Miele feedback thread. Non-testers: Share your tips on living with allergies or what makes your perfect vacuum cleaner – Miele S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy to be won! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the 10 Mumsnetters who tried either the Miele S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy or the Miele S8 Silence Solution.

Here’s what Miele say, “Build quality and efficiency have always been at the forefront of our vacuum cleaner design, with improving your lifestyle at home as our goal. Our Hyclean dustbags are an important functionality of the Miele vacuum cleaner being the most effective way of keeping dust and dirt from re-entering your home. Each bag is made from a special kind of fleece that gives you nine layers of filtration designed to capture even the smallest of particles and its automatic hygiene shutter ensuring dust and bacteria is not expelled back into the air when you dispose of it, making it perfect for allergy sufferers.

Built with allergy sufferers in mind, the S8 Silence Solution and the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy detailed in this thread both feature our new HEPA 13 filter designed to remove up to 99.999% of particles* from the air making them perfect for all allergy sufferers including dust, pollen and asthma.

With all of these key features combined, the Miele vacuum cleaner system facilitates the capture of the smallest allergens that are not visible to the naked eye, such as bed bugs, dust mite and dust mite faeces that typically cause irritation.

(*according to IEC 60312)”

Non-testers: If you or any of your family have any allergies, what tips do you have to make living with allergies a bit easier, be they inside or outside the home? If you, or any of your family, don’t have any allergies tell us about what would make your perfect vacuum cleaner. What does your vacuum cleaner not do which you think it should? Whatever it is, tell us about it!

Everyone who adds their comments will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a Miele S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy.

Testers: Thanks for testing out one of the Miele vacuum cleaners. Please answer the questions below to give us your feedback. Of course, feel free to add any other comments you may have as well.

Q1. Which Miele vacuum cleaner did you try, the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy or the S8 Silence Solution? What was your overall impression?
Q2. How effective did you think the vacuum cleaner was in helping to prevent allergic reactions in the home?
Q3. How quiet or noisy did you find the vacuum cleaner? Would you be happy to vacuum clean while someone in your home was asleep without being afraid of waking them up, or not?
Q4. Would you recommend the Miele vacuum cleaner which you tried to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Please also post a review of your Miele in the review section of Mumsnet here.

Thanks,

MNHQ

Non-tester

We are very lucky as a family as none of us have any allergies, so I can't really answer that question

My perfect vacuum cleaner would be lightweight & compact, so that it handles & stores easily. We have mainly wood & laminate floors, so it would glide over those, but also have a setting for carpet where needed. It would also be great if the machine could incorporate some kind of mopping function. Cordless ability would be a plus. Finally, it would last more than 2 years, unlike my latest machines!

Sorry I'm late! Missed the delivery and total pita picking if up. But it's here and I'm sooo excited!! The toddler has already crumbled the polystyrene packaging all over the floor to give me some extra testing material! Will do my proper review tonight

Non-tester - We have a range of allergies in our family, from dust to fragrances.

Myself and my children mainly suffer with skin allergies so we tend to buy products that are natural and scent free - simple (the brand) products seem to suit us the best, and it is the only sun cream that does not bring my eldest out in hives.

My husband suffers with dust allergies so we make sure we clean and vacuum areas which gather dust daily.

My perfect vacuum would work on multiple surfaces, be silent, be easy to empty, and have powerful suction.

Non-tester.

Just wanted to add - It would be amazing if they made a vacuum with a built in radio/music system. I love to listen to music as I clean and it's a PITA carrying a music player around the house while I vacuum :)

Non-tester:

I have hay fever (tree pollen variety) & dust-mite allergy too - keeping clutter to a minimum helps, have leather sofas & laminate downstairs which make a big difference. Probably should vacuum a bit more than I do - but my Dyson is large & heavy. Dusting with a damp cloth is good; keeping the windows closed helps especially in our bedroom where DH insisted on keeping them open. Bit after a few days of waking up at night or having water streaming out of my eyes and masses of sneezing - he agreed it was best to keep them closed.

