Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Approximately two, perhaps three, years ago I bought a new vacuum. The latest and greatest Oreck vacuum – designed for ease and simplicity during household chores. For a few months, it worked beautifully — then, the drama started! A clog that would not clear. I took it to my local Oreck dealership. Repairs needed to be made. Apparently it was more than a clog. And so the drama truly begins.

When I got it home, I vacuumed, only to have the beater brush stop! Back to the shop. Again. And again. And again. Each time, the repairs were different, finally needing a new ‘housing?’ Don’t ask me. I know how to run a vacuum cleaner — not repair it!

This scenario continued for over one year. By now, the vacuum cleaner was in the shop more than at home. Perhaps this vacuum doesn’t like me, I thought. Who cares…it’s a vacuum cleaner!

Finally, I filed a complaint. The owner of the shop reviewed my ‘repair visits.’ He was astonished! He decided to replace this vacuum with a newer unit.

I’m pleased to say, I’ve had this vacuum for close to a year now and it has worked well — well, until two weeks ago. The one thing I can say about Oreck is — they stand behind their product and they treat customers with respect.

Two weeks ago, I drove the vacuum to the shop. Since we have become accustomed to these rides — vacuum cleaner sitting on the passenger side, I was tempted to buckle its seat belt! After all, we have become close — like a teenager and mother rebelling and disagreeing each time we meet! Apparently, my dear sweet vacuum cleaner developed a clog within the bag. I had checked the bag when it stopped working — making certain it did not need to be changed.  The bag wasn’t anywhere near the full line and so there my precious vacuum goes, vacuuming, but sucking the ingredients of carpet lint into the vacuum, then coughing it out again. Why me, I thought? Within twenty-four-hours, this repair was completed and my vacuum cleaner and I were happily reunited.

Yesterday, while vacuuming I lifted the vacuum cleaner by the handle — isn’t a handle designed for a consumer to lift it??? Carrying it to my office — to vacuum — I heard a popping noise. I glanced down. The handle had separated from the vacuum cleaner.

No, I thought. This cannot be happening. This vacuum doesn’t like me. Perhaps I am allergic to household cleaning and vacuuming. Whatever did I do to deserve vacuum cleaners that hate me. Are they possessed???

Back to Oreck again. By now, the sales staff almost know me intimately! When I showed Richard, the salesperson, my vacuum he and I broke into laughter when I responded that I had come to the conclusion that housework, vacuuming and I do not agree. Maybe I’ll hire someone to come vacuum for me and let them use their personal vacuum cleaner — not mine!

While it is true, I do like a clean home,  I am tired of fighting with the vacuum cleaner and losing! Now, the score is vacuum cleaner — three — and I am the LOSER! Yes, it’s true — vacuum cleaners and I do not agree. Perhaps I’ll give it up and go to the beach!