Dyson DC25 Blueprint Upright Vacuum - Limited Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)With all the hype that has surrounded Dyson vacuum cleaners since their introduction several years ago, there is one predominant reason why I've never purchased one before now: Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of buying a purple or caterpillar yellow vacuum cleaner, no matter how good it may be. So you can imagine my surprise when I happened upon the Dyson DC25 Blueprint Limited Edition model. The color of the machine is predominantly white and lacks the flashy color scheme of Dyson models past. However, it is still a vision to behold and the departure from the in-your-face color schemes makes more of a design statement than offering the same vacuum in Candy Apple Red. Why this is a limited edition color perplexes me, and why I was willing to pay more for the Dyson DC25 Blueprint model versus the regular Dyson DC25 model is only justified by the fact that I don't want my vacuum to look as though it belongs out in the garage with all my DeWalt tools.
Out of the box, it is worth noting that the instructions and owner's manual are wrapped around the main body of the vacuum causing them to be wrinkled and deformed instead of nice and flat as one would expect. It's not a deal breaker by any means, but the vacuum is not inexpensive and one does expect that the documentation should be better preserved.Assembly was easy. However, there remains some curiosity surrounding one of the provided attachments. As per the verbiage on the box, the Dyson DC25 Blueprint comes equipped with the MINI FLAT OUT HEAD attachment that serves to clean under low furniture and appliances. However, there is no mention of this attachment anywhere in the documentation and, more disappointingly, there isn't any place to attach this tool directly to the vacuum for storage. On Page 8 of the Operating Manual in the "Assembly" section, the third notation states, "Attach tools to the side of the vacuum." It appears to me that of the two attachments that come with the machine, there is place to store the small tool only. This means that whenever you're vacuuming and you decide you need to use the MINI FLAT OUT HEAD, then you either have to have it on your person or you have to return to the pantry and dig up the attachment yourself. Not good design.
But how does the Dyson DC25 Blueprint Upright Vacuum work? I have three floor types in my house: Tile, low pile carpet and deep pile carpet. The vacuum, which features the Dyson Ball, maneuvers very easily on the tile and low pile carpet and the suction is very good. You can practically take a 90 degree turn with this thing! The brush head is not as wide as my older vacuum, so for those of you that are used to a wider vacuum, expect to move your arm back and forth a lot more.
When you move to a deep pile carpet, note that there isn't any way to adjust the height of the brush head between different carpet heights. In one regard, it makes switching to different floor types easier. However, the vacuum is not as maneuverable in the deep pile carpet as it is on the tile and low pile carpet. I noticed also that the brush seems to struggle on the deep pile carpet under certain situations, i.e. when first starting or when making sharp turns. Another observation is that when I completed vacuuming in the deep pile carpet rooms and I placed the vacuum in the upright position to wheel it out of the room, it does not wheel out very easily and practically drags.
I've not had the vacuum long enough to discuss filter cleaning. However, for those interested it does have two filters and Dyson recommends cleaning them with water monthly.
THERE IS ONE THING I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE ABOUT THIS VACUUM, and that is the length of the power cord. It is only long enough to vacuum one room. With my older vacuum, I was able to plug into the outlet in the hallway and vacuum three bedrooms and the den without ever unplugging. With this vacuum, I have to unplug it each time I enter a room. For those with larger than average Master Bedrooms or Family Rooms, it will be necessary to switch receptacles to complete your vacuuming.
In conclusion, the vacuum does have great suction power as I had imagined it would. However, with the hat trick of inconveniences (insufficient tool storage, brush width and power cord length), the job will take longer even though the vacuum is more maneuverable. Had those items been addressed properly in the design stage, I would not hesitate to give this vacuum a 5-star rating. As is, I do not think anything above an average rating is merited. There is room for improvement.

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This Limited Edition Dyson includes the Flat Out Tool to easily reach under furniture and appliances. Equipped with Dyson Ball technology, this upright vacuum cleaner sits on a ball for easy twisting and turning around furniture and obstacles--no more missed angles or tiresome back-and-forth vacuuming. The ball also encapsulates the machine's 11 amp motor, creating a low center of gravity for even easier maneuverability. The vacuum cleaner uses Root Cyclone technology to separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force, which ensures efficient cleaning with no clogging or loss of suction. Dyson proves no loss of suction using the IEC 60312 Cl 2.9 test standard. 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 delicate rugs and floors. It also supplies a quick-draw Telescope Reach wand, which expands to offers 16 feet of reach for stairs, drapes, upholstery, and more.

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iRobot 110 Dirt Dog Workshop Robot Review

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(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.

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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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As Seen On Tv 217412 One Sweep Broom Review

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(More customer reviews)People who claim that the One Sweep Broom doesn't work, just didn't use it correctly. Taking short, firm sweeps on carpet, always pulling the broom toward you, it pulls out imbedded dust and hair that my vacuum left behind. Also, I must tell you that I used the One Sweep only days after having my carpet professionally cleaned, and it STILL pulled out hair from the fibers!
Make no mistake, it requires that you put physical effort into the process. However, the results are nothing short of miraculous. The debris does not easily float into your dustpan. Remember, you are ridding yourself of stuff that lingers due to tangling and static electricity. The secret is to work in small sections -- finish one area before moving on to the next.
The result is absolutely amazing and worth every bit of energy expended.

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ONTEL One Sweep Broom -- The One Sweep stays clean and sanitary as you work -- and when you're done, just flip it over and squeegee the floor dry!Can be used wet or dry -- with a little soap, the brushing action scrubs so you don't have to!