Q1. Which Miele vacuum cleaner did you try, the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy or the S8 Silence Solution? What was your overall impression?

I tried the Silence Solution - thanks! My impression was very positive. The design is lovely and it didn't feel cheap or flimsy like some vacuum cleaners do. It gave good suction and picked up an embarrassing amount of dust from my rug

Q2. How effective did you think the vacuum cleaner was in helping to prevent allergic reactions in the home?

It's hard to judge because obviously I had no 'control' to measure it against. It certainly did a good job of picking up dog hair and dust. I was unsure about using a bagged cleaner (I have used bagless for years) but I can see the benefit of the bags, usually I end up with a face full of dust when I empty the vacuum!

Q3. How quiet or noisy did you find the vacuum cleaner? Would you be happy to vacuum clean while someone in your home was asleep without being afraid of waking them up, or not?

I was really impressed with how quiet it was. Certainly it didn't wake my kids up when I tried it! I don't think I'd specifically buy a 'quiet' vacuum as the build quality and power are more important but it's a nice extra feature.

Q4. Would you recommend the Miele vacuum cleaner which you tried to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
It would depend on price and particularly how much the bags cost, I think. If someone had a severe dust allergy I would recommend it, otherwise it might be a pain having to get hold of the bags. That's the only downside of it, it really is a great vacuum in terms of performance.

Q1. Which Miele vacuum cleaner did you try, the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy or the S8 Silence Solution? What was your overall impression?

I received the S8 Silence Solution. I was very happy to get a blue one, as that's my favourite colour. I think it looks solidly built and I was quite interested in all the different buttons and features. I love how long the brush is and I was childishly excited by how I could suck the power cable back into the machine at the press of a button! The power cable is also really long, so I don't have to keep plugging it into different sockets as I move around the rooms of my flat. It was very easy to use. I can press the buttons with my toes(probably not recommended), I feel like it's easier to push and pull about the floor than our old upright.

Q2. How effective did you think the vacuum cleaner was in helping to prevent allergic reactions in the home?
My husband refuses to vacuum as our previous cleaner seemed to chuck dust back into the room, and it always smells a bit funny after I've used it. With the Miele one, I couldn't smell anything and I don't think dust was coming back out. I think this will help hugely with the dust allergy and will remove at least one of his excuses for refusing to clean!
Q3. How quiet or noisy did you find the vacuum cleaner? Would you be happy to vacuum clean while someone in your home was asleep without being afraid of waking them up, or not?
I tried vacuuming whilst my son was asleep. I wasn't brave enough to go into his room, but I cleaned the hall outside and he didn't stir. This is excellent, as he is definitely not sleeping as deeply or for as long as he did when he was tiny.
Q4. Would you recommend the Miele vacuum cleaner which you tried to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, I would. It's picking dust up on the first pass over the floor, rather than me feeling like I have to really work at heaving it backwards and forwards.

Ps, sorry it's taken so long - my baby came down with a cold and 40 degree c fever, so there hasn't been much housework done in the last week! He's nearly better now, so I'm catching up. Yay, cleaning :(

Non tester but would love to win one.

I'm allergic to dust and paper so need to vacuum frequently, more so once the hedge is in leaf!

My ideal vacuum needs to be light, high suction with minimal blowout, easy to empty - no bags, washable filters, long lead, easy to store, quiet, well made and good reliable brand.

Non-Tester I have 4 cats a toddler and a pre-teen so good suction is essential. I also have a bad back, so a lightweight vacuum to get up and down the stairs would be so helpful

My husband has hay fever and we find local (not just any) honey works a treat

Q1. Which Miele vacuum cleaner did you try, the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy or the S8 Silence Solution? What was your overall impression?

I tried the S8 Silence Solution and thought it was brilliant!

Q2. How effective did you think the vacuum cleaner was in helping to prevent allergic reactions in the home?

