Keeping A Clean House — The One Thing I Won’t Live Without From Now On
If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I’m a naturally messy person who has been on a bit of a journey over these last two or three years to purge our home of unneeded clutter, organize what’s left, and learn to keep a clean home. You can see previous posts about this cleaning, organizing, and purging journey here. I wrote not too long ago about how I’ve finally discovered a routine that helps me keep my house clean.
I’m still sticking to that routine, and it has been so incredibly helpful. I don’t think it would be too much of a stretch to say that it has been life-changing. I feel so much more at peace in my own home. I’m enjoying our home so much more, and I no longer panic when someone unexpectedly knocks on the front door.
Part of my routine is letting our robot vacuum do it’s thing on a daily basis. Because I had never had a robot vacuum before, and I had heard mixed reviews, I didn’t want to spend a fortune on one. So I ended up getting this Eufy (affiliate link). It’s a very basic robot vacuum, but I thought it would be a good “starter” for me to see if I would even like it.
Well, I’ve had it for almost eight months now, and I thought I’d give y’all an update. Had you asked me how I like it two weeks ago, my response would have been, “I like it! It’s fine! I definitely think it’s helping.”
But then about two weeks ago, it ran over something that got all twisted up in the roller and it stopped working and started beeping at me. I was busy at the moment, so I just flipped it over (so it would stop beeping and turn itself off), and went about my business. Then I completely forgot about it, and it stayed in that corner, flipped over on its back and not vacuuming the floor, for about four days.
Oh my gosh, I noticed a HUGE difference!! Within 36 hours, my floors looked like a complete mess. For those of you who are new around here, I should mention that we have a 100-pound dog who is part German Shepherd and part lab, so he sheds like crazy. Plus, we also have a cat that sheds.
This is the area of the house that our Eufy vacuums every day…
I don’t let it vacuum our bedroom because we have too many cords that it kept getting caught on. We have an adjustable bed, and the Eufy kept getting caught on the cord of the bed and dragging the cord and unplugging the bed. If I can find a way to keep the cord up off of the floor, I’ll let the Eufy vacuum in there.
And I don’t let it into our home gym, master bathroom, and my studio for obvious reasons. It can’t really do much in a room that looks like this…
😀 But once those areas are finished, it’ll vacuum those rooms as well.
So with it just doing those seven areas for now (living room, hallway, hallway bathroom, music room, kitchen, breakfast room, and pantry), this is the amount of fur and dust it’s picking up on a daily basis…
Every single day. That’s just unbelievable to me! So you can just imagine what our floors looked like after four days of the Eufy being stuck in the corner, flipped on its backside, and not being able to do its job every day. It was awful.
It also really struck me how much of a difference the floors make in how a home feels. A house is never going to feel clean and fresh if the floors aren’t clean. Everything else can be picked up and put away (nothing else about my routine changed during those four days, so everything else was clean and tidy), but having fur balls all over the floor made the house feel unclean.
There aren’t many products I’ve purchased and used that I’ve genuinely thought, “How did I live without this?” I can honestly say that I wonder that about my air compressor and nail guns. (I DIYed for years before I bought those! All I had was a hammer. I can’t even imagine that now!) I also wonder that about my Dremel Multi-Max oscillating tool. I use that for so many things that I honestly don’t know how I went without it for so long.
And now I add my Eufy to that list. While I got the basic version of a robot vacuum (affiliate link), it has still made such a huge difference in our home. I can’t even imagine how nice it would be to get one of those fancy programmable ones! Maybe one day I’ll find out.
So after eight months of living with a robot vacuum (and four days without it), that is my honest review of it. Even if all you can afford is a basic one, I personally think it’s worth it, especially if you share your home with animals that shed!
Keep in mind that I have mostly hard floors (hardwood and tile), and then two very low pile rugs. I have no personal experience with how a robot vacuum works with thicker rugs (or if they can even climb onto thicker rugs) or rooms that are fully carpeted. I just know that with our particular floors, it works amazingly well.
Also, I did have to make some adjustments. Originally, the Eufy kept getting stuck in three places — under the living room sofa, under the refrigerator, and under the breakfast room buffet.
We got a new sofa that sits closer to the floor, so that solved the sofa issue. (We didn’t purchase a new sofa because of the Eufy. 😀 The sofa had already been ordered when I purchased the Eufy, and it just happened that the new sofa sat lower to the floor.) On the refrigerator, I finally realized that it was getting stuck because, for some reason, I had taken off the vented cover that goes on the front of the fridge right at the floor. Once I found that and put it back on, it hasn’t been a problem.
So that just left the buffet in the breakfast room. It kept getting stuck under that middle part that swoops down…
To solve that problem, I cut four little pieces of wood and put those under the feet. That raised the whole thing up just enough so that the Eufy can get under there without getting stuck. And the little wood pieces aren’t visible at all. I don’t think anyone would ever notice them there.