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KIRBY SENTRIA (G10) 2009 BARE FLOOR SYSTEM WITH SHAMPOO ATTACHMENT Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought through in-home sales pitch. I'd been leery about spending that kind of dough but now that I own it, its worth the investment. I too got hooked by the baking soda demo, that's just amazing. I'd just bought a Dyson the year before and I loved all the accessories but the bagless feature I thought I'd like turned out to be a negative...dust goes everywhere when you empty it, you have to go outside...and then it just blows back on you. PIA. I'd rather just dispose of a bag thank you. Also, I continued to have dust settling problem on all my furniture and electronics, the Dyson seemed to stir up a lot of dust in the air. After a week with Sentria I won't go back. Much less dust on all my furniture. I suspect it will continue to decline to nothing as I cycle through all the dust in the air settling on the floors.
Yeah, the shampooer isn't as thorough as a commercial shampooer/vacuum..but I didn't buy it for that anyway. If you spill something that goes to the pad, even a commercial shampooer won't get all that out...just lift your carpet and see for yourself, been there done that several times.
I also like the wallmount accessory box, very nice way to handle all the accessories.
I agree the in-home sales approach limits them in the market.
but its a great vacuum.

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Because of the Kirby's patented multi-speed power plant, it makes all housecleaning chores possible. Made of die cast aluminum, not plastic, it easily converts to a Deep-Cleaning Upright, a Carpet Shampoo System, Canister Vacuum, and more. It's not just a vacuum. It is a complete home care system. There is no need to invest in multiple appliances or try to find places to store them all ... with the Sentria® home care system, you get them all! JUST SOME OF THE SENTRIA® SYSTEM'S EXCITING FEATURES Powerful airflow combined with a HEPA 11 filtration system means that dirt and debris have no where to hide. Thanks to our state-of-the-art TechDrive® power assist, it only takes a featherlike touch to push the system. Toe Touch Control gives you the proper cleaning height every time without bending. The LED headlight brightens even the darkest corners. Quick-drying carpet shampoo process provides professional results at a fraction of the cost. Use the portable mode to remove irritating dust mite allergens from your bedding. Clean even hard-to-reach areas with our wide variety of attachments. Easily remove pet hair and debris from upholstered furniture The Sentria home care system is constructed with durable die-cast aluminum parts that will stand up to years of tough use.

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Folex Carpet Spot Remover 1 Gallon FSR128 Review

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(More customer reviews)Since Home Depot Expo gave me a bottle of Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover when they installed my new carpet, I've been successfully using the product and I lend it to my neighbors to use on their carpet spots too. Between me and my neighbors, I have seen it work quickly to completely remove all spots including food stains, blood, and cat urine and vomit. My favorite part is that it is odorless. I'm about to run out of my first Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover 32-Oz.bottle and I love the product so much that I'm going to invest in a gallon of it!

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Ideal for pet accidents,grease, ink, red wine, coffee,blood, rust, food, cosmetics,dirt, grime, and most oldstains

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Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine Professional Grade Carpet Cleaner, 86T3 Review

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(More customer reviews)Considering this Big Green is supposed to be a professional grade carpet cleaner, I expected it to be better than my trusty old Hoover SteamVac Carpet Cleaner with Clean Surge, F5914-900. The question really is whether or not the Big Green cleans so much better that it's worth the price.
I tested it on an old carpet remnant we've had sitting out in the garage for more than ten years. It has never been vacuumed nor steam cleaned until today. On the left of the screen is my new Big Green. The center is preserved for the "before" comparison. The right is my SteamVac. As you can see, there is an obvious difference in cleaning capabilities. I actually gave my SteamVac an extra whirl because it looked so dirty, but it still looks dirty compared to the Big Green side.
It's hard to tell from the video, but the dark color you see from the SteamVac side is not wetness. The darkness is actually a more muddied appearance, as if the SteamVac had added water to dirt.
I've owned quite a few carpet cleaners and I can say, this Big Green really is the best. Not just because it cleans carpets better. There are many other advantages:
1) The power cord is extra long. I can reach all up and down my long hallway in one stretch. My SteamVac requires me to plug and unplug.
2) The solution tank is extra large. It requires two capfuls of solution, but that will last a long time before needing to be refilled.
3) The collection tank is likewise huge.
4) The hose is long, with a wide head and good suction. It reaches almost up to the first landing of the stairway in my house.
5) Quick drying time.
Of course, there are a few drawbacks:
1) Even with the large solution and collection tanks empty, this thing is *heavy*. It requires me to push and pull with both hands -- a real workout. If you have a bad back, this may not be for you. Also, I'm not keen on carrying this upstairs.
2) There is no convenient storage for the hose.
SUMMARY AND OTHER THOUGHTS
I like my SteamVac. Until now, it was my favorite carpet cleaner, but it's no match for the Big Green.
I love Big Green. It's the best carpet cleaner I've ever had. My husband even noticed the cleaner carpets, and he's not one who'd normally care. If you really want clean carpets, buy this one.
P.S. If you're like me and just take the things out without checking all, there is a bottle of solution and some cardboard inside the collection tank. I cleaned my entire hallway and didn't know until I went to empty the tank. D'oh! No harm done, though.

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The BISSELL Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine\' Professional Grade Carpet Cleaner achieves a whole new level of clean with its powerful motors and extra large brush roll to pull out deep down dirt. It's made of super durable, high quality materials for sturdy, anti-tip design, and features robust workmanship from top to bottom. The Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine\' outcleans the leading rental carpet cleaner.

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