A Light Reason to Vacuum

Disclosure

Like many kids, I had a nightlight in my room. I don’t remember outgrowing it because I don’t think I ever did. It wasn’t a source for safety and security, it was a beacon for a trip to another world. Long after I was supposed to be in bed with lights out, I was laying on the floor next to my night light anxiously turning pages in Nancy Drew books. I’m not much of a book worm, but as a kid I requested trips to the library to get Bobbsey Twins while saving my birthday money for more.

It’s funny how we save our pennies for things that we really reeaallly want. As a kid, pennies and birthday cash were set aside for Nancy Drew. As an adult, gift cards and coupon codes were hoarded to purchase a Dyson from Sharper Image. As the mom of three very furry 4-legged kids, it was something I had my mind set on. Dyson had a small presence in the United States and could only be purchased at a select few retailers. I had researched enough to know that the Dyson DC07 Animal was going to make my life easier and my quest to own one was reminiscent of my Nancy Drew days.

Let me say that I wasn’t disappointed with the splurge. My Dyson did a great job and subsequently I became a huge advocate for the brand encouraging everyone I knew to buy one. I’ve sworn by it up and down, and while I own other vacuums, I prefer my Dyson. However there are a few cleaning projects that I avoid because none of my current vacuums are ideal for the job.

One is vacuuming the stairs; the other cleaning the car. Ugh. Not a fan of either of those. Let me tell you why I don’t clean these things as often as I should.

Let’s start with the stairs because that is something I am sure anyone who lives in a multi-level home can relate to. When I vacuum the stairs, I use the extension that allows me to work my way about halfway toward the top before the extension can go no further. So I unplug the whole unit, tote the entire thing to the top of the stairs, plug it back in then carefully make my way to where I left off. On the upper level, there is a railing that runs alongside the open-air staircase. To keep the entire vacuum from toppling down on me, I simply feed the hose through the railing. It’s not ideal, but it works. The basement staircase is different. There isn’t a railing to help keep the vacuum from falling. My system for cleaning those stairs involves another person standing at the top holding the vacuum. The result is that I don’t clean those stairs as often.

The next issue I have with vacuuming involves the car. Before each road trip, we like to get the vehicle ready for travel. We’ve moved way beyond using an old-fashioned car vacuum. Instead, we use an extension cord, one of our regular household vacuums and the hope and prayers that it won’t tip and scratch the vehicle. Usually we go to the local car wash where they take care of all of it. It’s just easier.

Now we’re thrilled to say that our home and our vehicle are going to be a bit cleaner because we’ve discovered a better solution. Funny that it involves the same brand that I saved my pennies for so many years ago. It’s a Dyson V6 Slim. This time, it’s more affordable (with a price tag of around $289), is readily available at the local Walmart and is lightweight AND cordless.

I’m able to easily maneuver the stairs. No need to stretch, unplug, haul, secure and continue. With my new Dyson V6 Slim it’s just a matter of making sure it is charged, picking it up, adding the right attachment and taking it one step at a time. Literally.

The van is equally as easy. Remove the extension, add the roller attachment and poof! It’s quicker and cheaper than heading to the local car wash. Plus, I can swipe it when I see that someone has spilled something or tracked in grass or dirt.

I was no stranger to the cordless Dyson products, but I hadn’t sprung for one. Mostly because I didn’t realize how convenient it would be. Vacuuming a vehicle isn’t difficult in general, but when you’re worried about it tipping over and scratching the car you use the vacuum as an excuse not to clean the car at home.

The Dyson V6 Slim is handy for quickly picking up those bits that you see but are too lazy to bend over and clean with a dustpan or too small to feel like pulling out the regular vacuum. It’s also fantastic for reaching places that are out of reach of a normal tethered vacuum cleaner. Even cleaning the ceiling fan has become a breeze! Just like with upright Dyson vacuum cleaners, emptying the bin of the Dyson V6 Slim is as simple as pulling the trigger. As a bonus, it’s great for small spaces such as an RV.

I know it’s silly to be excited over a vacuum cleaner, but it brings me back to the one I saved up so long for. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I’m thrilled to be able to have a cordless one now.

What is your biggest cleaning challenge?