Ah, the never-ending battle against dust, dirt, and pet hair. If you’re anything like I was, you understand the sheer frustration of a home that just doesn’t *feel* clean, no matter how much you sweep or run a lackluster vacuum over the floors. My initial problem was simple: my old cleaner just wasn’t cutting it anymore. It lacked power, struggled with different surfaces, and left behind that fine layer of dust that seemed to mock my efforts. Failing to solve this meant living in a less healthy environment, constantly dealing with allergens and visible grime, and frankly, feeling defeated by my own home.
What to Look for in a Vacuum Cleaner
Before diving into a purchase, it’s crucial to consider what you truly need from a vacuum cleaner. This category of appliance is designed to tackle the pervasive problem of dust, dirt, debris, and allergens that accumulate on floors and surfaces, making your living space cleaner and healthier. An ideal customer for an upright vacuum typically has a mix of floor types – carpets, rugs, and hard floors – and might be dealing with pet hair or general household grime. This type of vacuum offers convenience for whole-house cleaning. However, someone living in a very small space with only hard floors might find a stick or canister vacuum more suitable, while someone with thick, high-pile carpets might need a machine specifically designed for that challenge. When choosing, think about factors like suction power, filtration (especially for allergy sufferers), weight and maneuverability, capacity, ease of emptying, and included tools for tackling edges, upholstery, and tight spots. Consider the dominant floor types in your home and the specific cleaning challenges you face.
Introducing the Kenmore DU2012
This brings me to the Kenmore DU2012 Bagless Upright Vacuum. This particular model positions itself as a versatile, lightweight solution for tackling pet hair, dirt, and debris across multiple surfaces like carpet and hardwood floors. It promises powerful cleaning performance through its 2-motor system and enhanced HEPA filtration, all wrapped up in a maneuverable, bagless design. When you purchase the Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum, you get the main vacuum unit, a flexible 10-foot hose, an extension wand, a handle, a 3-in-1 combination tool (crevice, dirt brush, upholstery), and a separate upholstery tool, along with a use and care guide. Compared to some bulkier market leaders or older, heavier models, the DU2012 aims for a lighter footprint and easier handling. It’s designed for the homeowner who needs a general-purpose cleaner that can handle common household messes, pet hair, and both carpeted and hard surfaces without being overly heavy or complicated. It might not be the absolute best fit for homes with exclusively thick carpets needing deep pile agitation or those prioritizing compact storage above all else.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent suction power, especially effective on pet hair and surface debris.
* Bagless design with easy, quick dustbin emptying.
* HEPA filter system traps allergens effectively.
* Relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver (though some steering quirks exist).
* Long cord provides ample reach.
* Includes useful attachments for targeted cleaning.
* Washable filters offer potential cost savings.
Cons:
* Swivel steering can be overly sensitive and prone to pulling to the side.
* May struggle with deep-cleaning thick or high-pile carpets.
* Attachment storage is lacking for the upholstery tool.
* Hose can sometimes detach from the main unit during use.
* Cleaning stairs can be cumbersome due to the head’s movement.
Diving Deep into Performance and Perks
Having spent a significant amount of time with the Kenmore DU2012, I can offer a detailed perspective on its performance across various aspects of home cleaning.
The Powerhouse: 2-Motor Suction System
One of the standout features Kenmore highlights is the 2-motor system. In practice, this translates to robust suction, particularly noticeable on hard floors and low to medium-pile carpets. When I first used the DU2012, I was genuinely surprised by the amount of fine dust and debris it picked up, stuff my old vacuum had definitely been leaving behind. The suction control feature is handy, allowing you to adjust airflow depending on the surface – lower suction for delicate rugs, higher for carpets or bare floors. This flexibility is important because powerful suction can sometimes make vacuuming lighter rugs a challenge, potentially pulling them up. For pet hair, the suction combined with the rotating brush roll does an admirable job on most surfaces, quickly lifting fur that clings to carpets or drifts across hard floors.
Filtration Matters: The HEPA System
For anyone concerned about indoor air quality, the HEPA filter system is a major plus. The Kenmore DU2012 Bagless Upright Vacuum DU2012 traps 99.7% of dirt and allergens inside the vacuum, which is critical for reducing irritants in the air you breathe. I’ve noticed a tangible difference in the air quality in my home since switching to a vacuum with a good HEPA filter like this one. Less dust settles on furniture, and allergy symptoms seem less prevalent immediately after vacuuming. The design also seems effective at keeping the internal mesh filter relatively clean, preventing clogs that can diminish suction over time.
Weight and Maneuverability: A Mixed Bag
At under 14 pounds, the DU2012 is lighter than many traditional uprights. This makes a noticeable difference when you’re lugging it up and down stairs (though using it *on* stairs is another matter, which I’ll get to) or moving it from room to room. The swivel steering is intended to enhance maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate around furniture legs and tight corners. And yes, it *does* pivot easily. Perhaps *too* easily for some. As other users have pointed out, the swivel can feel a bit “squirrelly.” It has a tendency to drift sideways, requiring constant small adjustments with your wrist to keep it going in a straight line. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does add a slight layer of effort, especially when trying to vacuum in precise lines or along edges. It’s something you can adapt to with practice, but it’s definitely a point where the design could be refined.
