Remember those infomercials for Flowbee, the haircutting vacuum attachment? I was always tempted to get one for the ease of cleanup (I've cut my own hair since I was 13). This father had a similarly inspired idea, but instead of cutting hair, he utilizes the vacuum to style his wee daughter's hair in ingenious fashion...

More

Recently, I purchased a compact portable dishwasher, and I feel like the clouds have parted and angels are singing. I never thought I had the space for a dishwasher, but this compact portable one (yes, it's on wheels and is apartment friendly) not only fits, it gives me more counter space! This post is dedicated to small versions of big things that make life more convenient and enjoyable.

More

Samsung SC88P0 Bagless Canister Vacuum • $279.99 (NewEgg) • Samsung

Consider Samsung's SC88P0 the newly arrived Korean kissing cousin of the British Dyson vacs. Sharing some of the futuristic vehicle styling in canister vacuum form, the sleek profile TwinChambers aren't just for captivating looks (complemented by the electric blue finish): the two chambers help keep 95.2% dust from ever leaving the filter with the help of a HEPA H13 Exhaust (capturing 0.3 micron sized particles). The 15" motorized brush attachment is anxious to get cleaning, requiring a little arm strength to keep it from pulling you ahead like an excited labrador on a leash, but well-suited for traversing high pile carpeting with ease thanks to its power... More

Product: Moneual Rydis MR6550 Hybrid Robot Cleaner / Dry Mop
Price: $399.99 ($299.99 Amazon)
Rating: Recommend*

A fellow design blogger and I recently got into a discussion about robot vacuums, where she deemed them "totally unnecessary", a solution already solved by a regular vacuum and some good ole elbow grease. And do you know what? I totally agree. That being said, I also believe robotic vacuum devices are the future, especially in regards to the growing demographic of elderly and two income households (not to mention for people who just hate to clean). Ironically, I love vacuuming and cleaning the floors, so I was curious how I would feel about having a floor cleaning sidekick for a few weeks... More

In the course of keeping a tidy home there are those little mini messes that require quick and easy cleanup. (I'm looking at you, kitty litter and pet fur.) Often, these chores seem too small for lugging out the full size vacuum cleaner. Enter the handheld vacuum to the rescue! More

Pretty. Darn. Cute. Oh, it's nothing...just a baby riding a Roomba robot vacuum. Because kittens on Roombas are so 2009... More

The task of housekeeping has evolved considerably in the last several years: HEPA air filtration inside air purifiers and vacuums, ultraviolet disinfection for germ-busting via light, house cooling and warming fans without nary a fan blade in sight... More

Product: Neato Robotics XV-21
Price: $429.99
Rating: Weak Recommend

There are two facts about life I generally hold to be true; robots are awesome, and vacuuming sucks (no pun intended). In all seriousness, vacuuming isn't much fun, and even with my modestly sized apartment I try to avoid it at all costs. You can imagine my excitement when I was asked to review the Neato Robotics XV-21 robot vacuum. If the promise of not vacuuming wasn't enough to pique my interest, the prospect of my very own robot wandering the apartment picking up behind me? I could barely contain myself.

More

Product: Hoover MaxExtract 60 PressurePro Carpet Deep Cleaner
Price: $200
Rating: Strong Recommend*

When living with light carpets and having kids and pets, dirt and stains seem to continually pop up and grow like mold patterns. Instead of strategically arranging your furniture or going through the trouble and expense of renting a cleaner / having a professional come out to your home, you'll be very pleasantly surprised at the ease of use and fair cost of buying your very own carpet cleaner. Come see how the Hoover MaxExtract 60 fared in our test lab. More

As a renter and someone who loves building home goods, I have struggled with a desire to buy wood working tools while dreading the thought of moving them. Here are five tools to have on hand for a compact, renter's wood shop needs. More