The Problem
Our new place has almost all dark hardwood flooring, which means that dust shows itself quickly and persistently throughout the day. Thus, keeping things tidy is an issue.
We have a nice electrostatic dry mop which picks up the dust well, but even if we sweep every day, during the sweeping the mop quickly creates families of dust bunnies that need to be corralled. Also, with things much larger than dust, the mop just pushes them around.
The Solution
Thus, we thought to augment the dry mop with a small cordless vacuum, which we might use in tandem. Toward that end, we have been very happy with (and are happy to recommend) the Mitsubishi “Cordless Tascal” HC-Z11. (I believe that “Tascal” comes from the Japanese verb tasukaru, “to be helpful”.)
Kicking The Tires
Choosing a cordless vacuum is not an endeavor to be entered into lightly, so, being prudent, we engaged the services of a professional vacuum-testing service.
Walking with the Tascal is effortless |
Our tester is able to exercise tremendous reach, and
the Tascal is up to the task, even in tight confines.
|
Maintenance
Our tester, perspiring from his toils, takes a
moment to discuss the finer points of vacuum care.
Checking the beater-brush is simple |
A simple visual inspection confirms that all is well |
Cautions
Note that this vacuum fills the role of “associate to the dry mop” in our home, and would not be appropriate to fill full-service, full-power needs. It likely makes little impact on anything but hard, flat surfaces. We have an additional, corded vacuum for “the big stuff”, and rugs.
The Tascal is no match for certain types of grime, such as might be leaked from a diaper. Such areas need manual intervention. |
The Buying Experience
We're thankful that we engaged the services of a professional early on. Initially, we were thinking of a small hand-held “dust-buster” type mini-vac. However, while at the store, our vacuum professional made it immediately clear that the Tascal was his recommended model. Despite the store's floor model not having a charged battery, he demonstrated the vacuum motions extensively, at length, and with great enthusiasm. I would even go so far to say that his desire to stop and go home could only be described as “exceedingly reluctant.” (Had the floor model actually worked, the store would have certainly had the cleanest floor in all of Kyoto.)
Seeing his enthusiasm for this model, we immediately abandoned our earlier thoughts and ordered a Cordless Tascal.
We have been pleased ever since.
I am curious if this vacuum professional is able to convey this enthusiasm and skill to third parties. Perhaps he could be enlisted as a professional trainer for… say other domestic staff?
[O]ur vacuum professional made it immediately clear that the Tascal was his recommended
model. Despite the store’s floor model not having a charged battery, he demonstrated the
vacuum motions extensively, at length, and with great enthusiasm.
How long does the battery last. Will it vacume the whole house at one time?
Great post!