Both DSS and DH have allergic asthma to house dust, and DSS get hay fever too. I found the vacuum definitely made a difference. We've recently moved house and there's been a fair bit of dust kicked up by moving boxes and furniture around and DH was complaining of feeling 'chesty', but since I've used the vacuum a few times, he's said he can feel the difference. We've also had the back doors open a lot with the nice weather and I've vacuumed after closing them in the evening and DSS hay fever hasn't been as bad, IMO.

Q3. How quiet or noisy did you find the vacuum cleaner? Would you be happy to vacuum clean while someone in your home was asleep without being afraid of waking them up, or not?

The vacuum is very quite! I did use it whilst DSS was asleep, but only downstairs, I still didn't feel quite brave enough to vacuum outside his bedroom door.

Q4. Would you recommend the Miele vacuum cleaner which you tried to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I already have recommended it to my mum a couple of colleagues and anyone who will listen! It's quite, efficient and works.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to test this fantastic product!

I've been testing mine for a week now over the Easter Hols. (It got posted to a neighbour who then went away for the weekend sigh)

I am enjoying it. I think it's a great vaccuum. I am not sure if its as good on tile as the Dyson though.

I have people staying that leave tomorrow- they're taking their dog with them.... I will be putting it all to the test tomorrow. Plus the comparative noise test (video to follow...)

My floors have never been cleaner... But I'm not sure if its because of the new vacuum or because I am still whiz zing around with it out of the novelty of it all!

Will answer the Q &A questions tomorrow as well

non-tester
Make sure you wash bedding at 60 degrees and tumble dry to get rid of allergans like pollen, dust mites and bed bugs (!)

non-tester

When you change the bedclothes, hoover the matress

I have a son with a range of allergies mainly food, asthma, dust mites and fragrances. Also we keep an air filter in his room and this has helped his asthma and allergic rhinititis

my 10mo has currently in a flare up of atopic eczema, not something I have experienced before but im now armed with emollient creams and bath additives and I'm interested to read up about banishing dust mites as the next few years might be spent tackling flare ups

Adding to my review, have been testing vigorously the Miele S8 Silence Solution for the last week and have managed to fill the bag. I have pulled everything out and vacuumed behind beds, cupboards etc. I have to say am still very impressed. Even on the lowest setting it picks up more than my old Henry vac. The attachments are great and always at hand. I also love that I can now (safely) vacuum my bathroom without getting a shock as the handle has a strip that stops the static from talcum powder. My DH vaccumed the car and said was also great as could put the vacuum in the car and get into all the nooks and cranny's. Also DD has developed Hay fever the last week so have been vacuuming around her room, curtains bedding etc after I shut the windows before bed. I think it has helped as she's not sneezing and snuffling as much. Would definitely recommend.

Non Tester:
Cope with daughter's hay fever by keeping windows closed at dusk as the air settles. Not drying her clothes or bedding outside in the summer. Damp dust all rooms.

Recently acquired new dog who sheds hair a lot more than our previous dog, so I'm vacuuming much more regularly now. I like a long cable on my vacuum as I don't have many power sockets! Also one that is easy to empty and not too heavy.

Non-tester and no allergies...

My perfect vacuum cleaner would be lightweight but with a big capacity so it doesn't need emptying too often. Good attachments are vital for cleaning edges and small areas. Some very fine, flexible attachments for cleaning down the side of the car seats would be good. Something to help clean the actual car seats too, either wet or dry, would be greatly appreciated.

Q1. Which Miele vacuum cleaner did you try, the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy or the S8 Silence Solution? What was your overall impression?

I'm testing the S8 Silence Plus EcoLine Allergy. This was sooo exciting!! Must admit that anything would seem pretty good in comparison to what I was using before - and our upstairs carpets were filthy so I gave it a v thorough workout!
I love it. It looks gorgeous (does that sound mad?! - as far as a vacuum can!). There be nozzles!! And I love the wee compartment they live in - very cool and can be popped open one handed.
Easy to put together and figure out how to work without bothering to read the instructions properly
And it works! Used it on the laminate downstairs and the disgraceful cheapo carpet upstairs - suction is so strong (on max - you can dial it up/down) it was pulling up our crappy carpet. Which now looks a completely different colour, and very slightly less crappy. Coped admirably with my v long hair which seems to get everywhere and our last vacuum just willfully ignored. Love it.
Also fab for stairs - the cable is very long so can get more than half way up, and it's thin enough to sit on a stair so you can take it up with you, if you know what I mean

Q2. How effective did you think the vacuum cleaner was in helping to prevent allergic reactions in the home?

