Posted on: March 20, 2008
Bag of Tricks
Meet the vacuums that homes dream about: They tackle dirt and germs with the latest gadgets and they look good doing it
By Jake Laub
CTW Features
Image courtesy Robert Thomas L.P.
Bag that 1950s-style vacuum in favor of the latest generation of sleek, versatile and efficient floor-care phenoms that are helping reinvent the definition of a clean home.
“We’re not just talking floor care anymore,” says Troy Rodman, design manager for Sears Holding Corp. “It’s about cleaning the home. Dust attaches itself to all levels of the house.” Rodman represented the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer that boasts household brands like Kenmore and Martha Stewart Everyday as a judge at 2008’s Housewares Design Awards. The annual competition highlights houseware frontrunners and trendsetters that aim to revolutionize their role in homes.
The finalists in the Floor Care Electrics are as follows, with the Best in Category winner leading the pack.
Rotho Twin tt – Robert Thomas L.P.
The Rotho Twin tt (pictured above) deep cleans floors, carpets, furniture and even windows while still remaining conveniently compact. “It’s not a vacuum, it’s a total home cleaning system,” says Thomas Slusarek, product marketing manager for Robert Thomas. The vacuum also contains an AquaFilter System that traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum rather than expelling them in its exhaust.
ProHeat 2X CleanShot – Bissel Homecare Inc.
Ground in crackers, stains, pet dander … this vacuum can handle it all. The CleanShot works like professional cleaning equipment, spraying the carpet with hot water and a cleaning solution before vacuuming it up.
Steam Mop – Bissel Homecare Inc.
Who wants to pour chemicals all over the floors? The Steam Mop is an all-natural way to clean almost any surface – from hardwood to marble – without the fumes or hassle of a mop and bucket. The floor dries in seconds and the mop pads are machine washable.
Dirt Devil Kruz – TTI Floor Care North America
This sleek, cordless vacuum glides in almost any direction, making cleaning up as convenient as possible. Bumpers prevent damage to hardwood floors and furniture. Designed by Karim Rashid, this vacuum’s silvery curves are more at home on display rather than tucked away in a closet.
Eureka Capture + – Electrolux
The Eureka Capture + is the Inspector Gadget of this year’s finalists. With on-board tools such as the Telescopic Self-Cleaning Duster and the Power Paw with Riser Visor, the Capture + cleans hard-to-reach places and multiple surfaces.