What features to look for in a hand held hoover thingy?

[canichangemymind]

Since having stair gates up our narrow stairway is an even bigger ball ache to clean these days so have decided to buy one of the above. Plus whenever we get the Betterware book they always look like one of those things we should own.

Any suggestions for features that are ace? We have no pets but since DD arrived 1.5 years ago my own hair is molting like a very hairy dog.

Having to type and run to nip out but promise will visit soon!

Thanks xx

[canichangemymind]

Just to clarify, hair on my HEAD is molting!

[StepSideways]

If the hose is long enough on a wheelie hoover you may be able to get away with hooving from the top of the stairs, then talking it to the bottom and hoovering from there, which works quite well for me.

If your bent on getting a hand held thing then personally the more powerful the better, and of course has to have a bristly head for bushing up the fur! Also bagless is the way to go.

Still, you really might want to consider a bagless wheely one because you may be able to avoid a lot of effort carrying a handheld and it would be a lot more all round versatile.

[FourArms]

I've got a Dyson handheld hoover. It's fab, but the battery life on mine (6m) isn't great.

[uberalice]

I had one of the Black and Decker ones and it was rubbish. You'd charge it up for hours and it would hoover feebly for a few minutes if you were lucky.

[mablemurple]

Try before you buy, if you can - I have one that makes my ears bleed, it's so loud .

[LoveBeingAMummy]

I love my dyson.