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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Verilux CleanWave VH02WW4 UV-C Sanitizing Sweeper Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased this to replace a "shark" that was pathetic. I thought at $ 99.00 it would actually clean. Not so, if the item (more like crumb or piece of cereal) is over a 1/2 inch it won't pick it up. Also it does not clean along edges (and i thought the shark was pathetic, at least it actually swept along the edge under the counter) so it leaves a 1/2 inch of crumbs and dirt around the corner of the floor under the counter. It looks like I didn't even spot vacume. As for the UV light, I'm not a scientist so I can not tell you if it actually kills germs and bacteria, but I think it's an expensive light on the front of a poorly working vacume. Yeiks!

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Protect your family and pets with the Verilux CleanWave VH02WW4 UVC Sanitizing Sweeper. Featuring CleanWave Technology, this sweeper is lightweight and cord-free for quick and easy cleanups in your kitchen, bath, or baby's room. The Sanitizing Sweeper uses powerful ultraviolet light to kill germs, mold, bacteria and viruses that inhabit low-pile carpeting and floors throughout your home. While the powerful beater brushes snatch up crumbs an dust, the UVC light kills dangerous germs leaving your floors truly clean and disinfected. Because CleanWave Technology uses light, not chemicals, your family is fully protected from exposure to harmful household cleaners.
The Sanitizing Sweeper features rotating brushes and an efficient suction system that picks up dust and dirt from low-pile carpet and hard-floor surfaces. The powerful cordless motor and quick-charge system provides plenty of cleaning ability, and it even comes complete with a multi-length shaft (to convert for use on stairs and upholstery). Four built-in headlights provide a clear view of flooring under chairs and tables, and the entire unit comes complete with a 1-year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
The UVC light is rated 15,000 hours (about 7 years of normal use). Light and powerful, the Verilux Sanitizing Sweeper stores easily in any closet and the dust pin empties into your wastebasket without exposing you to dirt. If want to destroy 99.9 percent of unhealthy and potentially dangerous germs, bacteria, and viruses while your sweep your floors, then you're ready for the Verilux CleanWave VH02WW4 UVC Sanitizing Sweeper.
Cleaning with UVC Light Provides Allergy Relief Many people are concerned about dust mites, germs, bacteria, and viruses lurking on surfaces throughout their homes, but most don't want to use dangerous chemicals to eliminate these microscopic hazards. Through rigorous research and development, Verilux has perfected a way to clean surfaces with safe, effective light that leaves no chemical residue. It's better for you, your children, your home and the Earth.Verilux has three products in its Home Health Series -- the Verilux UVC Sanitizing Sweeper, UVC Sanitizing Wand, and UVC Sanitizing Travel Wand. All three utilize Verilux's exclusive CleanWave Technology.
What is UVC Light? Ultraviolet light is a natural part of everyday sunlight, and it is an essential part of the light spectrum. UVC light is known as the germicidal bandwidth and is a proven antimicrobial agent used in a wide variety of purification and sanitization processes. Just outside the visible light spectrum, UVC light has been used safely in hospitals, clinics and laboratories for more than 60 years. UVC sanitizing light has been effectively used to sterilize surgical equipment, water and the air in operating rooms, and in germicidal lamps to disinfect various types of product containers in other industries. Verilux is proud to bring this proven technology into the home.
The Science of UVC Light -- How Does it Work? Ultraviolet rays with wavelengths shorter than 300 nm are extremely effective in killing bacteria and viruses. Short-wave ultraviolet light (UVC) works by destroying DNA of microorganisms like bacteria, mold, viruses, and dust mites. These compounds break down with exposed to high-intensity UV at 240 to 290 nm. UVC's effectiveness is directly related to the intensity and exposure time.
UV rays must strike the contaminants directly in order to penetrate the microorganism and break down its molecular bonds. This bond breakage translates into cellular or genetic damage, rendering the germs harmless by robbing them of their ability to reproduce.
Spring Cleaning without the Chemicals According to Verilux, your home may contain more deadly chemicals than most laboratories did just over 50 years ago. Many of the contents of common cleaners in your home have been found to be extremely hazardous to the health of children and adults. The all-purpose cleaners you use to clean counters and floors can contain the following chemicals:

Ammonia: Known to cause kidney and liver damage
Butyl cellusolve: Neurotoxin that rapidly penetrates the skin
Ortho phenyl phenol: Severe eye and skin irritant
Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA): Reacts with nitrates in other cleansers to develop carcinogenic nitrosamines
Coal tar: Known carcinogen often used to color or tint products
Paraben: Hormone-disrupting chemical; used as a preservative
And when you spray air fresheners around your home, they often contain:

Formaldehyde: Highly toxic, known carcinogen
Ethoxylated nonyl phenol: Skin contact can cause swelling, burning, peeling, circulatory collapse, coma or death
Naphthalene: Suspected carcinogen
Xylene: Neurotoxin
Butane gas: Used as a propellant; neurotoxin
Paradichlorobenzene: Carcinogen often present in solid deodorizers
If you want to minimize your family's exposure to these types of chemicals, switch to the chemical-free way to sanitize your home with Verilux's clean powerful UVC light.
What's in the Box Verilux CleanWave VH02WW4 UVC Sanitizing Sweeper, multi-length shaft, AC adapter/quick-charge battery charger, and instructions.

