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leslieann
1-5-13, 12:23pm
Okay, this is what has happened. We have mostly hardwood and of course The Dog. So for years we've used a shop vac on the wood floors, scooping up the dog hair. However, in my office there's a carpet. The old Kenmore upright seems to be depositing a lot more ON the carpet than it picks up and we've done all the usual fixes. So today DH says, new vacuum.

Scene two: We are taking down the Christmas tree and trying to vacuum up the needles with the above-mentioned shop vac. DH discovers that the vac is taking in needles, shredding them, and shooting the fine needle dust out the back...makes an interesting looking floor and the place smelled heavenly. But the upshot there is that we need to replace a part (hopefully) that seemed to disappear during clean-out last summer. So DH is off at the hardware store, trying to replace said part. But the shop vac won't cure our problems with the carpet.

I don't like the idea of spending several hundred bucks to clean the carpet in ONE room, even though it gets more use than the rest of the house (I see clients there during the work week). With the shop vac going wacky at the same time, I am wondering if a regular vacuum like normal people use would work for all our floors. And our BIGGEST problem is dog hair: lots of dog hair.

Do you have suggestions for me? My sister loves her Electrolux. My SIL has an Italian import that she is enamored of. I personally don't want to love any household appliance, but I do like it when they work as advertised. Thanks for your help!

Mrs-M
1-5-13, 1:12pm
I love my Electrolux, too, Leslieann!

How about a reconditioned vacuum? I've seen so many (in showrooms) that come from loving homes, have been refurbished/reconditioned, and are a fraction of the cost of brand spanking new ones.

Re: Dyson Vacuums, they do seem superior to all other vacuums on the market, although I've never priced them out.

Mrs-M
1-5-13, 1:28pm
To add, in the almost 30 years that I have owned my Electrolux, all I've had done to it in the way of repairs, is two new foot-pedal switches, and a new hose. The new hose creates more suction power than when the vacuum was new!

P.S. Do I sound like an Electrolux sales woman? LMAO!

sweetana3
1-5-13, 1:35pm
I remember when the Kirby was the best made vacumn around. But oh so expensive. I vote for finding your local vacumn repair man and finding out which ones he recommends of the older reconditioned ones. I have two of these places in town. The machines are not sexy but they should work just fine.

Gardenarian
1-5-13, 2:06pm
For hardwood floors I wood get a canister vacuum rather than an upright. They are easier to maneuver and you really don't need the sucking and beating power of something like a Dyson. I've been happy with my Eureka Might Mite (http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-3670G-Mighty-Canister-Vacuum/dp/B00002N8CX) for over 20 years.
It has replaceable bags but I use them over many times - I think I've had the same one in there for over a year.

Mrs-M
1-5-13, 2:11pm
Canister vacuums are more fun for little ones, too! When my kids reached the walking/toddling stage, they'd sit their rubber-bums down on the canister and go for a ride whenever I vacuumed!

Gardenarian
1-5-13, 2:42pm
Good point, Mrs. M! And my daughter has been able to use the vacuum since she was 4 or so - a definite plus!

Mrs-M
1-5-13, 2:48pm
LOL, Gardenarian! Nothing wrong with starting them off young! Now if only kids could be taught how to change their own diapers!

JaneV2.0
1-5-13, 3:23pm
For hardwood floors I wood get a canister vacuum rather than an upright. They are easier to maneuver and you really don't need the sucking and beating power of something like a Dyson. I've been happy with my Eureka Might Mite (http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-3670G-Mighty-Canister-Vacuum/dp/B00002N8CX) for over 20 years.
It has replaceable bags but I use them over many times - I think I've had the same one in there for over a year.

You can also buy a reusable bag for the MM--about $15 at Amazon.

fidgiegirl
1-5-13, 4:43pm
See if you can check out the Consumer Reports ratings and then get the desired brand vac on Craigslist. I would not buy one new. eBay is a good source as well - you can even part out your old one to make some money to offset the cost of the new one if you want. Vacuum parts do pretty well.

catherine
1-5-13, 4:44pm
Electroluxes are great, so I would consider those.

As for me, I bought a Miele last year and I love it. It's quiet, light, and really high quality. It's a canister, and I prefer those. Also, I have very little carpet in my home so I didn't bother buying the optional beater bar.

Merski
1-5-13, 4:49pm
We also bought a miele, it's relatively quiet is great at edges even with the floor brush and we bought the air powered (not belt driven) pet hair upholstery brush which is just marvelous. Nothing bad to say about it yet.

SteveinMN
1-5-13, 4:53pm
DSD bought a Dyson, but aside from lots of old carpet in her house, there's nothing really challenging there and it's too soon to tell how long it will live. i know some other people who've bought Dysons and like them a lot for their performance, but none of them have had them for very long and most of them were frustrated serial purchasers of cheap plastic vacuums at big-box stores.

