Things you're holding off buying because you don't know if they're worth it

[Insidelaurashed]

I've been holding off buying a hand held steam cleaner (I have a chronic pain condition so if it helps make cleaning physically easier, great!) as I'm not sure if they're as good as the Tiktok reviews I keep seeing say they are. I thought Mumsnet would be good to ask as everyone is very honest on here, and then I thought maybe a thread where we post the thing we're unsure of so others can say yeah actually that's decent, buy it-or not-might be a good idea?

Anyone using a steam cleaner, are they decent? Anyone else got things they're unsure if they're worth the cost that they'd like an opinion on?

DH got me a Shark hair dryer. It overheats & there isnt any way to clean the filter. I complained to shark after 11 months & they sent out a new one.... which done the same.

I bought a £30 Babyliss one which works fab!

Vax pet spot carpet cleaner. I don't have pets but I've seen it work magic on carpet stains so considering investing.

Water flosser. I hate string floss, wondering if this might be better.

@RandomchatI love my ebike but I’m still too lazy to get it out and use it! I would get a reputable brand (they are very expensive but a good one is worth it) and one with a removable battery so you only have to bring the battery in to charge it, not the whole bike.

Heated airer, there’s one in Aldi for £89.99 at the moment but I don’t know if it’s any good

I’ve just bought a hand held steam cleaner after being influenced by TikTok. I’ve not used it yet but will update when I have.

I use my Kindle all the time. If you love reading I think it’s a must have. It’s so lovely to be able to finish a book and buy another one straight away. It’s also much easier for travel.

Try searching " cushion for tailbone pain" or "coccyx cushion". Not a wedge, but contoured with a cut out at the back to relieve pressure on the spine. Got one post surgery, use mine in the car - get out after a 4+ hour journey and not at all stiff or painful!

I love my kindle and lumea. I would replace them instantly if either broke

A really nice watch. My dad died over two years ago and I inherited a substantial amount of money. A watch is the only thing I wear all the time, I don't wear hardly any jewellery, stud earrings and a small ring, that's it. I don't like bracelets or necklaces.

A watch is never off my wrist unless in the shower. I've looked at lots of the luxury brands but I just can't decide 1) which one to buy or 2) I can only wear one watch at a time and I still like my inexpensive Skagen watch bought about seven years ago.

Asked the dentist about the water flosser - he said it wasn't useful/effective, and to use interdental brushes or floss instead.

We recently got the Dyson hairdryer - love it. It dries hair a lot quicker than a regular hairdryer. I would add it is a little heavy, but I'm really happy with it and I've had compliments on my shiny hair.

I have been contemplating a travel steamer and I would really welcome recommendations for ones that you can travel with, but most importantly, actually work to steam clothes. I've been disappointed with a larger Tefal one. Complete waste of money.

Go for the sleep headphones. Game changer.

You’re supposed to wash them? 🤦🏻‍♀️

We have had a smart meter for a good few years. Never had a problem, and saves hassle. We are with Octopus who fitted it

For me, a phone us far too small to read a book on. The odd MN thread, WhatsApp, etc. but not page after page of a book.

I could not be without my Kindle, even moreso since I got a back-lit one I can read in bed. Haven't picked up sn actual book in years!

Worked brilliantly for me. Haven't had to shave my armpits or legs for years. I have pale skin and dark hair, which is supposed to be the best combo for it.

My robo hoover is upstairs at the minute doing the bedrooms whilst I browse MN. I’d never go back. And it was the cheapest Eufy and I’ve had it about 3 years now.

Kindle is another must have in my life. I cannot read books in bed - too uncomfortable- and have a Paperwhite so I can read on whilst DH sleeps. I can’t believe I ever packed six real books for a 2 week holiday. I have just downloaded 15 from Kindle Unlimited for my hols. And if my eyes are a bit tired, I just make the print bigger.

I have just invested in a hand held steam cleaner and now I hang stuff when it comes out of the dryer, Immediately steam it and put it into the wardrobe. But There’s only me and DH and we don’t have a lot that needs doing ( retired so no work shirts, school uniform etc. I don’t think it’s great if you have loads and it needs water every 3/4 garments. But I no longer have a ‘to do’ pile.

I want a robo lawnmower but am hoping they’ll get cheaper in the next few years. And then a robo DH …

I love my Shark hairdryer. The anti frizz attachment is a game changer. I’ve not needed to use my straighteners since I got it. It’s fast and efficient and small!

Download the kindle App onto a tablet or phone and try it out first. I personally don’t have a kindle anymore as for the same price I could have a 7 inch Samsung tablet that I could use for multiple functions. I still read physical books but I can take out my phone if I’m sat waiting for an app and carrying on reading the book I was reading as it syncs across devices

Lumea - I do think it works if you’re consistent with it. I used it before pregnancy and now several years later my leg hair is still patchy so some follicles clearly never recover. I am pale with relatively dark hair.
Robot hoover - great if you’re good at not having small things on the floor and have hard floors.
Water flosser - I love it. I read recently to use that, then electric toothbrush, then string floss and my teeth have never felt so clean.
Window vac - good if you have windows that get condensation, but I don’t use it for anything else.
Steam Cleaner - bit of a faff but it was great on our old kitchen floor. Never very impressed with results on grout/limescale though. And now I’ve moved I can’t use it on the flooring.

I would like to know if the electric scrubbing brushes for bathrooms are any good? Especially the long handle ones. I live in a hard water area and have a shower cubicle and I hate having to get in there to clean it.

Unimpressed with the water flosser - even kids with braces didn't like them.

Dh gets on better with floss harps and I found expanding floss works much better than usual floss that and dental brushes.

Same with the sleep band headphones. They don't work their way down but have worked their way up and off say 5 or 10 times in the 4 years I've been wearing them most nights as the neighbours kick off their music.

Remember to wash the band occasionally and remove the speakers before doing so incase you have any poorly ear issues and the grease etc from hair and face.

They've been great at blocking the light out too during that time of the year, the only issue I have occasionally is that they're a bit hot to wear during the summer.

Can I ask what type of hair do you have?