As a blogger, I often receive a variety of promotions and products to review. Each day I never know what fun pitch is going to appear in my inbox. Here’s one of my recent favorites:
“I’m reaching out from Dyson’s PR team. We’ve released new cordless vacuums that I think would be a perfect fit for folks over 50. Rather than dealing with bulky upright vacuums that are heavy, difficult to maneuver, and involve cords that you need to bend down to wrap, plug and unplug, ours are under 5 pounds, docked to the wall for easy access, and their performance actually rivals traditional corded uprights. In fact, the latest model – DC59 Motorhead – out-cleans the top 5 full-sized uprights across carpets and hard floors. Plus, they convert into powerful handheld vacuums for cleaning car interiors, upholstery, etc.
Would the newest cordless vacuum cleaner be something you’re interested in testing out? Happy to send through a sample.”
“Are you talking to moi?,” I shouted and jumped up and down when I read the invitation. “You want moi to try out the new Dyson Digital Slim™ DC59 Motorhead vacuum valued at $549.99?” I have long admired Dyson’s high-quality vacuums from afar but never purchased one. “Are they really worth the cost,” I wondered. Now was my chance to find out.
“Send the vacuum my way,” I responded. While cleaning does not rank as one of my top activities on my bucket list during my life after 50, I was game to try out this new innovation. My only worry was that I would be technically savvy enough to put it together.
The Vacuum Arrives
The Dyson vacuum has six parts and is easy to assemble.
The Dyson was on my doorstep in a few days. I unpacked the six pieces, read through the instructions (which were quite simple) and assembled the vacuum one, two three. Then I plugged in the charger and let it rev up. Whew, that was easy!
Testing The Vacuum In 24 Minutes
Lightweight and cordless makes it easy to clean steps.
According to the company, Dyson prototypes are subjected to 636 different validation tests. On/off buttons are punched 20,000 times. Prototypes are drop tested 10,000 times. Cleaner heads are slammed into iron table legs.
I knew my testing would not be as aggressive. The charge lasts 24 minutes. How much could I clean in that amount of time? How fast could I work? Ready, set, go. Off I went:
♦ Go Dyson go! I vacuumed my living room. Excellent!
♦ Go Dyson go! I went into the kitchen and dusted the hardwood floors. Excellent!
♦ Go Dyson go! I vacuumed the steps as I went upstairs to vacuum my office. Very good and lighter to maneuver without a cord.
♦ Go Dyson go! I headed back downstairs, detached the lightweight aluminum wand, attached the crevice tool, and vacuumed the couch. Didn’t realize how many crumbs and dark chocolate Raisinettes were buried in the couch! Ooh, ooh, ooh, will have to use this tool more often.
♦ Go Dyson go! With a few minutes left, I took the handheld and ran it up and down the blinds. Whew, nice and clean. Nice and clean.
Bing, bing, went the timer. My cleaning was done and I had clocked a great 24 minute workout. Wonder how many calories I burned?
And The Verdict Is
Dyson vacuums are a work of art.
I do like the Dyson DC59 cordless vacuum. It is helpful to have a lightweight vacuum for maintenance cleanups. However, if you are planning on cleaning the entire house, you will need a larger model. Beyond cleaning, I feel honored to have a Dyson machine hanging in my kitchen. It is a work of art and a great conversation piece when mounted on the wall dock.
Dyson machines are exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Zurich’s Design Museum, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris. And now there is one hanging in my kitchen.
Judi
Disclaimers: The good news – I received a Dyson vacuum valued at more than $500. The bad news – according to my accountant I will have to declare this gift on my 2014 taxes. Net, net – I am going to be doing a lot of cleaning from now on. My house is going to be spotless.
What a fabulous product to get to test out!! I would love something that would let me reach all my blinds!
Alison, yes, it was a great gift to receive and I will be using it quite a bit for my cleaning. As I mentioned, it also is a conversation starter.
OMG, lucky you, I have Dyson envy! I love those vacuum cleaners, they look so easy and they are so small and compact – very cool! Glad it worked as well as they’re supposed to. I’m not sure I’ll spring for the $500+ right now but when my old Miele breaks down, I’ll consider a Dyson.
Claudia, I do feel very lucky to have a chance to try the new Dyson cordless vacuum. It’s a great addition for small apartments and quick cleanups.
I also have a Dyson! Works great! Glad you got a deal (even if you have to declare it!)
Thanks Kim. Glad to know you like your Dyson too.
Reader J said “I love Dyson products. As you said, not only do they work great, but they are so inventive looking.”
It takes talent to write such a witty post on vacuming! I’m curious… was it so great that you would pay for it o buy it if it went on sale?
Valerie, I might buy it if it went on sale but would likely not pay full price for a vacuum I cannot use for all my cleaning. However, if I lived in an apartment or was older and could not lift a heavy vacuum, I think this would be a worthwhile purchase.