Latest news with #cleaning
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
B&M is selling a dupe of powerful Dyson gadget for £450 less – it's handheld, easy to store & detects dust automatically
WHILE you may have survived the high pollen season, your home can be another trigger for hayfever. But thanks to this B&M gadget, you no longer have to worry about dust in your home. The bargain retailer is selling a cleaning gadget that will leave your space sparkling without draining your wallet. This handy buy is cheaper than ever, and it's even a dupe of a high-end vacuum. The Blaupunkt Powerforce Anti-Tangle 25.9V Vacuum Cleaner is now available for 20% off. Reduced from £99 to just £79, this vacuum is said to "unleash the power of clean". Product details Manufacturers broke down all the handy features of the cleaning gadget. "Featuring cutting-edge technology like a digital touch control display, anti-tangle technology, and auto dust sensor, this vacuum is a bargain hunter's dream come true," they said. It also includes "a powerful lithium ion battery" which provides up to 50 minutes of run time. The 28KPA suction power helps you to tackle dirt and dust "with ease". "Plus, enjoy the convenience of four power modes, compact handheld conversion, and wall mount storage," the description read. "Say goodbye to allergies and hello to a cleaner home." Sun tests world's thinnest vacuum at Dyson HQ – and 'PencilVac' is SAS of cleaning The cordless vacuum can also turn into a compact handhled device and can even been mounted for wall storage. Choose between four power modes: Auto, Eco, Mid, and Max. Dyson gadget The B&M buy is similar to the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute cordless vacuum, which is currently listed for £529.99. This high-end alternative is said to offer "more suction power to the floor than any other cordless vacuum". The Dyson vacuum features 240 Air Watts for suction, with a run time of 60 minutes. How to save money at B&M Shoppers have saved hundreds of pounds a year by using B&M's scanner app. The scanner lets you see if an item's price is cheaper than advertised on the shop floor label. Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift. The app is free to download off the B&M Stores mobile app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. According to one ex-B&M manager, you'll want to visit your local branch at 10am on a Wednesday too. Here's how you can join the B&M bargain hunt: Download the B&M app for free on any smartphone with an App Store or Google Play. Once you've installed it on your device, click on the option labelled "more" on the bottom, right-hand side of the app home page. You'll then find an option that says "barcode scanner". Click on this and you'll open a camera screen. Use the camera to hover over the barcode of the product you wish to check. If the price comes up as lower, take it to the cash desk and it will automatically scan at the lower price. You don't need to sign up to the B&M app to use the barcode scanner. While it has a slightly longer battery life, this gadget is similar to the B&M version in that it has a hair de-tangling feature and a dust detector sensor. It also helps to identify any overlooked dust by illuminating it and boasts 99.99% advanced filtration. More on cleaning gadgets And Amazon is selling a window-cleaning gadget slashed from £80 to just £46. Plus, Dyson has reduced the price of its V10 vacuum cleaner. Aldi is selling a no-effort household gadget that cuts cleaning time in half. Shoppers can also pick up another no-effort cleaning gadget that's £500 less than a pricier version. Aldi has a similar vacuum available for just £44, and it also rivals a Dyson product.
