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Cleaning Up:  Vacuums! ARGHHHHHHH!  |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 09:16:40 AM
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There are few things in life I hate and probably no people in that category, but I NOW HATE VACCUMS! They are expensive, don't work, and are constantly in need of attention. It might just be my house, family and dog but good grief! Do the rest of you buy vacuums on a regular basis? We have tried bagged, bagless, wind tunnel, wind tunnel less, even had an old vintage Electrolux that the dirt shot out of the bag while you vacuumed and was so....old it had no replacement parts available. I am about to stand on my front lawn and throw this thing to the curb! Dh has looked at it repeatedly and his verdict was "This is junk"! Well I didn't pay for junk 6 months ago. I called the company and they even sent a new hose but it didn't make a difference. Does anyone have a vacuum they actually like? I have heard good things about Dyson and Miehle but they are quite an investment upfront. I know we have heavy traffic and a constantly shedding dog, but I can't be the only one who can't keep a vacuum over a year.(This time 6 months!) HELP!!!! please?
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Jan 19 2007 9:28:04 PM |
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summerbreeze
True Blue Farmgirl
277 Posts
Laura
WA
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 09:19:31 AM
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I'm so excited you posted this thread. I need a new vaccum. I can't stand the one that I have. Can't wait to see if someone likes their vaccum.
Laura
You only live once,if you do it right once is enough. |
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ByHzGrace
True Blue Farmgirl
348 Posts
348 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 09:37:44 AM
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I love how kids say Hater Bramble kinda tickles me you could find a burr How funny a machine making your day suck. 
anywho I got an American made Royal 3050 that makes my sandy world of 3 hairy kittys and 4 hounds clean.
Before this, I used a shop vac, so this is A dream to own. 
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Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 09:46:56 AM
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I started a thread on this subject back on Feb.06.2006. There's a lot of info there. I'm to the point of getting a shop vac, after buying 2 vacs last year. Good luck!! Lu
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May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am. |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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lilpunkin
True Blue Farmgirl
368 Posts
Texas
USA
368 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 10:16:08 AM
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We have had 3 vacuums in the last 4 years. My last one had just gone out before Christmas, not the best timing. So we went to Home Depot one day and they had the Dyson, and it was $100 off. So I am now the owner of a Dyson which I am in total awe over. It was well worth the money, and also comes with a 5 year waranty/guarantee whichever. So I figure it will at least last 5 years, lol! And it is so easy to work with and take care of. I would highly recommend one.
lilpunkin
Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away. |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 10:45:26 AM
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My step-daughter has a Dyson. With two large, shedding dogs and a cat (and fish, but that doesn't count), she has been very happy with the performance of this machine. She was also very disgusted when she realized what was left in the carpet after vacuuming with her old machine. I'd rather not think about it!
I have a Dirt Devil bagless - which I thought would be a good idea at the time, but cleaning the container and the filter is a total mess. Since I have three levels to vacuum, and staircases to carry the vacuum up and down, I am now thinking about the Oreck XL. Lightweight, but supposed to do an excellent vacuuming job.
Anyone have experience with Oreck?
I'm heading south for the winter. Some parts of my body already have a head start! |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 12:36:05 PM
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I surrendered willingly in the vacuum wars. I have had too many to count. They either stop working, have parts break, don't suck up what I need them to...the list goes on. So, now I sweep every day and use a 1922 carpet sweeper on the only rug we have in the house. It picks up what I need it to and if I need a real vacuum cleaner, I go next door to my parents and use my dad's Royal. I look at it this way- a broom is light, it can go anywhere I want it to and I am getting lots of exercise. With 2 dogs that shed, you'd think I'd be skinny by now! Ah, well.
Karin |
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Patsy
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Illinois
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 1:14:14 PM
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I have an Oreck Xl and I love it. Really lightweight and the bags are super easy to change. One thing I will say, is that you will need to get some extra belts. About every 4 months I find myself changing them but they are really easy to change. My cousin has an Oreck and doesn't go thru belts like I do so you might not have any problems.. I have two cats and it does get up the cat hair. And you get the extra small vacuum with it with all the attachments.
Blessed are those who love the soil,
Patsy
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 2:00:45 PM
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| I have spent I think $2,000 over the past few years on supposedly high-quality HEPA vacuum cleaners for my farmhouse and my in-town design studio. None of them ever worked all that well, or they broke down five minutes after their warranties expired. Recently, I purchased a bagless Eureka Maxima (it's bright yellow) and it works like a dream. It's an upright, not large but not dinky, is self-propelled, has excellent attachments logically situated for quick, easy use, and it really sucks -- in a GOOD way! The large cup that collects the sucked-up stuff is easy to pull off and empty. (You can even stick it in the dishwasher if you're a little too tidy to be my friend.) So far, I haven't asphyxiated myself for want of bags and HEPA filters. It cost me under $60 at my locally owned (not "big box") hardware store. |
Edited by - Rosemary on Jan 19 2007 2:02:37 PM |
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momto6
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Valerie
Goltry
OK
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 2:30:55 PM
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I've been through the same thing. Three years ago I asked my mom if she would get me a moderately priced sweeper for Christmas; they own three funeral homes; do ALOT of vacuuming; my mom has lots of allergies; is a clean freak...she bought me a RIKKAR 8925. It is a commercial vacuum made for home; lots of motels use them. It is not a moderately priced sweeper; but it has a 5 year warranty on it and the shop that sold it cleans it for me once a year. I think they are over $500, but...it has lasted over three years and shows no signs of stopping...we use it to clean out the fireplace when everything is out that we can get out by hand. It never seems to lose it's ability to sweep well.