I'm a big fan of buying vacuums at vacuum stores, though I realize this is not an option open to all. My experience is that vacuum stores cannot afford to sell plastic vacuums or the outrageously-priced Rainbows and Kirbys. And they do occasionally take in older vacuums which are just no longer appropriate for the cleaning in a particular home. I didn't spend any more for my Simplicity than I would have spent on a discount-store upright. All it has needed has been bags, a replacement extension wand (cracked from use in 10 years), and a couple of replacement belts and light bulbs. It doesn't have a dog to clean up after, but it has sucked up stuff (coins, bolts, felt-tip markers) which would have killed plastic vacuums.

lhamo
1-5-13, 5:07pm
If you are near a Costco, you might consider purchasing there. I noticed several nice-looking vaccuums when I was there last week, including I think two different dyson models. They have a great return policy, though not sure how it applies to vaccuums. That might allow you to switch out easily if you aren't happy with the first model you get.

lhamo

leslieann
1-5-13, 5:17pm
Wow, what great advice! Thanks so much. Those Electrolux users are all the same: all sound like salespersons! I really like the idea of finding a vacuum repair shop and checking there. It is frustrating to have so much variation in prices and no way to actually compare machines. A repair person would have the real scoop. And the "buy used" suggestions are excellent, too.

DH returned from the hardware store with a new filter mechanism for the shop vac and suddenly it does a wonderful job again. So we are just left with the carpet issue but we'll work on that. Thanks so much!

leslieann
1-5-13, 5:18pm
I should also say thanks to lhamo for a reason to actually go and check out our new local Costco. I have been avoiding it but probably not for any good reason. I have been known to overspend at those kinds of stores in the past but I think I have a better handle now on my real needs. (I hope).

Mrs-M
1-5-13, 6:03pm
Originally posted by Leslieann.
Those Electrolux users are all the same: all sound like salespersons!And I wasn't even trying! :)

Tussiemussies
1-5-13, 6:15pm
We never had an Electrolux, but have always used Hoover and been very happy with it. Although the only type we like are the ones where you have to replace the dirty bag. The ones with the dirt cup don't seem to have as much suction and we found that it made a dirty mess on our hands and surrounding areas when changed. I am not sure if they make them anymore with the dirt bag but the Hoover Wind Tunnel was so great. The last time I saw one was at Lowes or Home Depot.

For scent you can also put some real aromatherapy and put drops on cotton balls and put them in the dirt bag. It does smell better...

Having a dirt bag that you change frequently may eliminate the smells you are getting from your wet/dry vac.

:) christine

bunnys
1-5-13, 6:30pm
I don't think I'd spend that kind of money on a vac for 1 room.

I have a dog and cat and a full head of hair personally. I also only have carpet in one room (but a few rugs, too.) I use the shop vac for every floor and a cheap Panasonic upright vac for the one carpeted room and the rugs. I like the shop vac bc I think it sucks a lot better than a regular vacuum and shop vacs are so much cheaper than any other vac.

I'd try and fix the shop vac you have and if you can't get another one.

Tammy
1-5-13, 6:43pm
I use only a swiffer. We have no carpet. This is best for allergies. Nothing is throwing dust into the air.

In the past I had an electrolux canister and it lasted 20 plus years.

Rosemary
1-5-13, 9:20pm
Check this thread for comments from last year
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?1432-looks-like-we-need-a-new-vacuum

I've used my brother's Dyson and I would say that a good canister vac with a powerhead is far more effective.

Square Peg
1-5-13, 11:30pm
We had an Electolux (Prolux) and we killed it. We had a Kirby guy visit. It was a moment of weakness, almost immediately after I found out my son had asthma. The demo was done, we were sold. We bought it on credit. Cleaned the whole house with it over a couple of days. We were just starting to lose interest in it: it was really shiny and I felt like I needed to do a lot of wiping to keep it that shiny and wasn't happy about having to clean the cleaner so often, there were a lot of attachments to keep track of, switching attachments was a hassle, it was loud and heavy and bulky, and geez it was expensive! The honeymoon was just ending and we got a second visit from the Kirby guy. Turns out there was a snafu with our credit and they couldn't sell it to us after all. They took it away but left us with a vacuum that was definitely an upgrade of the vac we had found on the side of the road after our Electrolux died. And I had gotten to really clean my entire house for free.

5 years ago I bought a Dyson. It was on a really good sale at Costco. I think it was less than $300. I bought it and have never looked back. Have never had to buy a bag or a belt, and it really cleans. The filter is washable, although there is a second filter that is supposed to be replaced. I didn't know that. I finally found it and pulled it out a few months ago. It was black. ooops. I found a replacement online that has been working great.

I am glad you got yours fixed though!

Wildflower
1-6-13, 5:39am
We love our Dyson. It picks up dirt and dog/kitty hair like no other vacuum we've had before, and we've been through alot of vacuum cleaners over the years.

We have a combo of wood, carpet, tile, and area rugs in our house. Dyson adjusts automatically for each floor type/surface and that makes it easier too. Does an awesome job on any kind of floor surface...

Selah
1-6-13, 10:13am
I had a Dyson upright and LOVED it. I didn't get it when I got divorced and still mourn the loss of the vacuum! I'd love to have one again.

leslieann
1-6-13, 10:41am
Thanks to everyone...I'll check out the thread, Rosemary. I did a quick search before posting a new thread but missed it.

