The Animal loves pet hair (Dyson DC07 Animal)

Member Name: kgray71

Product:	Dyson DC07 Animal
Date:	26/01/06 (1964 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great suction, no bag

Disadvantages: Heavy machine, wand can be a bit tricky

I have two Springer Spaniels, I love them to bits but it is annoying as to how much fur they can shed. I had tried various Hoovers and then I bought an original Dyson. The original Dyson eventually broke after a year and a half. I went to my local Vac Centre who advised me that it would be cheaper to buy a new one rather than fix it.

The man who owns the Vac Centre is very nice and he knew I had dogs and recommended I buy the Animal DC07. I am so glad I took his advice.

The Machine
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It is grey and purple, which is appealing to the eye. It is also quite large and bulky but it does the job I want so I don't find that too much of a disadvantage. Though you will notice it on your arms while lifting it.

The wand can be found at the back of the machine, the wand is the pipe so you can add the attachments. The attachments can be found on the machine, which is a great convenience. There are three attachments, the long tube like one, the small Hoover head one and the one with the bristles on the end.

This machine has root cyclone power, which as I understand it is a standard machine has only one cyclone of power but this Dyson has seven cyclones of power. Pretty cool eh?

This Dyson has a bin instead of a bag which is wonderful, whenever it gets full you just detached from the machine by pressing a button, walk to the nearest bin, pull the lever and the bottom opens up to release the waste. Close the bottom lid with your hand, walk back to the machine and click back into place.

Features
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Now since this is the DC07 Animal it has an additional tool, unfortunately it is not attached to the machine like the other tools but is very helpful.

It is called the Pet Hair Turbo Head and you attach it to the wand and use like a regularly Hoover. I find this very helpful for using on sofa's, rugs and in the car, I don't need to use it on the floor the main machine is enough.

Suction
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I thought my original Dyson was great for suction until I switched this one on. I have a blue carpet with hits of white fur, with my originally Dyson I had to Hoover the same area several times before the hair had been removed or I would end up getting the attachments. Now the minute you switch this one on, the suction is available and I found that I did not have to keep going the area again and again. Wonderful less time cleaning!

The suction from the wand is excellent as well especially for those hard to reach areas like corners and skirting. The power from the turbo head is equally as good, I have always tried not to let my dogs on the sofa but Springer's do what they want regardless of how many times you say "NO" and they always leave a little of themselves behind. The turbo head is great on uneven surfaces and picking up the pet hair but it is just as good on even surfaces as well, like my car (I have a 4x4 so this is not cruel) I put them in the boot because of the easy access, that also get fur left behind no matter how many blankets/covering I lay down, the turbo head removes it.

How to use
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Get your Dyson out, move the latch to release the cable, plug into electric socket, hold the handle and with your foot push down the head of the Hoover. Ensure you will not be going over your cable and switch on. Push forward to starting sucking up the mess on your floors!

It is not a lightweight machine and does not run over the carpet rods well so lifting may be required but it does your arms some good. Though I can lift it well as long as it is not over 3 minutes!

The handle at the top of the machine is comfortable and I always hold the cable with that same hand so it does not get in the way.

Once finished ensure you have the Dyson back in its original position, which can be done easily by pushing the handle up. Unplug, wrap the cable back round and then put away.


Maintenance
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I have had this Dyson for nearly 3 years now and it has never been a problem, I use it once or twice a week depending on build up.

However my kind man at the Vac Centre had a few suggestions to keeping this machine in good working order.

Ensure you rinse the filter out in warm water until it runs clear at least twice a month. The filter is located at the front head of the Dyson, you do not have to make further purchases of these they last the life of the machine. I still have my original.

Do not use carpet freshener as this tends to clog up the cyclones holes and reduces power.

With a soft brush, I use my dustpan brush, clean over the cyclones hole twice a month to keep them clear.

There are also areas of the Dyson that can be opened if a foreign object is slowing the suction, which can be removed and replaced very easily.

Warnings
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Do not let your Dyson suck up water.
Do not run your Dyson over cables, especially it's own.
Do not turn your Dyson on before pushing the front down with you're foot and likewise when switching it off.

Overview
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Although I bought this when it first came out, I paid £239.99 which at the time was unnerving but I now think it was a wise purchase since I have not had anything else to pay in 3 years! You can probably get them cheaper now.

People have informed me that Dyson's are not very good, I do not agree. My original Dyson was bought when that first came out and broke because of lack of maintenance and it could not cope with the pet hair. If you look after your Dyson it will look after you!

I have a nephew who gets rashes when around dogs for too long, even if the dogs aren't present. My Dyson picks up so much that I can put my dogs into another room while he is around and he still doesn't get rashes from my dog's fur on the carpet, but does from other houses. What does that tell you?

I personally think Dyson's are a good machine that has great suction even after 3 years of use; it is a very easy machine to use as well. I know it will break some day but I will guarantee you that I'll replace it with another Dyson.

Summary: Great for getting up the pet hair.

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