I'll probably have to save my dollars for the day this one dies; but I think it is highly rated.
Val |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 4:32:10 PM
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The Dyson 14 animal lives here and I love it. Cindy Lee and I actually bought them the same day, after talking about vacuums and what we thought we'd buy. Both of us love them and it's amazing what it will pick up. I have had an Oreck and liked it, but this one is much better and does not clog. I've heard less than glowing reports about the Dyson ball, that it's hard to manuever. I'm seriously considering the Dyson hand held now, see they are at Target now for the same price as on TV I had a vaccum repairman tell me the Riccar is wonderful, you just don't hear or see them often, probably because they're mostly sold to businesses. If you look for a Dyson, the different stores often have sales or rebates that help; there was a $100 rebate on mine that went towards the new carpet shampooer after I sent mine to live in Utah with my son.
Ronna |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2007 : 11:35:06 PM
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We have four dogs and three cats, but no carpet, so I went with a cannister vaccum by Meile. It was pricey, but it's been really worth it, and I love the attachments; very easy to put on, take off, and you control the suction with your finger, believe or not. Initially I thought that was a bit hokey for the money I was going to pay, but now I really like having the options instead of a "low, med. high" I wish the bags were a bit less costly ($14.99/4) about every 4 weeks. I can "upgrade" at the store where I purchased it, too, but at this point, it does what I need it to do.
Before that, I'd been through every Hoover from Lowes, Kohls and Home Depot. Probably 1 every year or so. Just kick em to the curb!
I really miss my vintage heavy duty steel Kirby from the 1960's. Heavy as heck, but it really picked up (actually, it pulled up my carpet one day!) All good things must come to an end 
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 07:08:56 AM
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I have a 1995 Royal that I think is just their "standard" vacuum - not many "extras," but, WOW, that thing is a workhorse! It was my mom's before she gave it to me, and the only complaint I have - well, actually, there are two of them - is that it is loud (VERY loud), and it's heavy. But all of that aside, it really picks up about whatever we can (and do) drag in from the farm. I have looked at the Meile and Dysons and really want one. Sometime!!!!....
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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walrissa
Farmgirl in Training
30 Posts
Larissa
Anchorage
AK
30 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 4:26:32 PM
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We have a Kirby. I know it's a huge investment but we were nevre able to get up all the hair in the carpet with old vacuums.
Our Kirby place recommends changing the belt every few months and not waiting for it to break or wear out. That supposedly helps suction. I like that it also has a shampooer and other accessories. It is heavy, but that helps me exercise!
Most Kirby places also sell refurbished vacs. I have friends who have gotten Dysons from Costco - they LOVE them!
http://web.mac.com/lwrightelson/iWeb/Cormac%27s%20World/Welcome.html |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 4:34:11 PM
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I have always wanted a Kirby..my grandma had one that was SO old and worked wonderfully ...hmmm wonder what happened to THAT????
Anyway..we go through crummy vacums like crazy..the one I have now is on it's last leg...sigh!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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summerbreeze
True Blue Farmgirl
277 Posts
Laura
WA
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 5:17:59 PM
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What are your thoughts? Upright or canister??? Hope to buy a new one sometime this week.
Laura
You only live once,if you do it right once is enough. |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 5:26:28 PM
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I just know that when I went looking for a serious vaccum, the man at the vacuum place mentioned that if you don't have much (or any) carpet, a cannister works well, but if you do then an upright. I really like my cannister because it's compact, and like I said, the attachments are great, but I would gage your purchase on the type of flooring you have. This is the company from Germany where I purchased mine.
http://www.mielevacuums.com/default.asp?cat=1
Good luck and let us know what you end up getting!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
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chickenlips
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Belinda
Mesa
AZ
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 10:54:19 PM
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Hi! I'm new, but boy do I sympathize.
Our first vacuum was an old Hoover and I think it was the best we ever had. Almost all sturdy metal, no flimsy plastic like nowadays.
Then we tried the Oreck XL after my hubby got suckered in by the infomercial. It worked really well, at first. (I think most vacuums work really well when they are brand new) But found driving to the Oreck store annoying, and maintenance pricey.
So, I finally gave up and started buying vacuums at Wal-mart. I just resigned myself to joining the ranks of people who spend around $70.00 every year on a new vacuum.
Went through that a couple times and then borrowed my husband's "Ridgid" 9 gal. wet-dry shop-vac (Home Depot,$80). He never got it back! I Love it!
