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172 of 173 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is an 'animal'!, July 22, 2005
This review is from: Factory-Reconditioned Dyson DC14 Animal Upright Vacuum (Kitchen)
I bought this vacuum cleaner after much reviewing and questioning of friends, but I was still leary of the price given that I have only spent no more than $125 on previous vacuums. However, this vacuum cleaner lives up to the favorable reviews.
Let me start by saying that I have a Persian cat. As a cat owner, I am aware of the shedding, but have had problems of cleaning up all the hair. My old Hoover just never lived up to the task. But the first time I ran the Dyson over the carpet (having just used the Hoover for comparison) I was truly shocked. The see through canister was 1/3 full! And here I thought my carpet was clean.
So I then went about the rest of my house trying it out. In each and every room, the Dyson always picked up more. But the most impressive display was when I vaccumed the stairs. In the past, this has involved struggling with a cleaner on the stairs that doesn't quite fit so it is a juggling act to vaccum. One slip of my grip and the vaccum would tumble down the stairs. Oh... and let's not forget the fun of lugging a vaccum cleaner (upright) on the stairs. But with the Dyson, the long hose reached my top stair while the Dyson itself sat on the main level of the house. The 17' long hose was great. And with the attachment, even the stubborn cat hair came of the carpeted stairs.
Another feature that is impressive is being able to switch between using the rotating brush or turning it off. What this means is that I can now vacuum over my rugs (brush off) without ripping the fringe or damaging my vintage hooked rugs. Yet, the vacuum pulls enough suction to clean the rugs. Example: sucking up tracked kitty litter.
Clean up is also a snap. I no longer have to worry about bags or filters. I simply turn off the Dyson, press the switch near the handle and lift up the entire canister and walk it over to the trash. Pressing my finger on a hook and the base flips open allowing you to empty the canister without getting your hands dirty. Once the canister is empty, simply snap the lid back in place and return to the main unit (again, snap into place).
I do have to admit liking the fact that I can see exactly what the Dyson picks up. Believe me, you will be impressed the first time you vaccum and see the collection of hair, dust, and other tiny debris.
Oh, one other really nice feature: the attachments are attached to the unit itself. The exceptions being the one used to vaccum under things like couches or beds and the one for the stairs. It's quite convenient to be able to reach down and snap the upholstery attachment without carrying it around in my pocket or remembering to bring it into the room I am cleaning. This also ensures that I not only clean the flooring, but also clean the upholstered furniture on a regular basis.
If it wasn't for the fact that I have to occassionaly clean the rotating brush (which I couldn't reach in my old Hoover) of hair (mine and the cat's) this would be a 5-star review. But as far as sheer vaccum power, this is definitely a 5-star performer.
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
you MUST buy this vacuum!!!!!!!, September 16, 2005
This review is from: Factory-Reconditioned Dyson DC14 Animal Upright Vacuum (Kitchen)
****UPDATE 06-2007***** For all of you still on the fence, read my original review below. I have had my reconditioned Dyson for 2 years now. Have only had to give it a good cleaning 3 times now (once after resurfacing an indoor concrete floor and using the dyson to vaccuum it all up). We still have 3 dogs and this thing works as amazing as it did on day one! only twice did suction decrease, and all i had to do was rinse out the interior sponge and do an easy rinse of the canister and all is well! It is SOOO easy to take apart. If you don't have one, ya gotta get one!!*************************************************************
ok. i have never written a review. i have never loved a product enough to write a review. but i am on an adrenaline high from just vacuuming my entire house. i seriously couldn't stop, it was so exciting. all 3,100 sq ft of it. 6 canister dumps...that is after cleaning 5 days ago for a visit from my mom!
i can't believe i am this hyper about a vacuum but i feel i have to tell the world......THIS VACUUM IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE OUT THERE!!! the infomercials are true! i want to go film one for this thing.
and getting it almost half off for a reconditioned version is even better! i am glad i did not get the ball version... it is easier to use attachments and have the vacuum able to stand upright and roll around after you.
the attachment for low spaces/under beds works so well that it suctioned itself to my hardwood floors and at one point i pulled the hose right out of it. i have struggled to clean that space for the last time. it was so easy! right under the king bed, no space missed or unreachable.
it is easy to use, easy to change attachments, easy to carry and maneuver. the way the canister works is amazing, no turning it upside down and dumping, just one button push and the bottom drops open! it comes completely apart, and easily without instructions to clean any part of it. i could reach ALL of my stairs. and the cord is just enough longer than regular models that i don't have to run around changing the outlet where i need to plug in. i reached 2 living rooms, kitchen and dining area all from one plug. the guy who invented this thing is a genius!
oh yeah, and i have 3 pugs that shed like crazy. 2 fawn and 1 black so hair of all colors around, no hiding it. i used to use an entire roll of sticky tape to de-hair the pups favorite wine colored chaise. i finally gave up and put a blanket over it. i took it off for good. after 1 month of not vacuuming it (ok i know thats gross, but we kind of gave it over to the dogs) it looks almost new and the few hairs that were left were a pain to get out even with ONE piece ONLY of sticky tape. and the crevice tool gets into those tight upholstery corners! i found so much change and it went right through, no scary chunking noises....you could here it just pick up and slide right through the machine and plunk into the canister where it is even easily retrievable with out mess!
enough rambling, just do it, pull out that credit card and buy this machine! i guarantee you will not regret it for a moment. skip a dental cleaning, eat ramen for a month, whatever you have to do....if you have pets you have to get this!!!
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64 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
From a happy owner, August 25, 2005
This review is from: Factory-Reconditioned Dyson DC14 Animal Upright Vacuum (Kitchen)
We have one cat. He does not shed much, I believe
but my mother thinks he shed too much.
Our 16 years old Eureka cleaner sucked dusts but not
fine cat hair or human hair.
So I needed one strong vaccum cleaner that sucks up
all the loosen fur on carpet.
I spent quite big sum of money on Dyson 14 Animal.
It sucked up huge chunk of cat fur, my hair,
my mother's hair, powdery dust and even some kind of
worms squirming in clear dust bin.(Ewww!!!)
After seeing those, my mother has not complained
as much about cat fur.(Yeah~)
I am very happy with this machine.
The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is
since it's refurbished, it did not look 'brand-new'.
I know some people get spick and spand shiny one
but I didn't.
Mine looked definately used.-about 6 months used.
It works great but looks used.
So I give 4 stars.
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