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Dyson DC33 Multi floor Review

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(More customer reviews)I have tried both of these, and have come to the conclusion that the DC33 is superior. Here's why:
-The suction and brush bar are clearly more powerful. This is what sold me. I can see the difference in carpet lines (medium pile carpet) when I use one or the other.
-35ft cord is a significant benefit over the 25ft cord. I can almost do the entire floor by just plugging in a single outlet. Two would cover the whole house. With the DC25, I had to constantly unplug and replug.
-Larger dustbin means I can keep vacuuming for longer without emptying. Also, the design on this one seems to keep the shroud (the perforated shield inside the canister) freer of stuck-on dust.
-Quieter
-Although a bit larger, it is a similar weight to the DC25.
-Critical sections can be easily taken apart to clear blockages.
-The DC25 has a tiny plastic piece that keeps the vacuum from tipping over in upright mode due to the ball mechanism. If I tilt the vacuum to the side while it is close to being upright, I can hear a loud snap as the plastic piece is forced into a position where it shouldn't be. I can see this breaking really soon.
There are some shortcomings:
-The wand is a clear cost cutting measure. It is plastic rather than aluminum. Also, the handle is missing (present in the DC25) a contoured plastic piece that makes it much more ergonomic to hold when using the wand. It also requires an extra button to release AND another button to retract the wand. Lastly, when you release the wand from the hose, there is just a bare hose, rather than a similar cuff as the one at the end of the wand with a release button as on the DC25. It is still usable, but not as nice. It just adds to the already cumbersome wand system on the Dysons.
-The DC33 switches suction to the wand when in upright position whereas the DC25 switches it when the wand is drawn. A minor annoyance, especially if you're wearing a long sleeved shirt; it may get sucked in when you hold the handle.
-No ball, but to me the difference in maneuverability is negligible.
Update 3/4/2011: I have used this vacuum for a few months now. I returned the DC25 and do not miss it at all. The DC33 continues to perform admirably. True to Dyson's claim, the suction is as good as new. I've washed the filters once and the process was simple, much simpler than going to the store and buying filter bags. Vacuuming is a pleasure, due to getting the instant gratification of seeing the the dust collect in the bin, and the clean exhaust. It's probably subconscious, but as a sufferer of seasonal allergies and constant nasal congestion, I feel like I can breathe better when I vacuum.
The only pain has been removing hair from the brush bar. It doesn't pop off, unlike the DC25, so removing hair can be a cumbersome process.

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Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner Review

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(More customer reviews)This thing is amazing!
I have wanted a Dyson ever since they first came out, but when I went to a store to look at them, it was so heavy I would need one for each level of my house and not enough closet space to store them.
This is under 12 pounds, fits easily in a closet, and is so light it's very easy to carry up stairs. I'll admit I'm not a fan of cleaning but being a female engineer I certainly appreciate well-designed products. This one has many clever features. The cleaning head is low-profile, so it easily hugs floor boards under kitchen cabinets (huge plus!). The ball design is incredibly inventive and so easy to use. It's like the difference hauling a suitcase around that has weels that go in only one direction vs. the new ones with pivot wheels - makes SO much sense and doesn't hurt my back to use it.
Cleaning power is great! It isn't especially labelled for pet hair cleanup, but does a great job. I cleaned once with my old vaccuum, then filled this Dyson up with a 2nd run through. I was amazed at how much my old one didn't pick up!
Assembly is easy - just 3 snap in place steps and no tools. If you get stuck on attaching the wand (which didn't seem to fit when you put it in according to the picture), turn it around to the other side and it snaps right in.
Most vacuums have hand tools that are awkward or just don't work. This is so easy to pull out (with a long handle to reach ceiling cobwebs) that I don't hesitate to use it many times in the midst of vacuuming a room. The attachments have very good suction power. The long handle makes everything, floor to ceiling to window sills, easy to reach without effort.
The only thing I'd improve upon is a better attachment for stair cleaning. The attachment isn't quite wide enough to make stair cleaning as fast as I'd like. I think there is an attachment sold separately that looks wider that might be better. And if you try to do stairs without the attachment (and carry the whole vacuum up each stair), it is difficult because the back set of balls move and disable the rotating brush and you can't manouver the whole thing across a stair. But no vacuum can do that properly, right?
All in all, I think it is a tad bit expensive, but I think I'll never buy another vacuum in my life. And how good for the environment, not needing to buy and throw away vacuum bags! If I divide the cost by the number of years I'll use it and the decreased allergens in my house, it is worth every penny!
I'm not the kind of person to get excited about a vacuum cleaner, so I hope you appreciate my review :) I really do like this machine!

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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 15.4 feet of reach for stairs, drapes, upholstery, and more.
For cleaner expelled air, the unit comes with a washable lifetime HEPA filter that traps microscopic allergens such as pollen and bacteria. In fact, the air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold than the air you breathe, and all Dyson uprights are certified asthma friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The unit's hygienic 1/3-gallon bin quickly empties without ever having to touch the dust--just press the button and dust empties from the bottom; the clear polycarbonate bin also allows for easily viewing the cleaning progress and gauging when it needs to be emptied. Other highlights include fingertip controls, a constant suction power of 220 air watts, a 24-3/5-foot cord, a maximum reach of 40-2/7 feet, and a lightweight design at only 16-1/8 pounds. On-board accessory tools include a combination tool and a stair tool. The vacuum cleaner measures 12-1/5 by 15-2/5 by 42-2/5 inches and carries a five-year parts-and-labor warranty.

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