CNET
17 hours ago
- CNET
I Used This Robot Vacuum With a Mechanical Arm for Three Months but at $2,600 It's a Hard Sell
The Saros Z70 is priced at $2,599, making it one of the most expensive robot vacuums I've seen. You can buy two robot vacuums for this price. The most notable feature is the OmniGrip mechanical arm designed to pick up and sort items. It also has strong vacuuming and mopping capabilities, excellent mapping and the ability to cross thresholds. The mechanical arm has several issues, including difficulties picking up objects, navigation problems and software bugs. There were also connectivity issues during setup. Cleaning my hardwood and carpet. Ajay Kumar/CNET Pros Good vacuuming on hardwood with 82.5% sand pickup Very low profile and fits under pretty much everything Quiet operation Works well in homes with pets Chassis lift prevents it from getting stuck most of the time Cons Dust bin is too small Water tank is too small Mopping performance isn't great Obstacle avoidance needs some improvement Expensive at $2,600 at full price Roborock I've been using the Roborock Saros Z70 for three months now and, in many ways, it's a great robot vacuum. It's the first robot vacuum with a mechanical arm meant to pick up objects and help you clean before it vacuums and mops. As someone who has three cats who leave toys everywhere, I found this incredibly appealing. I test and write about vacuums for a living and the Saros Z70 really is the first of its kind. CNET even chose it as one of our best of CES awards, giving me high hopes for its potential. I tested it at my cluttered apartment for three months and my colleague and lead lab tester Jared Hannah did the same at his home. The reality is, the Saros Z70 certainly has a lot of promise. It vacuums and mops like a champ, can cross thresholds and obstacles as effectively as the Dreame X50 Ultra, and has great mapping and pet recognition in my home. The OmniGrip arm picking up my wife's sock. Ajay Kumar/CNET However, we found its signature feature -- the robot arm -- is still not ready for showtime. Right now, the Saros Z70 is fairly limited in its ability to pick up very small objects like pet toys and children's toys. On occasion, it did recognize and attempt to pick up cat toys it found scattered around my home but it was never able to succeed. Often, it would deploy the arm then detect my cat or some other object nearby and freeze, blaring "Error 69," forcing me to manually reset the arm. At one point, it even tried to pick up my standing desk mat before realizing it wasn't a compatible object and giving up. I tested the Saros Z70 through June and July with Roborock's latest software updates that were intended to improve performance. Here are my impressions after three months of testing and whether it's worth its $2,600 price tag. Roborock My experience with the Saros Z70 We tested the Saros Z70 at CES 2025, at a live demo, at our New York City office space, at CNET's testing lab in Louisville, Kentucky, and most recently at my home for three months. My biggest takeaway from my real-world home test versus my other experiences with this robot vacuum is the various issues with the mechanical arm, its struggle to pick up objects, navigation problems and software bugs. It cleaned great as a regular robot vacuum and mop but I couldn't rely on the arm's sorting capabilities to reliably pick up shoes and socks, let alone cat toys. "Yeah, it seems like it's basically a beta version of the arm," said Jared, who was testing the Z70 at the same time. "They should do a bit more development before it's ready for the masses. I would get the error if the arm bumped something while moving an object. It sensed that there was too much resistance so I think it was doing what it was supposed to but it seems like that would end up being a common occurrence." The Saros Z70 got scratched up after trying to clean under the desk chair. Ajay Kumar/CNET Vacuuming and mopping: Strong performance, good sand/litter/hair pickup; mopping with clean/dirty tanks and hot air drying is effective. Strong performance, good sand/litter/hair pickup; mopping with clean/dirty tanks and hot air drying is effective. Special features: The OmniGrip arm is the standout special feature although currently unreliable. I found operational issues during my home testing. It struggled to pick up certain objects, especially pet toys, but I had much better luck with socks. Not only was the Saros Z70 able to identify my wife's purple socks and pick them up off the hardwood floor in the bedroom but it also began to transport them to my designated shoe-drop-off area that's set up in the foyer. The problem was that partway on this journey, it gave up somewhere between the hallway and the kitchen, dropping the sock, acting like the job was complete and continuing its regular cleaning cycle. The OmniGrip arm is the standout special feature although currently unreliable. I found operational issues during my home testing. It struggled to pick up certain objects, especially pet toys, but I had much better luck with socks. Not only was the Saros Z70 able to identify my wife's purple socks and pick them up off the hardwood floor in the bedroom but it also began to transport them to my designated shoe-drop-off area that's set up in the foyer. The