So I did have to make some minor adjustments to keep the Eufy from getting stuck, but the payoff for making those minor adjustments is completely worth it. I don’t know how long I’ll stick with my Eufy. I may keep it for the long haul, or I may upgrade next year to a programmable robot vacuum. I haven’t decided yet. But what I do know is that I’ll never be without a robot vacuum from here on out. I honestly don’t know how I went so long without one.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
We got a Roomba i7+ (we call Rosie) several years ago after doing an Eufy basic model for a while. the i7+ is one of the models that empties itself, maps the areas you need cleaned, and you can set up “no go zones”. We love it SO much we just bought another one (we call Ricky) for our upstairs. I went from dragging the upright vacuum out every single day, to only dragging it out about every other week…it’s truly a miracle once you get it all set up and mapped the way it needs to be. But you also have to maintain it like any other mechanical thing–replace the filters, brushes and rollers every year or 2, clean off the sensors, etc.
Very timely post as I plan to order a robot vac this week. We have all wood floors. Which should I buy? It doesn’t have to be cheap, but not too exorbitant.
Please suggest one and post a link so you get credit.
About 7 months ago we spurlged on the S9+ roomba (self emptying and best for carpet – my husband is disabled and a fall risk so carpet is best for him) and OMG I totally agree – best decision/$$ spent. Now I want them to figure out how it can vacuum stairs 🙂
I also have the basic Eufy’s. I split my time between our home in Arizona (husband’s job is there – and he does no house cleaning) and Texas (my job and family are there, though I work remotely). I stumbled onto a clearance on the basic models last year and bought 5 of them. We also have a dog that sheds like crazy, and both homes are out in the country which means dirt, sand, and did I mention dirt? I love our vacuums and would probably have marriage problems if I didn’t have them (did I mention my husband doesn’t do any house cleaning, lol?) . I’m still working on the ‘keeping things tidy’ part 🙂
Caution: I too ordered an Eufy but it would not work for me because my rugs have tassels. I tried doing what they said, turning tassels to the underside but that was not feasible for the number of rugs and the Eufy did t like the bump. 😢
Oh no. 🙁 I hadn’t even thought of tasseled rugs, but you’re right. I can see how it would definitely have issues with tassels. What a bummer!
That’s exactly what I was going to ask. Our main livingroom has a large rug with tassels, so I assumed (correct, it seems) that a robo-vacuum won’t work. Darn – I was really hoping I could find one that would work 🙁
Came across your site, and couldn’t agree more about the vacuum! My daughter bought us one a few yrs ago during a big renovation. It literally sat in its box for nearly a year before I remembered it and set it up. Oh. My. Word. HOW did I ever do without it!?!? It ranks on a level with my dishwasher. Seriously. I now have 2 in my not so large home, and my latest i7 empties itself–what a game-changer! We have 4 dogs in the house, and if Roomba doesn’t run for a day or so the difference is nothing short of astonishing!. We just perchased the mopping version on a Black Friday sale, but it is languishing in its box until I have time after the holidays to set it up. I. Can’t. Wait. If it makes the same amt of difference that Roomba did, I will be in love all over again! My sister got a Eufy, as it was a lower profile and her furniture is low to the ground, but she agrees my iRobot appears to be clearly superior in its mapping and cleaning ability. As my 1st one was iRobot I have stuck with the brand and have not been disappointed. Roomba is RELENTLESS in her diligence to clean our floors! My husband is careful to keep the brushes clean and replaced if needed, and we do have to empty to older model, but they are now considered an essential home item at our house!
I had a robot vaccine that picked up a rock that didn’t get sucked up . As a result it kept going and scratched up my floors. Total disaster!
We have a Eufy vacuum too, the basic model, and also love it. While not perfect, it does an amazing job of picking up the dog hair, cat hair, dust, and sand that gets tracked in. We also have a MUCH more expensive robot vac that is programmable (won’t mention the brand name, but it’s a very popular brand), and we prefer the Eufy. It is quieter, easier to empty, has less maintenance, and it doesn’t slam into things like the other one does. I would even say it does a better job and for a fraction of the cost of the other. Like you, we don’t know how we lived without one for so long!
We have a eufy (named Dusty) and we think it is top notch! So glad that you took the plunge!
We also have one and his name is Dirty Harry. 🙂
We have a robot vacuum on every floor of our home (there are three floors) plus one in our sunroom and I love them, I love being able to program when they run, what days, the hour, etc. I also have a robotic mop that I use every week and using a regular mop/swiffer if the floors get really messy. I only have him on the main floor, taking him into the bathroom or the pantry as needed. If you upgrade to a programable vacuum, you won’t regret it and even better is one that empties itself when it docks. They save me so much time. I still vacuum, especially the area rugs and corners every couple days, but I would never not have one (or three) ever again. The newer ones can program themselves to miss cords, dog toys, puppy/cat accidents too 🙂
The Roomba J+ avoids cords & pet messes. It also recharges itself & will empty it’s bin. I love ours
The good thing about it now is that it is 48% off and the new price is $119. I just ordered one! My other one died awhile ago and I am finally going to replace it. Thanks for the heads up. I got just the basic one.