We pulled out the carpet and laid down vinyl tile, so it works great for us. When it gets full I just empty it into the trash, no bags or anything else to mess with. The filter doesn't have to be changed as often, I just shake it out and hit it with the air compressor and replace it once a year. If you have a big spill or small flood, no problem. It would suck the paint off the walls if I tried.
On the downside it's loud, bulky, the cord could be longer, it's not very pretty to look at, it's difficult to use on carpet and there's no way to adjust the suction.
I would say it's probably been the best value though, out of the 6 vacuums we've had over the last 17 yrs.
~Belinda~:>
just a farmgirl in the desert |
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lilpunkin
True Blue Farmgirl
368 Posts
Texas
USA
368 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2007 : 11:06:02 PM
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Did I mention how much I love my Dyson?! It is wonderful!
Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away. |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2007 : 07:07:12 AM
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I am so glad it's not just me! Now I know, everyone else has the same problem too. We don't even have wall to wall, just a few big oriental rugs and some area rugs over ancient hardwood floors. What I can't figure out is why did vacuums last so much longer when we were kids? I am certain my Mom vacuumed more than I do and she had more people and animals living in her house! We had one of those floating Hoover dome vacuums too which I'm sure was not top of the line! Maybe like refrigerators,washers/dryers and water heaters they are now engineered for a shorter life span to sell more product. Wasteful and frustrating. Anyway, I am still torn between the two I first mentioned ( not sure, but I don't think I've ever seen a Royal
vacuum here on the East coast). Kirby's are $$$ & great but very hard to get serviced here as I have a friend who has one and she likes the vacuum but not the inconvenience of service, supplies. parts, etc...or how heavy it is! Oh well, good to know I am not the only one being tormented by the vacuum beast! Thanks, ladies!
PS...Thanks Luzy! I read the old thread, do you still like your Phantom?
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Jan 21 2007 07:54:19 AM |
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EmmJay
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Mary Jane
Amherst
Nova Scotia
Canada
352 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2007 : 07:27:04 AM
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Ha Ha Ha
My husband actually bought me a vacuum for Christmas, and guess what, I still use my small shop vac. It is a little more noisy than others, but in this old farm house, it sucks it all up.
I feel terrible when my husband sees this, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
The cost is much less than the big names as well.
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/EmmJay07/ |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2007 : 12:39:46 PM
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I'll wait awhile on a hand held Dyson, they are having issues with the batteries not holding a charge. Glad I investigated a bit first. Made my lab nuts yesterday; was vacuuming up foam peanuts she'd spread on the carpet and as they went round and round in the canister she thought she should chase them. I finally gave up and waited until she was outside.
Having been a merchandising rep for many years, vacuums are at the top of the list of returned items to mass stores. People get them clogged and take them back. I've yet to clog the Dyson with anything. I do think bottom line in all the posts is to buy a good one....$100 vacuums are meant to be throw aways in a year or two. The pricier ones are made better and to last. Nothing is made like it used to be, built to be obsolete in a matter of time. I have a 30's model Electrolux that's all steel and built like the tank it is.
Ronna |
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gregs_lil_farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
219 Posts
birdi
hartford
me
USA
219 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2007 : 2:31:11 PM
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I have the same vacuum dilemmas....grrr!!! My daughter just started selling Kirby and Im trying to hit her up for a discount. I had one years ago and loved it. Im leaning now towards hardwood floors and a broom.
-Simple pleasures make my heart smile- |
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ByHzGrace
True Blue Farmgirl
348 Posts
348 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2007 : 4:16:03 PM
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Aren't Kirby's really heavy? Cleaning becomes a real workout
Bramble
Lookie here for your American made royal dealer locator... with the zip and a 10mi drive there are 3 listed closeby.
http://www.royalvacuums.com/Locator/default.aspx
As to longevity, is it because so many now keep pets inside versus years ago when our pets lived outside in doghouses sorta like the difference in hours spent inside by todays children?
I have also wondered how many of the bagless owners replace their filters ... that now do double the work from days of old .... do you throw your vac in a closet after every use? perform maintenance on it like you would your hairbrush? steamirons? lawnmowers?
my girlfriend packs hers back in the box it came in for storage
too late for me I recycled my box for taxfile storage lol
Laura
I use a cannister because of the flooring, ease of tools for cleaning inside stuff and overhead (ceiling fan blades - cornices)
What have you been using?
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2007 : 7:00:56 PM
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Thanks Miz Ellen! There are quite a few all the way from here to Doylestown, so I have my choice. I also forgot about a Sew n Vac place that might have something traded in worth investigating. I drug the shop vac in today because I could stand it no more. When the guys got home they wanted to know if I had completely lost it. I told them unless they wanted to get vacuumed themselves, they better put all that camping equipment away and not drag it into my nice "clean" living room! And believe me I am so NOT a cleaning fanatic that they knew I was serious!
with a happy heart |
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Cleaning Up: Vacuums! ARGHHHHHHH! |
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Vacuums! ARGHHHHHHH!
