Think a generic vacuum cuts it? Think again! (My side-by-side test)

I have had the same vacuum (a little Eureka) for over 7 years. I paid $15 at the flea market for it, but I *think* it as only a $70/$80 one new. I am a near-obssesive daily vacuumer All this time, I thought it did a fine job. There was always plenty of dirt in the bin (and the god awful filter I had to clean by hand). Apparently, I did not know what things it left lurking behind If you ever need justification for investing in a good vacuum (or a way to give yourself cleanliness OCD), check out my side-by-side test:


I intentionally refrained from vacuuming for 3 days to do this test (which wasn't easy for me:52. After checking that the new vacuum (pink one on the left) was "parrot friendly" I cleaned out the bin and filter of the old vacuum (green one on the right).


AFTER cleaning the old vacuum, I vacuumed the apartment floor as normal. As apparent in photo, the old Eureka vacuum picked up a most terrible amount of dirt after 3 days. Here is the "stuff of nightmares" part- before the proverbial dust settled, I immediately vacuumed AGAIN with the new Dyson. Horrifyingly, it picked up at least 2x what my old vacuum had, having just vacuumed 10 minutes ago (i.e. no time for new dirt accumulation)!!!


I am horrified and feel like vacuuming about 10 more times to get "all the dirt" OUT! Who KNEW a vacuum that looked like it was doing a good job was in fact doing a terrible job???

...And look how proud Kiwi looks! Is that a little smirking smile I see?

I totally agree. I had cheepie to start with but I have not looked back after purchasing the Dyson. It just picks up so much more.

On a side note, my mum just brought me a irobot vac. Bundii is still unsure if it but we will see how it measures up.

Beautiful pics of kiwi as usual.

I totally agree. I had cheepie to start with but I have not looked back after purchasing the Dyson. It just picks up so much more.

On a side note, my mum just brought me a irobot vac. Bundii is still unsure if it but we will see how it measures up.

Beautiful pics of kiwi as usual.

Edit: damn ipad. When in and out of service and it posted twice. Sorry about that.

Thanks for " biting the bullet" and doing that test for us. How much was the Dyson ?? Do you think i can believe the "hype" on TV about the "Shark" ?? I'm about to buy a new Vacuum. I don't mind paying more but want to get my moneys worth.

RavensGryf said:

...And look how proud Kiwi looks! Is that a little smirking smile I see?

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He was probably "smirking" big time in both photos Immediately after I took that photo of him on the just-assembled, new out of the box vacuum, he squatted down and took a big, juicy poop on it. Even worse, I'm *positive* it was out of defiance and spite, as he directed it right down the wand attachment. Kiwi is potty trained, hasn't had an accident in years, and certainly wasn't giving his "potty" signal. He does however show his displeasure each and every day when I clean up his messes (kind of like "hey, I was saving all of that for later"):20: He knew what that vacuum was for....

In the bottom one he was pretty proud of himself for flipping his dish of chop (the other photo). Apparently, he did NOT appreciate his breakfast this morning. Made a nice big mess for me first thing after waking up:52: The little turd bird, he's been in a defiant mood all day Glad it's almost birdie bedtime:54:

henpecked said:

Thanks for " biting the bullet" and doing that test for us. How much was the Dyson ?? Do you think i can believe the "hype" on TV about the "Shark" ?? I'm about to buy a new Vacuum. I don't mind paying more but want to get my moneys worth.

Click to expand...

I got the Dyson refurbished on ebay. It was $298, but I had a $20 coupon, so it was a steal for me. There is still one of the factory refurbished (with 6 month warrantee) ones left for $298. Dyson DC41 Ball DC 41 Vacuum Factory Refurbished Warranty in Box Last One | eBay
Otherwise, they are selling for $459 new on Amazon [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Dyson-DC41-Animal-Complete-Upright/dp/B008SG536E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403319972&sr=8-1&keywords=dyson+dc41"]Amazon.com - Dyson DC41 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner - Fuchsia - Pink - Household Upright Vacuums[/ame]

I don't know too much about shark vacuums. I did have a shark floor sweeper for several years, and it was pretty good. Actually, it just recently "broke". The battery pack no longer hold a charge and are way more wired in there than I'm capable of changing out myself (and I'm not sending a floor sweeper in for service), but it did what it was suppose to far longer than the batteries were suppose to last (according the instructions). Not a vacuum, but it was a well-made product nonetheless.

That must be so satisfying for you seeing the comparison haha! Now you're making me want to vacuum again. I also have a Dyson (not sure what model). They are a good investment indeed!

I love how your bird is perched atop it! Mine perches just like that. Unrelated, but my bird wants to make friends with my Dyson vacuum. He chases it with interest when I'm vacuuming. Dangerous so I always put him someplace else if he is being too nosy.