This Christmas I bought myself a present that I have wanted for about 10 years. A dear friend had one and said that with pets, I really had to get one. But the price put me off and the fact that I could still do the function that this gadget was supposed to do for me, made buying it seem a bit over indulgent.
I live in a small house. It is so small that I can plug in my vacuum cleaner and clean all the floors with out having to move the connection one time. Fifteen minutes and I am done.
HOWEVER, I HATE TO VACUUM. Also having a bum shoulder for the past 3 years really made the chore painful as well as distasteful.
But didn't I say I'd cured that shoulder? Yes I did, which makes the purchase of a robot vacuum cleaner all the more senseless.
Still, the price really went down during the holidays so if it didn't perform, I wasn't out a whole bunch. The reviews were encouraging so I bit the bullet and put it in my cart.
Like the person who cleans the house before the maid arrives, I gave my floors a going over before she arrived. Then I put her to the test.
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| Ilife V3 Pro |
When she had reached full charge, I turned her loose. I was delighted watching her scoot under the bed and give that section a work out. She made a few false starts and had to stop, turn around and change directions when she hit an immovable object. She was surprisingly gentle.
Minnie the cat, perched on the highest place she could reach, and watched curiously. Callie was safely outside. I just grinned as the robot scooted all over the house surprisingly quiet as she randomly sought dirt. I have mostly bare floors with only a few throw rugs. She tackled both easily.
The more I used her, she seemed to have learned my floor plan and makes fewer wrong moves. She makes me smile as I have to lift my feet to let her zoom by. It takes her much longer than I could do manually but she is such fun to watch.
When I felt she had done a decent job, I pressed "home" on the remote and she put her self back on her charger after a bit of wandering.
I cleaned the trap and was amazed at all the hair and dirt she had gathered up even after I had manually vacuumed.
The interesting thing is that she has made me a better housekeeper. I run her almost daily and use a Swiffer to get corners and hard to reach spots. I really enjoy cleaning these days. It's fun.
I call her Rosie after the Jetson's robot maid.
Have you ever caved in to a difficult to justify "want" and found it to be more than you expected? Rosie was much more.
Blogger is acting crazy, jumping around. I hope this publishes.
I, too, have lusted after one of those "Rosies." I read a lot of reviews online and ran into a couple about the mess they make if they find pet vomit and track it all over. The company replaced the machines but I have a dog who has a sensitive stomach, so I gave up the idea of getting one. If you can only run it when you want and keep it on its charger when you don't then that would work because I could check the floors first. Levi would probably bark at it. It will be interesting to learn if your cat decides to take a ride like so many on YouTube do.
ReplyDeleteJean R,
DeleteI too have heard the horror stories and I am sure if you program the cleanings when you aren't home, it could happen. I don't program mine and since there is a little prep work like making sure all loose wires are off the floor, I like to be home.
Oooh you are making this tempting. I vacuum EVERY DAY. I can't justify the cost on most days. But if it really gets up the dog hair and dirt tracked in of your floors I may have to start saving. I have mostly wood floors with the occasional area rug. I'm glad it works for you. I may get a Rosie next time on sale.
ReplyDeletePeggy,
DeleteYour place sounds perfect for one. The only thing you have to watch is she doesn't do water or anything damp.
Oh, now I'm jealous. It sure sounds like it's a winner. And yes, I'll bet your cat decides to take a ride on it one of these days. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteI have seen videos of the cats riding them. Right now Minnie doesn't want to be on the same level as Rosie. Maybe later.
I have never used one of these, but Patti, you absolutely make me want to! What a cool way to vacuum, sit and watch!
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteThere is a little prep work required but the fun of watching her zoom around a room is so worth it.
Seems like it works better than I would have thought. Even if it didn't do a great job, it does sound like fun.
ReplyDeletejoeh,
DeleteIt is fun and she makes me smile. Do you think the Mrs would be satisfied if the paths it took were totally random?
I love getting presents, even if I have to buy them for myself!!
ReplyDeleteFran,
DeleteHow true. Who knows what we would like more than ourselves?
Our daughter gave us a Roomba for Christmas two years ago. I was dubious that we would ever use it much, but I was wrong! We just have to be careful that it doesn't get stuck under low furniture and that it doesn't get tangled up in wiring and cords. Otherwise, SHE has been quite wonderful!