I usually need all the windows open to hoover and still cough but there seems to be absolutely no dust in the air while using it. The toddler was noticeably less wheezy at night after a thorough room hoover/dust. The biggest test will be DP who has a pretty bad dust allergy, allergic rhinitis, hayfever and probable cat allergy. Only been 4 days so can't tell for sure but we haven't had the 20 minute long sneezing session on waking since I did our room, so I would say very effective.

Q3. How quiet or noisy did you find the vacuum cleaner? Would you be happy to vacuum clean while someone in your home was asleep without being afraid of waking them up, or not?

It's unbelievably quiet! DD who is terrified of vacuums/hair dryers etc actually held on and "helped" me. I would definitely make DP vacuum clean in the evening, although possibly not in DD's actual room as she's murder to settle and would be too scared to risk it. Everywhere else though, which is fab as it's actually a better time to get things done.
And tbh it's so quiet I probably would get away with it in her room too. Even the cat doesn't find it as traumatic as usual!

Q4. Would you recommend the Miele vacuum cleaner which you tried to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Absolutely, already have to anyone who'll listen actually! Because it's lovely, quiet, doesn't make the house smell all 'hoovery' and most importantly actually sucks everything up! Thanks so much for letting me try it

Non-tester :

1- If you or any of your family have any allergies, what tips do you have to make living with allergies a bit easier, be they inside or outside the home?

I make sure I clean my home everyday when my kids are at school. Also, most of the time the doors and windows are kept closed. I also make sure that my kids wash their hands and feet every time they enter home from outside.

2- If you, or any of your family, don’t have any allergies tell us about what would make your perfect vacuum cleaner. What does your vacuum cleaner not do which you think it should? Whatever it is, tell us about it!

I want a vacuum cleaner that does the job quiet. I don't like using a hoover that screams as and when it works. Also, I hate cleaning the dust accumulation every now and then. What if there was a vacuum cleaner that break down the dust particles (a little larger particles) to make space for more hoovering. I also like to see a vacuum cleaner that comes with a easy disposable hoover bags (it avoids opening up the bag to clean it up as well as spreading of dusts when opened).

I use a cyclone vaccuum and the thing that bothers me is the cloud of dust that is created when I empty the receptacle and the grime that clings to the sides afterwards. What are the solutions for those two issues?

Tester update:

Our cleaner came round yesterday and used the S8 Silence Solution. I was in the next room feeding my son, not aware of exactly what she was doing, and it was so quiet I honestly thought it was a light rain shower.

I showed my mum when she came over at the weekend, and we stood it next to my Dyson and we both thought the design and quality of materials of the Miele model put the Dyson to shame. It'll be a pain getting bags for it, but I think it's worth it for the difference it's made to the dust and the colour of my rugs!

Non-tester
I didn't find my perfect vacuum cleaner as yet. Currently I use Henry but I am not 100% happy with it - it has a great suction but with 4 pets it does struggle with per hairs at times.
We have a child with allergies. We use purifier and try to keep house more clean that usually. We also air the bedding at least once a week (weather permitted) and try to pick a day with stronger wind. It helps a lot with a sleeping routine.

i agree with all you have said Bankholidaybaby re the cleaner (save the bit about the cleaner as we don't have one)! It really is so quiet and I love it.

I have just sorted the 10 yr guarantee so that says something about the fact that I do love it. I thought that £50 for 10 years was very reasonable too.

I agree that buying bags is a pain but that is probably because I have been spoilt with a Dyson. Although, my Dyson does not work in any way as well as it used to. Miele claim that the vacuums should work as well in 10 years time as they do know. We will have to wait and see...

Still very happy with it :)