Recently we’ve been discussing ways to keep RV interiors clean. We usually remove our shoes at the door. We keep a container of Clorox wipes handy at all times. And we own a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner. If we had a pet and were concerned about animal hair, we’d get one of Dyson’s animal-specific models like the DC44 Animal. Dyson’s “Animal” line of vacuum cleaners boasts pet-specific features like more power, more battery life, special pet hair bristles, and even greater suction. (Personally, I’d go for a factory refurbished DC44 Animal vacuum, and pocket the savings over a brand new unit.)
The Dyson DC44 Animal vacuum is specialized for pet hair, and is available "factory refurbished" at a great discount! (Click the pic for more info.)
Our model is a few years old; it’s the Dyson DC31. The company is now selling the DC34, which supposedly boasts an even more powerful motor (which is hard to believe, since the motor in our own unit is plenty strong).
Dyson has made its name by thoughtfully designing innovative vacuum cleaners. Sure, they look like something out of Buck Rogers, but the technology extends under the hood. It’s obvious that a great deal of design engineering goes into each model.
Our favorite chihuahua. We love her dearly, but she's a bit of a shedder!
"Shedder? Who you callin' a shedder?"
Here’s what I like about our Dyson.
First of all, it has powerful suction. This is what it’s all about. I’ve used other handheld vacuums and been disappointed by their suction, but the Dyson has never let me down. Inside the Dyson is a “digital motor” (whatever that means) that spins five times faster than a race car engine. All I know is that it works great. Finally, a cordless vacuum that performs as well as a corded model.
Our Dyson vacuum has been keeping our RV clean for years. Great suction!
It’s lightweight and well balanced. The total weight is 2.9 pounds, but the clever design makes it feel even lighter. The bulk of the weight is well distributed in vertical line with the hand grip. So it’s easy to hold and use.
There are no bags. Instead there’s a container bin that easily empties with a push of a button.
It has a couple of attachments, one is “long and skinny” while the other is “short and fat.” Both work well.
The DC34 is the latest in Dyson's line of quality handheld vacuums. Its size and power make it a great choice for an RV.
If there’s a weakness, it’s battery life. So Dyson has included two power modes to extend battery life. In “NORMAL” mode, you get 15 minutes of suction; in “MAX” power mode, you get 6 minutes.
We typically use MAX mode, and have no problems. Why? First of all, we leave the thing plugged in – it’s always got a full charge when we start using it. Second, the secret to extending battery life in the Dyson is judicious use of the trigger – only pull the trigger when you are actually cleaning! If you pull the trigger at all times, you simply waste energy in the battery. If you use the battery wisely, there’s plenty of life.
Come on in! When you're this cute, you can shed all you want.
We discovered the Dyson a few years ago when the company sent me a unit to review. We love our DC31, and I’m sure the DC34 is even better. Forget about the fancy looks; these things work!
The trick to getting the most battery life out of a Dyson handheld is judicious use of the trigger. Only pull the trigger when you are actually cleaning (not just when moving from point A to point B). There's plenty of battery life if you use it wisely.