How does the vacuum know where to go if it’s not programmable?
I honestly don’t know. Sometimes it seems to have a pattern to it, while other times it seems completely random. I haven’t really figured it out. I’m always amazed at how thorough it is, though.
We have had 3 iRobot Rumbas. Love them! (2 of our kids stole 2 of them). One we have now empties itself and is named Rudy. Best thing ever!!! Will tell you one thing I have noticed since I have a longer haired dog. When the dog is gone from the house for more than two weeks and Rudy seems to have finally gotten very little bit of dog hair….he doesn’t seem to pick up as much dust. I think the dog hair actually helps Rudy get more dirt and dust. I realize a dog itself seems to attract more dirt to a house but I really believe the dog hair helps in an automatic vacuum like these.
I feel exactly the same way. We have the same, basic Eufy model. We complain about it sometimes, but when it doesn’t run for a few days it is SUCH A HUGE DIFFERENCE. We just put a kettlebell in the middle of the doorway into my husband’s office so it doesn’t go in there. But the amount of dirt and dog fur it picks up every day is astounding. Won’t ever go without it again!
It’s funny that this particular post appeared today in my email. I was awake at 5 AM (Damn cats yowling at me!) and was playing on the computer looking at robotic vacuums. Then learned that my Consumer Reports subscription had expired so I couldn’t evaluate the reviews! UGH!!! My new home has a 46 x 19 great room. I have 4 cats. Was looking at getting one that does wet and dry since I hate to mop. I’ve slipped on wet floors several times.
I am definitely going to get one of these. Gotta see which one holds the most dirt and fur!
I bought one on SHOPGOODWILL.com it’s a used one but since I’ve never had a robot vacuum I didn’t want to spend a lot of money and be disappointed. I paid 33.02 for it plus shipping and handling. I absolutely love it. And I too have had mine in a corner because of getting ready for the holidays and decorating my house for Christmas. My trees are flocked and each time it bumps the trees.( I have four) some of the flock falls off so I haven’t used it but I can tell the difference and I don’t like it my floors look and feel without using it daily sometimes twice a day. We have two cats and it makes a huge difference in the overall feel and look of the floors without being vacuumed with the Eufy.
I love my Waze vaccuum. It does carpets as well. I did not think I would like it, but now I cannot do without it. I too have a shedding dog.
I forgot to mention that the Waze maps the entire house, and you can set up “no go zones”. It did get stuck on a charging cord, but was easily removed. It goes back to the charging station to recharge itself. I love this vaccuum and it is reasonably priced.
Dear Santa,
Kristi has been so very good this year, working hard on the giant bathroom and taking Matt on outings and just a busy, busy person. She would like a new fancy Eufy and I think she deserves one and so much more…..
😇😃
There are two “must have” features on any robot vacuum: The pattern of vacuuming should be by consecutive rows, and not random (it is more efficient time-wise), and the rollers underneath should be the rubberized type that don’t wind the hair around them and need frequent cleaning. I absolutely adore my irobot by Roomba.
We love our EUFY! Ours is also basic and we had a similar experience with a pause in cleaning. It’s been the best purchase all year. We just bought replacement spinner brushes and man I just love him. I glue giant googly eyes on him and named him- he is a part of the family! Hahah
We have a Eufy by your suggestion. We Love him……yes it’s a HIM! My husbands toy..
I think your Eufy would take one look at the gym and scream and turn away,,,,,,lol
I got a Eufy when you first posted about it and John and Sherry at Young House Love had also. They just did a new post that addresses the cord problem. Plus, they program it to run daily. It does a random pattern, but when run daily, every thing gets covered. They also mention a replacement parts kit for it. I tried Roombas years ago (including the wet version) and hated them. Will stick with Goofy, my Eufy. Definitely going to get some google eyes to glue on it.
I love my Eufy too!
Came across your site, and couldn’t agree more about the vacuum! My daughter bought us one a few yrs ago during a big renovation. It literally sat in its box for nearly a year before I remembered it abd set it up. Oh. My. Word. HOW did I ever do without it!?!? It ranks on a level with my dishwasher. Seriously. I now have 2 in my not so large home, and my latest empties itself–what a game-changer! We have 4 dogs in the house, and if Roomba doesn’t run for a day or so the difference is nothing short of astonishing!. We just perchased the mopping version on a Black Friday sale, but it is languishing in its box until I have time after the holidays to set it up. I. Can’t. Wait. If it makes the same amt of difference that Roomba did, I will be in love all over again! My sister got a Eufy, as it was a lower profile and her furniture is low to the ground, but she agrees my iRobot appears to be clearly superior in its mapping and cleaning ability. As my 1st one was iRobot I have stuck with the brand and have not been disappointed.