Pet Product Review: Kmart Shark Full Size Bagless Pet Care Vacuum, Silver
As you all know, when it comes to the cleanliness of my house, I am very fastidious. I have a cat and a dog, so even when you don't see it, there is hair everywhere. And its not just the hair that bothers me its the dander.
Anyway, I've had a big upright canister vacuum which I loved. It cost me about $150 and it was specially designed for pets. Worked wonders. I loved it. But I swear, these companies have a built in self destruction timing device right when it gets to six months. My old vacuum still works, but it was over heating, it started to smell, and most of all, I noticed that the cyclonic action was collecting the hair, dirt and tons of dander in the engine, not in the canister. Bad. Something was wrong.
So, I didn't throw the old vacuum away yet, but I did set out on a search for a replacement. I checked Target, Walmart and Kmart. Actually,I was surprised that Kmart had the best selection of vacuums in my price range; under $150. The other stores were pushing much more expensive vacuums. Let's face it, I'm on a budget. And I spent what I considered a lot of money on vacuums over the past year, two of them, and they both failed me.
I bought the Kmart Shark Full Size Bagless Pet Care Vacuum, Silver. I chose this model because it was specifically designed for pet owners. Also, you couldn't beat the price $60. I was a bit skeptical because I had not heard of the Shark brand before, and the unit was significantly smaller than the other two big uprights I had.
So today was the first test. Let me tell you, Kmart Shark Full Size Bagless Pet Care Vacuum, Silver is smaller in size, but for me, living in a New York City apartment, I liked that. Next, this vacuum had metal parts, finally! a vacuum that doesnt look cheap, and have those silly threaded hoses that never stay in place. As for the suction, well, I do admit, its not as powerful as the other two bigger vacuums were. But, after a month, those vacuums had underwhelming suction. The Kmart Shark Full Size Bagless Pet Care Vacuum, Silver did a great job on my rugs, my furniture, and I really like how it was so easy to use the metal tube to get under the couch and in corners.
My one downside, the instructions are so hard to read and have so many words and little type. I like simple pictures. And you do have to read the instructions to know how to best work the unit.
Listen, for the price, this was by far the best vacuum I've bought. Now I am keeping the box and the receipt in case something happens, but so far so great!
Go to Kmart to order yours at:
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Product Review - Swiffer Sweeper
Ok, if you've read my blogs before, you know that because of my Teutonic blood, a clean home is paramount. Its the most important thing to me. That's why I'm always testing out products like vacuums and cleaning supplies and more. Well, when the people at Swiffer sent me a Swiffer Sweeper 2 in 1 Starter kit for Sweeping and Mopping, I was a bit skeptical. I thought, I vacuum every day. The last thing I need is another mop in my closet that just sits there. Can I say "OMG" !!!!!!
Listen to me, if you have hard wood floors, and pets, and kid.... no forget the pets and the kids, if you've got hard wood floors you must get s Swiffer Sweeper. I was shocked how after thoroughly vacuuming my floors how much dirt, grime, pet hair and most of all dander was collected by the Swiffer. The box says it the electromagnetic action. I calling cleaning magic. Seriously, I love the Swiffer Sweeper and recommend it to everyone.
Now why do I make such a strong recommendation? well, just think about the rise in allergies, especially allergies amongst children. Well, what people don't really know is that its not always the pet hair that causes the allergies, it's the pet's dander. And the Swiffer Sweeper does an excellent job of collecting that dander and keeping your family healthy. Not to mention, paw prints, coffee spills, smudge marks went away with ease! And the fact that the head of the Swiffer Sweeper rotates means I was able to get to spots like under the fridge and behind the couch.
I recommend the Swiffer Sweeper starter kit which you can get just about anywhere. Walmart has them for $10.99. It includes an super easy to assemble sweeper, two dry cloths and one wet cloth. Again, the Swiffer Sweeper is a must have.
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com
Pet Products Review - Bissell Pet Hair Eraser® Vacuum
You know every now and then I read the sponsored content from advertisers on sites. I came across this one set of articles on Dogtime.com for clean home tips: http://dogtime.com/clean-dog-clean-house-bissell.html A clean, dust, hair and dander free home is so importnant to me. There is nothing more disgusting than going into a home that has pets and there is dog hair on everything and it smells of animal.
With that, I tried out one of the recommended products, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser® Vacuum. When I was in Target, I noticed that the price of the vacuum was only $149, that is $20 less than the manufacturers suggested retail price. So, I figured why not, I need a vacuum for my place in the country. Well I've been a tough critic on vaccuums before because they break down so easily, and so many of them Bissell included, I've always felt used flimsy materials.
To my surprise the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser® Vacuum was a delightful change. First, I was impressed with the suction, it was quite powerful. This is important if you have cats especially because they shed so much dander. You need good suction to pick this up. I also liked how it was bagless. This makes for easy cleaning, and I actually see the dirt that gets collected. And let me tell you, I'm impressed with how much dirt and hair me and my pets give off. Next, I thought the attachment was cool and really worked. Those little rubber hair lifters are great.
You can find more information on Bissell by going to:
All in all a good vacuum and well designed for pets. My one con, Bissell, please use more substantial plastic in the construction.
If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to secretshopperblog@gmail.com
