Let’s be honest, keeping a clean home feels like a constant battle, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and pets. For years, pet hair and dust bunnies seemed to be winning the war in my house. I was tired of feeling like I was constantly cleaning, yet never truly achieving that fresh, clean feeling. I needed a solution that could actually tackle the mess and make a real difference. The thought of constantly battling pet hair and ground-in dirt was exhausting, and I knew if I didn’t find a better vacuum, my sanity (and the cleanliness of my home) would suffer.
Factors to Ponder Before Purchasing an Upright Vacuum
If you’re anything like I was, you’re probably considering an upright vacuum because you’re facing similar cleaning challenges. These machines are designed to be workhorses, tackling larger areas and tougher messes compared to stick vacuums or handheld models. They’re especially great if you have carpets and rugs that need deep cleaning. The ideal customer for an upright vacuum is someone who prioritizes power and thorough cleaning, possibly in a home with pets or kids. They likely have a mix of carpet and hard floors and need a versatile machine. However, if you live in a small apartment with mostly hard floors and minimal storage space, a lightweight stick vacuum or even a robot vacuum might be a better fit. Similarly, if maneuverability and reaching under furniture are top priorities, a canister vacuum could be more suitable. Before you commit to an upright vacuum, think about your floor types, the size of your cleaning area, the presence of pets, and your storage capabilities. Consider features like suction power, brush roll type, included attachments, weight, and cord length. These factors will greatly impact your cleaning experience and satisfaction.
Introducing the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+
Enter the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+ Upright Vacuum. This bagless upright vacuum promises powerful cleaning for both carpets and hard floors, specifically targeting pet owners with its included Pet Tool Kit. It boasts Max Power Technology and PowerPass technology, aiming for efficient cleaning in fewer passes. Compared to older Dirt Devil models, this one seems to focus on enhanced suction and pet hair removal capabilities. While market leaders like Shark and Dyson often come to mind in the vacuum space, the Dirt Devil aims to provide a powerful clean at a more accessible price point. This vacuum is designed for households with pets and multiple floor types who need a robust cleaning solution without breaking the bank. However, if you prioritize lightweight maneuverability above all else, or need a super quiet machine, this might not be the perfect fit.
Unpacking the Features and Benefits
After using the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+ for several months now, I’ve really gotten to know its ins and outs. Let’s dive into the features and how they’ve performed in my daily cleaning routine.
Max Power Technology and PowerPass Technology: The Cleaning Force
The core of this vacuum is its Max Power Technology combined with PowerPass technology. In simpler terms, this is where the serious suction power comes from. Dirt Devil claims this technology allows for powerful cleaning from floor to ceiling, and in my experience, they aren’t exaggerating. I’ve been genuinely impressed by how effectively this vacuum lifts dirt, dust, and especially pet hair from my carpets and rugs. The PowerPass technology, which is supposed to clean in fewer passes, also seems to hold true. I’ve noticed I don’t need to go over areas repeatedly to get them clean, saving me time and effort. For anyone struggling with stubborn dirt or pet hair, this powerful suction is a game-changer. It really digs deep into carpet fibers, pulling out embedded debris that my previous vacuum often left behind. This feature is crucial because it directly addresses the primary problem: ineffective cleaning. A vacuum that actually sucks up dirt and pet hair the first time around is invaluable.
Multi-Surface Cleaning with 4-Level Floor Height Adjustment
Living in a home with a mix of hardwood floors, area rugs, and different carpet pile heights, I need a vacuum that can handle it all. The Dirt Devil boasts a 4-level floor height adjustment, and this feature is genuinely useful. Switching between settings for bare floors, low pile carpet, medium pile, and high pile is simple and makes a noticeable difference. On hardwood, the “bare floor” setting ensures gentle cleaning without scattering debris, while on carpets, adjusting to the appropriate pile height maximizes suction and brush roll effectiveness. This versatility is essential because it prevents damage to delicate hard floors while ensuring deep cleaning on carpets of varying thicknesses. Without this adjustment, you risk either ineffective cleaning on carpets or scratching and damaging your hard floors.
