Thursday, March 10, 2011

Vacuum Cleaner Challenge


I challenge you, vacuum cleaner companies.

We have lived in our across-the-street-from-the-lake house for 10 years this May. In that time, we have destroyed four vacuums. I am currently borrowing my brother-in-law’s standup vacuum and it’s not cutting it.

Each of the vacuum cleaners we have destroyed have been about $300 plus. Two were standups, two were canisters; two were bagless, two were not.

To be fair to the dead vacuums, we are a house of windows and doors and red carpets. We, the people, are also rough on our carpets. People – and I am not mentioning names here – often walk through the house with their shoes and boots on. The dining room is carpeted and the babe likes rice.

The carpets are old and are in desperate need of replacing.

However, three dead vacuums in 10 years seems excessive to me.

And the fact is even when the vacuums were in their primes, they didn’t do a fantastic job, just a mediocre one.

So I am issuing a challenge. Vacuum cleaning companies take note: do you have a vacuum you think can conquer my floors? Will your vacuum cleaner do what no vacuum cleaner has done before?

Let me know, vacuum cleaner companies, if you accept my challenge.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

You should try a Dyson. Not cheap, but worth it if it lasts more than five years? Mine is a Kenmore. It is a canister, and we are pretty hard on it. I think I've had it for at least three or four years now, but I think it's on it's way out now, as the connection inside the hose is becoming loose. It's done well though, as it has to deal with A LOT of grit!! And also sand, and guinea pig shavings and poops, and endless crumbs and dirt.

Nicole said...

This fall, we ripped out our old carpets and installed hardwood. It was the best home renovation decision we ever made. I hated vacuumming so much.

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe said...

I usually check consumer reports for these types of purchases.

The most recent vac. we got we also purchased the 5 yr. service warranty. It's been great to get it serviced every year - keeps it running properly and parts can be replaces as well.

~h

betty-NZ said...

Good luck with that. My mom had an Electrolux that she had for many, many years, but they don't make 'em like that any more. I have one that is made by the same company and it's nothing to write home about.

Making It Work Mom said...

We have the same vacuum cleaner issue. Usually we buy a mid priced one and obviously that is not cutting it. I think our most recent one is on the way out too. Good Luck!!!

CoconutPalmDesigns said...

Another suggestion, have you ever heard of Kirby? My grandparents had one of their vacuums and it lasted forever. They aren't cheap though.

Cheers :-)
- CoconutPalmDesigns

Lady Mama said...

I second the Dyson suggestion. My parents have had one for about ten years (or more, can't remember). I think the same one too - they've had it serviced once or twice, but I believe it still works okay. And they vac every day. I got one about a year and a half ago, and I think I'll probably never use another one after this. It has made my life so my easier. Yes it's expensive, but when you consider how much you spend on several that only last a few years....

MommyToTwoBoys said...

We bought a vacuum that is also a shampooer. It is a Kirby by Sentria. Someone came to the house to demonstrate and we fell in love. We have had it 4 years and it is still in perfect condition, absolutely amazing! It vacuums so well and the shampooing is easy and works. However!! It was $1300 and we even did a payment plan with it, ridiculous! It took like a year to pay off, not the best idea we ever had. But it really is great. So if you are willing to spend extra, this vac is great and will last.

Stephanie Faris said...

Seems we live in a disposable society these days. Things aren't built to last. I haven't had carpet since 2006...so we use the Swiffer vac. Those don't last more than a year before the battery goes kaput and you have to buy a new one, but they're cheap compared to vacuums. Have you tried one of those that rotate on a ball?

Mz-Cellaneous said...

I'd suggest a kirby. They're built like a small tank. For some reason I'm a vacuum whisperer and I can make them last forever, even when I want a new one.

I HATE CANISTER VACS!

Messy. bleh

Angeline Schnare said...

Go for a Miele. The best money you will spend. If it breaks there are shops to repair. It's the best item I've bought. We have hardwood but large area rugs in each room. Works amazing on both.

http://www.miele.ca/miele/canada/vacuums/vac_main.asp