Expert: Jan Hayner - 2/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ms. Hayner,
Just a quick question for you.  I have a large, heavy vacuum cleaner, and it has absolutely no attachment for stairs.  Using the hose is ridiculously tedious, and so the stairs are continuously neglected.
Is there any best kind of mini vac you'd recommend for stairs and quick pickups on rugs?  (I once owned one, and it lost suction very quickly).
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Karen;
Actually, I can tell you two of them that I use.

I have a Hoover sidewinder, that is really nice. It is electric and has a motorized brush roller and is great on steps and upholstery, especially for the little stuff and has great suction. The drawback is that it doesn't have any attachments. They run around $35.00.

Recently, I borrowed a neighbors new little shop vac and ended up going out and buying one for myself. This little thing is lightweight, only has a 1 gallon canister. a nice handle and (my pride and joy) attachments!!! It is great anywhere, furniture, carpet, steps, cobwebs and has suction power that is just great. Not to mention that it is also a wt/dry vac and I have had it come in handy more than once. It has a 1 horsepower motor and a 4 foot hose, so I can actually reach stuff (I am only 5'1"). This one costs around $40.00.
So, it really depends on what it is that you like and will use it for the most. I don't like the rechargeable vac's or the battery ones. They don't have enough power and takes twice the time to use. Plus the fact, that as the battery wears down, they get even slower.

I hope this helped Karen.
Jan Hayner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ms. Hayner,
One quick followup.  (And I do appreciate your suggestions.)
Just to verify-- The neighbor's little shop vac you refer to--
Is it the 1-Gallon "Shop Vac Hang-Up Mini" (Red in color)?  

I tried Googling your description, and this one seems to match what you were saying.   It's just hard to tell if it is alternating current.  (I too don't like the ones that charge or use batteries.)

In the meantime, the Hoover Sidewinder looks like it would be awesome for the stairs.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Karen;
I am sorry, I should have explained that one better. Yes, you are right, it does hang up too. This website will show you a good picture and description of it.
http://www.shopvac.com/vacs/list.asp?hdnSource=index&Browse=1hp

I just used it in my car and was it great. it got behind the pedals and under the seat better than anything else that I have ever used.

I have indoor outdoor carpeting on the steps going to the basement rec room, and that is always soo hard to get little pices of lint picked up, it gets in the little fibers and my sidewinder goes through it like a tornado, one swipe and I am done!!

They are both great, it is just whatever is your preference!
Have fun cleaning, it sure made my job easier!
Jan Hayner