problem was that partway on this journey, it gave up somewhere between the hallway and the kitchen, dropping the sock, acting like the job was complete and continuing its regular cleaning cycle. Mapping and navigation: It generated a 2D and 3D map of my space, automatically tagging the rooms (bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen), flooring type (hard surface and carpet) and identifying certain pieces of furniture (couch, TV stand and bed). It also marked notable thresholds in my space where extra effort would be required to cross. You can remap it or tell it to remap a specific room if you're not happy with the result but it did a great job for me the first time around. It generated a 2D and 3D map of my space, automatically tagging the rooms (bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen), flooring type (hard surface and carpet) and identifying certain pieces of furniture (couch, TV stand and bed). It also marked notable thresholds in my space where extra effort would be required to cross. You can remap it or tell it to remap a specific room if you're not happy with the result but it did a great job for me the first time around. Software and app: The app isn't the most straightforward tool to use, with a profusion of settings and nested menus that allow you to adjust just about everything the robot can do, from the dustbin emptying and mop washing frequency, to cleaning patterns, obstacle photos and enabling the robotic arm. Just about everything the robot can do is customizable but I wish all these features and settings were a bit more front and center rather than tucked away in the lengthy settings menu. The app isn't the most straightforward tool to use, with a profusion of settings and nested menus that allow you to adjust just about everything the robot can do, from the dustbin emptying and mop washing frequency, to cleaning patterns, obstacle photos and enabling the robotic arm. Just about everything the robot can do is customizable but I wish all these features and settings were a bit more front and center rather than tucked away in the lengthy settings menu. Design and aesthetics: Low-profile design, good for fitting under furniture, but can lead to scratches when it tries to wedge itself under things like my wife's office chair. Low-profile design, good for fitting under furniture, but can lead to scratches when it tries to wedge itself under things like my wife's office chair. Ease of use: Setup had connectivity issues; once set up, basic functions are easy, but advanced settings are complex. Roborock The specs Price: $2,599 $2,599 Object weight limit (OmniGrip Arm): 300 grams rated load; approximately 700 grams actual load capacity during our testing. 300 grams rated load; approximately 700 grams actual load capacity during our testing. Threshold crossing height: Capable of crossing thresholds up to approximately 2 inches. Capable of crossing thresholds up to approximately 2 inches. Cleaning time: (Ajay's apartment, 850 sq ft): 1.5 to 2 hours for a full vacuum and mop session. (Ajay's apartment, 850 sq ft): 1.5 to 2 hours for a full vacuum and mop session. Cleaning time: (Jared's house, 1,200 square feet) : 2.5 to 3 hours for a full vacuum and mop session on the main level. (Jared's house, 1,200 square feet) 2.5 to 3 hours for a full vacuum and mop session on the main level. Mapping time (Ajay's apartment, 850 sq ft): 16 to 18 minutes for initial mapping. (Ajay's apartment, 850 sq ft): 16 to 18 minutes for initial mapping. Sand pickup performance on hardwood: 82.46%, this is excellent hardwood performance, falling just shy of our best overall, the Ecovacs Deeboth T30S Combo (85%). 82.46%, this is excellent hardwood performance, falling just shy of our best overall, the Ecovacs Deeboth T30S Combo (85%). Sand pickup performance on carpet (mid-pile): 51.77%, this surpasses the Dreame X50 Ultra (44% mid-pile) 51.77%, this surpasses the Dreame X50 Ultra (44% mid-pile) Sand pickup performance on carpet (low-pile): 51.06%, which comes close to matching the Shark Power Detect NeverTouch Pro (54.5%). 51.06%, which comes close to matching the Shark Power Detect NeverTouch Pro (54.5%). Voice command compatibility: The app can be connected to Amazon Alexa for voice commands. The app can be connected to Amazon Alexa for voice commands. Customizable: The app allows for a range of customization, including dustbin emptying frequency, mop washing frequency, cleaning patterns, obstacle photos and enabling/disabling the robotic arm. The app allows for a range of customization, including dustbin emptying frequency, mop washing frequency, cleaning patterns, obstacle photos and enabling/disabling the robotic arm. Mapping features: The app displays the 2D and 3D maps generated by the robot, allows for room tagging, furniture identification and setting "no-go" zones. It also identifies pet areas and allows for "Pet Area Cleaning." The app displays the 2D and 3D maps generated by the robot, allows for room tagging, furniture identification and setting "no-go" zones. It also identifies pet areas and allows for "Pet Area Cleaning." Wi-Fi connectivity: The robot needs to connect to Wi-Fi for setup and app control. The robot needs to connect to Wi-Fi for setup and app control. Dual spinning mopping pads: The robot uses a