Dyson sounds like a winner but since I am working on Frugality maybe we'll take some more time. I like the idea of a machine adjusting to the floor.

But also the shop vac is working really well....collected all the fir needles and the dog hair without a fuss, almost as good as new. We've been having problems with the dog hair but it might be that the problem really was with the vacuum. Maybe....whenever I think we have the hair thing managed, the seasons change and so does the hair.

Losing your vacuum in the divorce sounds funny, Selah, but I understand what that's like. I left kitchen "stuff" that I had accumulated over twenty years and it was harder than I would ever have thought to replace it.

SteveinMN
1-6-13, 11:00am
Dyson sounds like a winner but since I am working on Frugality maybe we'll take some more time.
Certainly everyone has a budget, but "frugality" + "simple" does not have to = "cheap". If the Dyson does everything you want it to do and is (for a vacuum) a pleasure to use and it holds up, then its increased purchase price is justified. You could look for open-box or reconditioned or used Dysons, too.

Gregg
1-9-13, 1:10pm
We actually have two of the purple Dysons for animal hair. We bought one 5 or 6 years ago and then I won the second in a drawing 3 years ago. We were going to sell it off, but then thought why not keep one upstairs and one down because DW hates dragging the vacuum up and down stairs (I don't mind it). Anyway, we have a black lab and a black cat so plenty of hair and dander. The Dyson(s) work great to get that up. I don't believe they work any better for regular dirt than any other quality brand, but for hair they do the trick. They are very easy to empty. The foam filter for very fine dust is a bit of a pain to clean, but it doesn't need cleaning very often. My biggest complaint is the wand being cumbersome to hook up and put back. It isn't difficult, just inconvenient. Overall we are pretty satisfied with Dyson.

HomemadeChange
1-9-13, 1:17pm
I saved up and bought a Dyson a few years back...$250. Unfortunately, I do not think it is very effective with dog hair. My mom replaced her vacuum a year or so ago and gave us her old Oreck. Works well and is 15 years old. In short, DO NOT buy a new DYSON. I think your best bet is a refurbished higher end (Oreck would be a great choice). Great idea to talk to a local repairman for his/her expertise as previously mentioned by a member.

JaneV2.0
1-9-13, 2:58pm
A rubber broom can help with pet hair, also.

citrine
1-9-13, 4:50pm
I am going on year two with my Dyson ball, and I love it! I am also thinking of buying the Dyson stick for the stairs, under furniture, and ceiling/fans etc. We have two cats and you would not be able to tell that we had them. It is by far, the best cleaning tool that I have.

Wildflower
1-10-13, 6:13am
We vacuum often at our house with 3 dogs and 3 cats living there - every 2-3 days actually, and we get a full canister of fur/hair everytime with our new Dyson!! Our old vacuum cleaners never performed to this level.... Worth every cent in my opinion. :)

leslieann
1-10-13, 4:27pm
Thank you, everyone. I notice there is controversy here, as most places! I checked out the older thread that Rosemary posted the link for (ouch, bad grammar!!!) and it made me wonder..... where are those folks? Where is madgeylou? and babr?

Okay, slightly sidetracked....I found a vacuum repair place here in town so I will start there. I used the shop vac on the office carpet yesterday morning; that's a lot of work, trying to suck up a layer of dog hair (the dog doesn't go in there but the old vac was laying down the dog hair...plus I am sure I track in tons on my socks). But for the present, I am not in an emergency....the shop vac works, I can even use it on the carpet as long as I have time and patience and I know where to go for refurbished machines. And lots of you have said that the dyson DOES work on animal hair. Nobody would ever NOT know that there is a black lab in this house. The hair is everywhere despite the fact that he can't climb stairs, up OR down, and that we do practice better-than-average housekeeping.

He's a good boy, though. Just sheds a lot.

Gregg
1-10-13, 6:42pm
And lots of you have said that the dyson DOES work on animal hair.

If you go that route make sure you get the model that is specifically made for pet hair. It is purple, the standard model is yellow. It is also usually about $50 more. We had friends that had the standard model and later adopted a dog. They said it didn't work any better than a $40 Hoover on the hair. They bought the purple model and all those problems went away.

gmpg54
2-3-13, 2:41am
My friend had a dyson,IMO,definitely not worth the money! This was te original yellow one,weighed a ton & always seemed to be losing suction. Bought a shark off TV,but now BJs has them,awesome sucker-upper,light,and theres 4 cats living here!

Mrs-M
2-6-13, 9:14am
Love this thread for all the info/insight.

I've been quietly shopping for a replacement vacuum for my Electrolux, for years (unofficially), simply on speculation that my old dinosaur (pushing 30 years old) isn't going to last forever. As for now, my Electrolux, is da bomb! Still love it as much today as I did when I bought it w-a-y back in the 80's!

One thing I'm going to do when the time comes (to buy), is test drive those brands that I am interested in.