our house was on the market and I was vacuuming daily so I assumed my carpet was clean. Wrong! I pretty much filled up the canister in each room because the carpet was so bad. Get a Shark!
I have a Riccar. They are known as the best vacuums you have never heard of. Mine is VERY lightweight for an upright. I have hardwoods as well. It came with a 12foot hose!!! (There is an onboard one and an attachment) So I don’t have to drag it all over creation. I have been very happy with it. The lady at the vacuum store talked me into and told me not to buy the miele but to get this instead. You have to buy them at small vacuum stores but I love mine and it was worth every penny. I think my parents have been through 3 or vacuums in the time I have had my one.
And yes I am a “broomer” too!
There’s no doubt what I’m about to tell you about you’ve never heard of, but it will seriously change your life. I live in Australia (I’m from the States, though) and we have a fiber-based cleaning product down here available only through direct sale (in the home, i.e. Tupperware) called ENJO (pronounced en-YO). http://enjo-us-nw.com/
The link I’ve given you is for the US site. They have a very small office/market based in Washington State. The Floorcleaner (don’t call it a mop) is the most amazing product ever. Think Swiffer on steroids. It is expensive, but once you buy the Floorcleaner you really never have to again, and you only need to replace the Floor Fibers (like the Swiffer static cling wipes) about once every 3-5 years – you actually wash them in the washing machine to clean them. You only use water, no chemicals at all, and they clean better than a normal broom and mop.
Read the info on the website, it truly is revolutionary. I went to my first ENJO Demonstration in 2002, and as God would have it, my job interview the next day was to be the head of advertising for ENJO (I didn’t know that was the client when I applied for the job). I’ve seen the scientific research of ENJO fibers vs. chemical cleaners removing things like E. Coli and Staph from surfaces such as a kitchen counter and its amazing what ENJO fibers remove versus normal sponge.
I have about 1000 square feet of bamboo flooring in my house, and I can dust and “mop” the floors in about 20-25 minutes. Unreal.
Dyson. I have dogs, with lots of hair. I love my Dyson.
Mieles are worth EVERY CENT!!! I have mostly wood floors and a old year old, I know what I’m talking about!;) they are so light and easy to use, even my husband loves it!!!
I am still a sweeper, too!
I often stop in and enjoy your blog but have never left a comment…I dont usually leave comments so you’ll know how passionate I am about my vacuum. I have a Miele Capricorn, and it is AMAZING. Worth every penny. Dyson s are not all they are cracked up to be and I also have an Oreck- i had that before I got my Miele and i like the Oreck for the carpets but we have mostly hardwoods and area rugs and my Miele is the best. I used to clean houses so i’ve used a variety of vacuums…I cannot say enough about my vacuum. It keeps my house on a whole level of clean. No joke. I never put it away bc i’m a chronic vacummer…lol. It is a pleasure to use and keeps the house sooo clean!
My mother in law likes to buy me useless items off of the TV. So when the Swivel Sweeper showed up, I was ready to write it off immediately. SO glad that I didn’t. We’ve been using Swivel Sweeper for about five years now (we just bought our third…we use them daily). They ROCK. They sweep from the front, back, even the side. The dog hair in our home eventually wears out the beater brush, but it was about $40 for two, so no worries to replace it. I’ve also seen them at my local CVS. BEST things she ever got us, hands down. TOTAL time and work saver!
Must say…Swivel Sweeper is to replace the broom on your wood floors. It is NOT a vacuum. We use it on wood, tile, and the occasional area rug. Hardly ever drag the vacuum out any more.
Well, okay it IS a vacuum. Sigh. But it’s not a vacuum vacuum. It just sorta does what your broom does, only better, and with suction. It’s at http://www.swivelsweeper.com. You can check it out there and I can quit rambling. Thanks.
Miele. Best money I’ve ever spent on a vacuum! No complaints after a year of ownership. We have hardwood,tile and carpets and I like it’s performance on all. I have the Calisto with the seperate carpet attachment.