This Handheld Vacuum Has Solved My Biggest Cleaning Problem.
I may not be exactly a “messy,” but no one would call me “tidy” either. One of my biggest problems is that I tend to wait until the mess is so big that I have to get out the full-size vacuum before I start cleaning it. Because with a full-size vacuum, you have to search for the cord or charger, get it out of the closet, go around the rooms, and then clean it all up again. But when the mess consists of just a few cracker crumbs? Forget it—I’m just too lazy.
The solution to my laziness problem was to eliminate all the inconvenience and hassle associated with using a full-size vacuum cleaner, and now I always have a handheld vacuum cleaner on hand.
Why you need a handheld vacuum cleaner
While there are plenty of handheld vacuums on the market, I use the Sharper Image Dual Air Slim, which I bought at Target . It’s great for quickly picking up crumbs and everyday dirt, which is exactly what I need it for. The “dual air” feature makes it more interesting than a typical handheld vacuum: it’s both a vacuum and a blower, so it can suck in debris or blow it out, depending on what you’re dealing with. I didn’t expect to need the blower at all, but I’m surprised how handy it is for removing crumbs from keyboard keys or loosening stubborn dirt before vacuuming it up.
As a result, my apartment is simply cleaner. Not because I spend more time cleaning in general, but because I no longer let small clutter accumulate into large clutter. When it comes time for my monthly (or quarterly) deep cleaning, it’s much less of a hassle because there’s far less to deal with. Perhaps that’s the real improvement: cleaning up clutter as soon as it happens, rather than letting it accumulate.
I really like the Sharper Image Dual Air Slim, but there are many similar cordless handheld vacuums and dust brushes on the market, and they’re usually priced roughly the same. If you see a different model you like, or it’s on sale, or has a more attractive design, go for it.
When comparing models, here are my must-have requirements for handheld vacuum cleaners:
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It should offer both a vacuum cleaner mode and a blower mode.
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It needs to be both wireless and rechargeable. If it requires a power outlet, that’s an additional hurdle, and thus defeats the whole purpose.
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It should be light and thin. You need something you can pick up and use with one hand without thinking.
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The dust container should be easy to empty. If this is a hassle, you’ll use the vacuum cleaner less often.
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It should be kept in a visible place. The closer it is to areas where clutter often occurs (kitchen, hallway), the more often you’ll use it.
Result
I used to think that a clean apartment was the result of large-scale, scheduled cleanings. Now I believe the key is to make cleaning small items easy. A handheld vacuum and leaf blower won’t replace your regular vacuum, but you’ll use them much less often. If you’ve been waiting for the next big mess or the next big cleaning to get organized, consider changing your cleaning system.