pair of dual spinning mopping pads that attach and detach from the docking station. The robot uses a pair of dual spinning mopping pads that attach and detach from the docking station. Clean and dirty water system: Uses clean water for mopping and collects dirty water in a separate tank, ensuring cleaner mopping. Uses clean water for mopping and collects dirty water in a separate tank, ensuring cleaner mopping. Mopping pad cleaning and drying: Mopping pads are washed and hot-air dried at the base station between cleaning sessions. Mopping pads are washed and hot-air dried at the base station between cleaning sessions. Mopping modes: The "Vacuum+Mop" mode vacuums first and then mops the entire space. There are options for Deep cleaning, Pet Area and an AI-powered SmartPlan. Saros Z70 docked Ajay Kumar/CNET CNET's buying advice While the Roborock Saros Z70 excels at vacuuming, mopping and navigation, the core feature -- the OmniGrip arm -- is not yet reliable enough for me to recommend it if you're only looking to make heavy use of the OmniGrip arm. Recent software updates in June and July have made some improvements, including improved grab point optimization, smarter sorting optimization and new pickup categories like sports shoes but the consistency still leaves a lot to be desired. It's hard to ignore the $2,599 price tag. I argue that for the price, you could purchase two or three excellent standard robot vacuums and mops, like the Yeedi M12 Pro Plus, or a comparable high performing model such as the Dreame X50 Ultra which has the ability to cross thresholds -- both on CNET's best robot vacuums best list. On the even lower price end, iRobot's new Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo is our best new robot vacuum for less than $500, with solid performance and a unique mechanical paddle that lets you store 60 days of dust in the dustbin. If all you care about is strong vacuuming, mopping and obstacle avoidance: The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is currently CNET's "best overall robot vacuum" and Roborock's own Saros 10R offers similar or better vacuum and mopping performance with more space for the dustbin and water tank because it doesn't need to fit a mechanical arm in its body. Roborock Without a fully operational and reliable OmniGrip arm, I can't justify its value for the cost at this time. "The arm is a neat feature to watch but I personally don't find it very useful," said Jared. "I feel like if the robot is smart enough to avoid obstacles such as shoes and socks, I don't need it to try and pick them up and move them. As long as the robot doesn't get stuck on anything during its cleaning cycle, that's good enough for me." If the OmniGrip arm is your primary reason for considering the Saros Z70, I recommend you continue to wait for future software updates or wait a few years until Roborock and other companies enter the market with newer generations of the technology.
CNET
20 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Keep Your Floors Spotless With a Lubluelu Stick Vacuum Cleaner for Just $99
Summer break is still around for a few more weeks, and that means your floors and carpets might require a bit more cleaning than usual. With this weather, it can be cumbersome to lug around a heavy, corded vacuum. If you're need in a powerful and lighter device, it might be time to upgrade to a cordless stick vacuum cleaner. Upgrading doesn't have to incur a major expense. We've spotted Lubluelu cordless stick vacuums for as low as $99 for Amazon Prime members. Just pick the purple version and clip the on-page coupon to score the discount. This deal won't be around for long, though, so make sure you act fast if you want to avoid missing out. This model has a 235W brushless motor to give it a solid amount of suction all the way through its battery life. The battery is detachable, too, which makes it far easier to charge, especially if you decide to pick up a second battery. It also has a few different attachments to make sure it can get into every possible nook and cranny. Plus, it stands up on its own. This deal is unique in that most colors have a slightly different offer, so be mindful of any on-page coupons or coupon codes if you want this vacuum to match your decor. The pink version of this vacuum is down to $110 when you redeem the coupon code 7N2L3SMP at checkout, which saves you a total of $80. Or nab the blue version of this vacuum for just $110 when you use the coupon code LNKWJ9CR at checkout. If you prefer Walmart, they have Lubluelu cordless stick vacuums from $120 right now. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The savings here and the price in general mean this is easily one of the best vacuum deals right now. Make sure you don't miss out on it if you decide you want it. Why this deal matters Vacuuming is a daily essential -- especially with kids or pets -- so making it as hassle-free as possible is key. This vacuum deal helps do just that, thanks to the savings you're getting. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll save roughly $30 over Walmart's prices, which is significant for anyone trying to keep an eye on their budget. Keep in mind that this vacuum deal has different coupon codes and on-page coupons for each color, and they change rather quickly.
