Dyson Hard: An Easy Solution for Cleaning Hard Floors

This week Dyson has unveiled a new addition to their Digital Slim line of products, the Dyson Hard.  This new model combines their handy (and excellent) cordless stick vac with a new cleaner head, designed to vacuum and mop hard floors in one action.

The main difference here from the DC35 and DC44 is the new cleaner head, designed specifically for cleaning and sanitizing hard floors.  In the center of the head, a disposable swiffer-style wipe is sandwiched between two suction channels in the front and back.  The result is a product that vacuums up crumbs forward and backward, and wet-wipes the floor clean as it does so.  True to Dyson's pursuit of maneuverability, the new head swivels easily, very similar to using a regular Swiffer.  The idea of a broom that also mops the floor is very appealing, and as usual, Dyson earns ingenuity points.

This is the first Dyson product sold in the US that requires expendables to use  (not counting the optional Zorb cleaning powder).  The wipes that attach to the cleaner head are disposable, a design decision that is contrary to what usually earns Dyson bragging rights (they've already said goodbye to bags and paper towels).  We're also curious to know if the cleaner able to vacuum up spills.  From what it appears, if someone, for instance, spilled a glass of milk in the kitchen, cleaning up the spill would still require a towel first, then the Dyson Hard could finish the job.  Dyson has also clarified that for durability reasons (people have a tendency to really put some elbow grease into mopping), the new cleaner head is not compatible with other Dysons.  Owners of their current stick vacs will not be able to purchase the cleaner head for their machines.

The original DC35 Digital Slim, with its cordless freedom, excellent battery, cyclones that don't lose suction, interchangeable attachments, and modern ingenuity has proven to be one of the handiest appliances to have around a home (and car!).  The DC44 (with its more aggressive cleaner head) was a logical and welcome improvement.  The new Dyson Hard looks like a clever device that could take some of the labor out of mopping, and might be a great fit for someone who primarily has hard flooring in their homes.  We look forward to trying out the product!

$329.99.  Coming soon to dyson.com, and stores nationwide.