ReplyDeleteChip Butter,
DeleteI too have some wires I have to clear for her but that is minor. So far, she has managed to not get stuck.
When my daughter and grandchildren moved out of Casa de Cuckoo in August, I thought we would have less to clean. I was wrong because....they were unable to take the cats with them to their new house. That means I have 4 cats, 2 short of a crazy cat lady six pack. Anyway, Sweet Man has been vacuuming our house for most of our married life and when he asked if I thought it would be a good idea to buy use a "Rosie". I told him heck yeah. And so we have had ours since our anniversary in November. He loves his new toy and so do I. Does a great job on the carpets, throw rugs and the bare wood and tile floors as well. Now if it had been for me, I probably would have waited but I figure I'm in the win/win column not having to vacuum floors for most of 46 years. So, Sweet Man is much happier and so am I.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Rosie.
Oma Linda,
DeleteSo good to see you here--you have been missed.
Lucky you to have such a handy hubby and so glad he is having fun with his Rosie.
Just a warning. True story. This family has a Roomba and a puppy. The puppy pooped on the carpet in the middle of the night and that's when they had their Roomba set to run its course. You can imagine the mess they woke up to the following morning as the Roomba took the poop all over the house. I think they are still cleaning up.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteOh I have heard those horror stories. They really can spread a pile of vomit or poop all over a house. That is why I don't program her to clean without me being here. I sic her on the living room and kitchen while I am on the computer then lock her in the bedroom while I watch some news. Always check the floors first for yucky stuff.
It sounds like the ideal present. Couldn't stop laughing at the comment above.
ReplyDeleteFun60
DeleteHa ha, they can make a mess and will spread it if they find one.
You know this is just the kind of gadget that you want to try but are waiting for someone else you know to try it first. Now that I've read all the comments, I'll have to start watching the sales.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteI know, I was also wanting positive reviews by someone I trusted. Having a friend recommend one helped me. I am impressed by the positive comments I am getting here.
I went overboard a few years ago and gave each of my two children one of those robots when I was able to get a deal. They had mostly hardwood floors, unlike the distasteful carpet I inherited with this house and have been unable to replace — hence robot wouldn’t work for me. They both have loved their robots which I enjoyed watching when I visited them. Their pets, a couple cats and a dog, paid little or no attention to these new creatures roaming through the house much to my surprise.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Rosie!
Joared,
DeleteWhat cool gifts and so glad they worked out so well. So far my cat has shown little interest and I usually do it when the dog is outside so I don't know her response yet.
I'm glad you are enjoying your new toy/tool. I have never been interested in a robot vac. I have a big house, and a guy who does the vacuuming for me. He does not hire out, however.
ReplyDeleteLinda R,
DeleteYou are so lucky to have a guy who will work for food and hugs.
I also have a small home that vacuums in 15 minutes without moving the connection. It does take me a lot longer if I want to get under and behind certain pieces of furniture, but that's a once a year thing. I also dislike having to haul out the machine, do the job, then put it all away again. I think I need a "Rosie" of my own. But not just yet. Lola doesn't need any more changes to unsettle her more than usual now that she is improving.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteOh my, that might just push poor Lola over the edge. Hope she gets settled soon. Know that is so concerning.
I too have been wanting one of those. But we have a housekeeper, and I can't justify one. Darn it.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteHey, you have the real deal, don't even think about a robot.
My son (a bachelor) swears by his "friendly housekeeper. Puts me to shame but I'm way too frugal (cheap?) to get one. You may have changed my mind.
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteThey are the perfect bachelor tool but also for us old gals that just want a break.
My daughter and her husband call theirs "Bob", it works great for them as they have lots of non carpeted space, two beagles and occasionally foster. Best toy they ever got!
ReplyDeleteI haven't quite convinced myself to get one. Not sure it would work out with all the twists and turns in my home. Not sure how Chancy and Pooh would do with one either. If I had a smaller home and not so many throw rugs I might would get one. It sounds ideal for you sweet Patti and I am glad you are enjoying Rosie. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI told my husband that I wanted a “Rosie” too and he said since he’s the one that vacuums all the time, we didn’t need one. I still wanted one though.
ReplyDelete