CNET
a day ago
- General
- CNET
Use This 2-Minute Hack to Clean Your Microwave With Ease
Now that it's summer, you might not be using your microwave as much as you were, but you still need to keep it clean. And because it's so often overlooked when doing kitchen cleanups, it's easy for meals to leave behind a hardened mess that can be a nightmare to clean. Don't worry if this all sounds a little too familiar because you definitely aren't alone. And it doesn't have to be this way. Plenty of home cooks run into this problem and turn to forums like Reddit to get tips on the best ways to rid their microwaves of stubborn, caked-on food. The solution? It's easier than you might think. We asked cleaning experts for their favorite tricks and go-to methods so you can get your microwave spotless with minimal effort. Why it's important to clean your microwave Keeping your microwave clean is important for more than aesthetic your microwave clean isn't just for impressing the in-laws, but can have an effect on your appliance's utility. "A clean microwave prevents cross-contamination of flavors and avoids buildup of bacteria from food splatters," says Galia Ivanova, CEO of Cleaning Estimate, a UK-based cleaning service. "I've seen microwaves where old residues not only cause unpleasant odors, but also affect the appliance's efficiency. Regular cleaning ensures your food tastes as it should and your microwave lasts longer." Bacterial buildup from splatter can be a serious hygiene issue. "Considering the microwave is one of the most used kitchen appliances, if it's dirty it can be a haven for bacteria and food-borne illnesses," says Delah Gomasi, Managing Director and CEO of MaidForYou, who adds that microwave cleaning is one of the first training modules that cleaners at MaidForYou must undergo, as it correlates directly to overall client satisfaction. Try to keep your microwave clean in the first place A microwave needs cleaning just like everything else in the kitchen. David Watsky/CNET Regular -- and quick -- attention to your microwave can help it stay in such a condition that you don't have to fear it or clean it very often. "The best way to keep your microwave clean is to use a microwave safe food cover," says Gomasi. "This means any spillage will not penetrate the microwave in its entirety and only dirty the food cover itself, which can be easily washed." A damp paper towel can also act as a barrier for splatters if you're heating something in a standard bowl or plate. If splatter does occur, "I recommend wiping down the microwave after any spills immediately," says Ivanova. This is much more easily done with spillage that is still fresh before it has an opportunity to dry and adhere to the walls of your appliance. Read more: Skip the Microwave: Expert Tips for Reheating Your Leftovers The easiest 2-minute hack for cleaning a microwave Cleaning your microwave is as simple as using your microwave, no speciality products or supplies needed. You're basically giving it a steam bath. "I've found the easiest way to clean a microwave without the use of harmful chemicals or cleaning products is to microwave vinegar and water in a microwave safe bowl for two minutes," says Gomasi. A tablespoon or two of white or distilled vinegar with a cup of water is enough. You'll just need to nuke it long enough to boil and steam. Using vinegar is an effective and natural way to clean your microwave. Pamela Vachon/CNET "Once that's done, allow another two minutes before using a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave," he says. "It may take multiple passes but this is the most effective way to clean your microwave." The acid in the vinegar steam can break down and soften particles, making them easy to wipe away. "It's eco-friendly, simple, and effective at removing pent up food spills" says Gomasi. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your microwave after using the vinegar. Pamela Vachon/CNET Lemon juice or lemon rinds can also be used in this way for a fresher scent or for another take, "One of my favorite methods is using herbal steam," says Ivanova, who recommends fresh mint, rosemary, thyme or other aromatic herbs in place of vinegar in the steam bath. The steam will still help to break down bits without the acid, and the essential oils will leave your kitchen with a pleasant smell. The glass turntable plate in your microwave can be put in the dishwasher or hand washed. How often should you clean your microwave? If you're doing the above after each use of the microwave or when spills occur, you shouldn't have to give it the steam bath treatment more than once a month. If you're more haphazard about covering your items, though, "we typically recommend that our clients clean their microwave at least twice a week, especially if they're not using a microwavable food cover to prevent spills" says Gomasi. "You'd be surprised at just how many people don't do this." For lingering microwave odor, try this Is there anything baking soda can't do? Angela Lang/CNET If you've given your microwave the vinegar steam bath a few times, and you still have stuck-on stains or lingering odor, you might need some more metaphorical muscle, but major scrubbing still isn't necessary. "For a deep clean, I make a natural paste using equal parts baking soda and coconut oil," says Ivanova. "Apply this paste to the interior surfaces, especially on stubborn stains, and let it sit for 15 minutes. