Vacuuming is a tedious chore where we often find ourselves aimlessly moving the vacuum backwards and forth until we consider the floor to be clean.
Dyson wants to make vacuuming more interesting – and dare I say insightful – by introducing a high-tech laser and showing scientific proof of how clean your floors really are.
The Dyson V15 Detect is the first vacuum cleaner with laser detect technology designed to highlight dust particles that are as small as 10 microns (or 0.01mm) – otherwise invisible to the naked eye – with a precisely angled laser integrated into the cleaner head.
The laser is super impressive when it comes to showing dust particles that you didn’t even know were there, but it does work more effectively in low light conditions and performs at its peak in total darkness. If you vacuum in a living environment flooded by natural sunlight, the laser is faint, and it is difficult to see the ‘invisible’ dust.
There is a switch on the cleaner head to turn the laser off but if you were to operate the vacuum without it, I think it defeats the purpose of investing in this machine. And it is an investment at $1,399.
Although the laser was a little disappointing in bright lighting, the compact size of the Slim Fluffy cleaner head is perfect for cleaning under low profile lounges and coffee tables (and in my case, under kitchen benches).
Compared to predecessor models, the unit is easier to manoeuvre and suction power has improved, which automatically increases for different floor types and when larger amounts of dust are detected. When dust levels normalise, suction power returns to its previous level.
The LCD screen, first introduced on the Dyson V11, has been upgraded to not only show the remaining runtime and cleaning mode (Eco, Auto or Boost) but the size and number of particles being picked up. It displays scientific proof of a deep clean by counting and measuring the particles with a piezo sensor up to 15,000 times each second. The tiny vibrations are then converted to electric signals.
So why does this matter? Many of us believe that dust is relatively harmless but there are links between household dusts and viruses so at a time when health and wellness is paramount, Dyson couldn’t have timed the launch of this product any better.
Last but not least, the Dyson V15 Detect comes with two new anti-tangle brush heads. The anti-tangle hair screw tool which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush bar – instead, hair is spiraled off and into the bin, and the anti-tangle high torque cleaner head that prevents tangling with polycarbonate teeth that resemble a comb to automatically clear hair from the brush bar. Here Dyson has responded to a major pain point of hair tangling around the brush bar, particularly long hair, which is revolting to try and pull off.
The verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect is a game-changer, particularly for those who are germ-conscious and strive for a spotless home. Be prepared to see dust particles you’ve never seen before. The laser is a cool addition to the cleaner head, although it would have been even more impressive if it was slightly brighter to highlight dust in well-lit environments.
But overall, another ingenious effort from Dyson with innovation that just keeps getting better with every product launch.