The Convenience of Bagless and Easy Emptying
Transitioning to a bagless vacuum like the Kenmore vacuum was a game-changer for me. No more running out of bags or the ongoing expense. Emptying the 2-liter dustbin is straightforward: simply detach it from the vacuum, hold it over a trash can, and push a button to release the bottom flap. The vast majority of the debris falls right out. While it’s much cleaner than dealing with full bags, there can still be a puff of fine dust when you empty it, so doing it outdoors or directly into a garbage bag is advisable, especially if you have allergies. Despite this minor mess, the convenience and cost savings of going bagless are significant benefits.
Attachments and Extended Reach: Getting Into Tight Spots
The included tools add versatility to the DU2012. The flexible 10-foot hose, combined with the extension wand and tools, allows you to reach high corners, clean upholstery, and tackle stairs (again, using the hose on stairs is much easier than trying to use the main unit). The 3-in-1 combination tool is a neat idea, combining a crevice tool, dirt brush, and upholstery brush into one compact attachment. The separate upholstery tool is wider and very effective for larger fabric surfaces like sofas and chairs. The extended reach is a major benefit for cleaning areas the main vacuum body can’t access, dramatically improving the overall cleanliness of your home beyond just the floors. However, a notable drawback is the lack of onboard storage for the separate upholstery tool. While the combination tool clips onto the vacuum, you’re left finding a place to keep the other attachment, which is a slight inconvenience and a curious design oversight.
Handling Different Surfaces
The multi-surface design of the Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum means it performs well on both carpets and hard floors. On hard surfaces like hardwood or tile, the suction is excellent, picking up everything from fine dust to larger crumbs. The vacuum glides easily, although the swivel steering requires a steady hand to maintain a straight path. On carpets, the rotating brush roll helps agitate the fibers and lift debris. While it works well on low to medium pile, some users (and I agree to an extent) have noted that it might not lift the nap of thicker carpets as effectively as some other models, potentially leaving the deepest-seated dirt behind. This is where understanding your specific carpet type is important when considering this vacuum.
The Stair Challenge
Using the main vacuum unit *on* stairs is challenging. The head doesn’t lock in place when the handle is upright, and the weight distribution isn’t ideal for balancing it step-to-step. It can become unwieldy and prone to bumping walls, as one user aptly described. For stairs, relying on the hose and attachments is definitely the way to go, leveraging the 10-foot reach. This works much better and is less likely to result in damage to your walls or the vacuum itself.
Filter Maintenance and Replacement
The filters, including the HEPA filter, are designed to be accessible for cleaning. The user manual provides instructions on how to clean the washable filters (typically the foam and felt filters in the dustbin assembly). While this is a great feature, some users have reported difficulty finding replacement filters when the washable ones eventually need to be replaced or for the non-washable HEPA filter, and that replacements can be relatively costly compared to filters for some other brands. This is something to keep in mind for long-term ownership, although the ability to wash filters helps extend their life and reduces immediate replacement needs.
The Cord and Noise Level
The power cord is generously long at 30 feet, allowing me to cover a significant area without needing to constantly replug. This is a small but valuable convenience, especially in larger rooms or when tackling hallways. In terms of noise, the vacuum is quieter than many older models I’ve used. It produces a consistent hum that isn’t overly jarring, though it’s certainly not silent. The sound level seems appropriate for its suction power.
What Others Are Saying
After spending time with the Kenmore DU2012 myself, I peeked at reviews from other users online to see if my experiences aligned with theirs. Many appreciate its strong suction power, particularly for picking up pet hair on various floor types, and find the bagless design convenient for emptying. The lightweight nature is frequently mentioned as a plus for portability. However, a common theme in feedback mirrors my own observation about the swivel steering, with some users finding it too sensitive or “squirrelly.” Difficulties using the main unit on stairs and the hose sometimes detaching were also points raised by others, along with the lack of storage for all attachments. Overall, the sentiment seems positive regarding its core cleaning function and value for the price, despite a few design quirks that require adaptation or workarounds.
Final Thoughts on Tackling Dust and Pet Hair
Dealing with household dust, dirt, and especially pet hair is a constant chore that, if ignored, can negatively impact the cleanliness and air quality of your home. Having a capable vacuum cleaner is essential to keeping these problems at bay and maintaining a healthy living environment. The Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum DU2012 offers a compelling solution for many homes. Its powerful 2-motor suction system excels at lifting debris and pet hair from both carpet and hard floors, and the HEPA filtration is a significant benefit for allergy sufferers. Despite minor drawbacks like the sensitive swivel steering and challenges with stairs, the overall performance, combined with the convenience of the bagless design and relatively lightweight build, makes it a great fit for general household cleaning needs. If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile upright without the hassle of bags, click here to check out the Kenmore DU2012 Bagless Upright Vacuum and see if it’s the right vacuum for your home.