For Christmas I received two new vacuums.
I’d like to think the motivation for those gifts was more generosity than a none-too-subtle hint about the state of my floors. Regardless, I’m thrilled by my new cleaning tools. I just may finally be armed to battle with Jeter’s tumbleweeds of fur.
(Side note: why is my lab shedding hair in the midst of winter like a Real Housewife’s face sheds skin after a chemical peel?)
A confession – I’m a bit embarrassed about how giddy I am about my new floor care arsenal. Am I really at an age where I find two new vacuums to inspire excitement in a way previously only prompted by cashmere or diamonds?
Apparently, the answer to that question is “yes.”
So, I now actually own three vacuums. Some may be overwhelmed by that much cleaning power, but, as a woman with three children, I somehow find three to be a magical number. Just like each of my sons, each of my vacuums shines in its own way and has its own strengths.
My OG vacuum cleaner is a Dyson Ball Animal machine. It’s the second one I’ve owned and I’m generally satisfied with it. Because of its design with so many of the components clearly visible, I feel fairly comfortable taking it apart to troubleshoot when it isn’t functioning at its best.
Generally, the problem is easily resolved, but I do intend to have professional maintenance performed to make sure it works its best for years to come.
I can now spare it for service since I can use its cordless cousin, one of the new vacuums I was gifted, in its absence. Yes, I am the proud owner of an appliance that makes me feel like Jane Jetson each time I use it – a Dyson cordless stick vacuum.
To be truthful, I requested this particular vacuum as a gift from my sons, you know, the same fine young men I’ve spent the last nearly 24 years cleaning up after. I didn’t anticipate they’d spring for the top-of-the-line model, but must admit to being impressed by their indulgence.
This new machine is pretty darn amazing. Again, I’m blushing to admit how giddy I am by something as mundane (to most) as a cleaning tool but, in my defense, I’ve seen grown men brought to tears by new power tools. As I wield this wonderfully wireless gadget around my house, I’ve been impressed with the ease at which it handles and the comparative lightness of the unit. The battery charge is sufficient to clean the entire house.
My only complaints are the relatively small container collecting the dust and dog fur from my floors which requires frequent emptying and the challenge to detach said container from the “wand.”
But, maybe that’s just me and my arthritic hands.
Unlike the larger and older Dyson, this cordless vacuum cleaner slides under furniture with ease, removing any excuse I might have for missing Jeter’s tumbleweeds of white fur.
I have to confess, though, I haven’t spent much time vacuuming underneath much of anything since I received my third floor cleaner, a Roomba.
Over the years, I’ve considered what it must be like to have dirt-free floors effortlessly. I imagined it would feel similar to coming home to the aroma of dinner being ready thanks to the investment of time taken to prep dinner in a slow cooker. It’s like having a 50s-style housewife taking care of everything while the breadwinner is at the office. Sweet!
But, I had a difficult time rationalizing the expense when I already had a more than adequate vacuum. I have to say, though, I was ecstatic to receive this surprise gift. It’s quickly become part of my morning routine to send it out on a sweep of the house during breakfast.
I’ve learned to adjust cords and hanging plants to prevent potential problems and I know that “she” needs a boost to get over the threshold to the bathroom.
In summer, when my area rugs are rolled up and stored for the season, I can see myself relying upon this device for the bulk of my floor cleaning.
And, for the record, beyond my collection of vacuums, DelSo does not suck.
Like my floors, and the rest of our country after the recent inauguration, it actually looks pretty darn good.