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, while the coconut oil breaks down grease," she says. "Afterward, wipe it off with a warm, damp cloth," which should leave your microwave clean and subtly scented. Ivanova also has a hack for keeping odors down continually. "Place a small bowl filled with dry coffee grounds at the back of your microwave when it's not in use," she says. "The coffee grounds absorb lingering odors and moisture, keeping the interior fresh. Just remember to remove the bowl before you use the microwave." Read more: Home Cleaning Guide: A Step-by-Step Cheat Sheet To Deep Clean Your Home Don't forget to disinfect Finally, while vinegar is a useful cleaning agent, it doesn't meet the standard to be considered a disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency, so for a final reassurance you'll want to give your microwave a wipe down with an actual disinfectant. Disinfecting your microwave will keep it from becoming home to mold and germs. Pamela Vachon/CNET "Be sure to use a toxin-free disinfectant to keep germs at bay," says Lana Tkachenko, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Expert and Marketing Director at Force of Nature. "Your microwave comes in contact with the foods you eat so you don't want to use anything to clean it that you don't want to also put in your mouth." Read more: How Often Should You Clean Your Oven? The Answer Might Surprise You
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisville Cleaning Pros Launches in Louisville, KY, Offering Hassle-Free Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services
Louisville, KY, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Louisville Cleaning Pros LLC, a new entrant in the residential and commercial cleaning industry, officially launches in Louisville, Kentucky. Focused on providing high-quality, reliable cleaning services, the company caters to both homeowners and businesses seeking a hassle-free, fully digital service experience. Louisville Cleaning Pros specializes in routine residential cleanings, move-in/move-out services, and tailored commercial solutions. With instant online booking, transparent pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee, the company is redefining convenience for busy professionals and families in Louisville. 'Our mission is simple: to help clients reclaim their time with reliable, professional cleaning services that work around their schedule—not the other way around,' said Carl, Founder of Louisville Cleaning Pros. 'We're proud to offer a modern, customer-focused experience with honest communication and no hidden fees.' Key Offerings: Residential Cleaning: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services. Move-In/Out Cleaning: Thorough cleans for transitional homes, including appliances and cupboards. Commercial Cleaning: Custom cleaning for offices and retail spaces. Why Louisville Cleaning Pros? Instant quotes and online booking at Satisfaction Guarantee: If anything is missed, they'll return to make it right. Discounts for recurring service: up to 20% off. Designed with the modern client in mind, Louisville Cleaning Pros serves busy professionals and families who value efficiency, seamless digital interactions, and consistent quality. For more information or to book a service, visit or contact: About Louisville Cleaning Pros Louisville Cleaning Pros offers premium residential and commercial cleaning services across Louisville, KY. We specialize in recurring home cleanings and move-in/move-out services, all backed by a satisfaction guarantee. With instant online booking, transparent pricing, and vetted professionals, we make home and office maintenance seamless. Our services are perfect for busy professionals who want a spotless space without the hassle. Every clean follows a detailed checklist to ensure quality and consistency. Clients choose us for reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to freeing up their time - no surprises. Trusted locally, we make clean living effortless Press inquiries Louisville Cleaning Pros Carl Armijo hello@ 502-200-1410 Sign in to access your portfolio