Pet Tool Kit: A Pet Owner’s Best Friend
As a pet owner, the Pet Tool Kit is a major selling point – and it lives up to the hype. This kit includes a pet upholstery tool and a Turbo Tool™, along with a 2-in-1 crevice and dusting tool and an extension wand. The pet upholstery tool is fantastic for removing pet hair from furniture, stairs, and even car interiors. It’s designed with a rubber strip that effectively grabs and lifts hair without just pushing it around. The Turbo Tool™ is a smaller, motorized brush head that’s great for concentrated cleaning on upholstery or smaller carpeted areas. The crevice tool and dusting brush are standard but essential for reaching tight corners and dusting furniture. The extension wand adds extra reach for cleaning ceilings, curtains, or under furniture. This kit is invaluable for pet owners because it provides specialized tools to tackle pet hair in various locations, going beyond just floor cleaning. Pet hair is notoriously difficult to remove, and these tools make the task significantly easier and more efficient.
Easy-Empty Dirt Cup: Say Goodbye to Bags
The Dirt Devil features a one-touch, easy-release, large dirt cup, and I appreciate the convenience of a bagless design. Emptying the dirt cup is indeed simple and relatively mess-free. The large 1.5-liter capacity means fewer trips to the trash can during cleaning sessions. Bagless vacuums are generally more cost-effective in the long run as you don’t need to constantly buy replacement bags. The easy-empty feature makes maintenance less of a chore, encouraging more frequent emptying and thus maintaining optimal suction power. This bagless design is a modern convenience that simplifies the cleaning process and saves money on consumables.
Lightweight and Maneuverable (Mostly)
While described as lightweight for an upright, at 17.8 pounds, the Dirt Devil isn’t feather-light. However, it’s reasonably maneuverable for an upright vacuum. It glides smoothly on hard floors and carpets, and the swivel steering helps navigate around furniture. It’s not as nimble as a stick vacuum, but it’s certainly not cumbersome to push and pull. The weight is a trade-off for the powerful motor and robust construction. While it might require a bit more effort than a super-lightweight vacuum, the trade-off is the increased cleaning power and durability. For most users, the maneuverability is sufficient for typical home cleaning tasks.
Minor Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+ has a couple of minor downsides. Firstly, some users have noted it can be a bit noisy, especially at higher power settings. While I haven’t found it excessively loud compared to other upright vacuums, it’s something to be aware of if noise sensitivity is a concern. Secondly, a few users mentioned the floor height adjustment being somewhat ineffective, although I personally haven’t experienced this issue. Finally, the weight, while manageable, might be a consideration for those with mobility issues or who prefer an ultra-lightweight machine. These drawbacks are relatively minor compared to the overall cleaning performance and value offered by this vacuum.
What Users Are Saying
Venturing online, it’s clear many users echo my positive experiences with the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+. One user raved about its incredible suction power, stating it outperformed their previous vacuum and effortlessly lifted pet hair and dust. Another long-time Dirt Devil fan expressed their brand loyalty, highlighting the usefulness of the included accessories. However, some users pointed out the vacuum’s weight and noise level as potential drawbacks. One user found it heavy and clumsy compared to their previous Shark vacuum. Another mentioned a high-pitched whistling sound which was unpleasant. Despite these minor complaints, the overwhelming consensus leans towards positive, with users praising its powerful suction and effectiveness, especially for pet hair removal and multi-surface cleaning.
Final Verdict
The Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+ Upright Vacuum has proven to be a reliable and powerful cleaning companion in my home. If you’re tired of battling pet hair, dust, and ground-in dirt, and need a vacuum that can handle multiple floor types, this machine is definitely worth considering. Its powerful suction, versatile Pet Tool Kit, and easy-to-use design make it a strong contender in the upright vacuum market, especially at its price point. For anyone seeking a robust and effective cleaning solution without breaking the bank, the Dirt Devil offers excellent value. It solves the core problem of ineffective cleaning by providing powerful suction and specialized tools, and it simplifies maintenance with its bagless design. Ready to experience a cleaner home? Click here to check it out and see if the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Total Pet+ is the right cleaning solution for you.