Toronto Teacher Mom: Dyson

Breathe Easy With the NEW Dyson Humidifier

Just when you thought Dyson engineers couldn't possibly get more innovative, they invent a humidifier unlike any other. The Dyson Humidifier is the newest fan technology to launch in Canada and with it comes state of the art technology that will have you thinking twice about your next humidifier purchase. We all know that dry household air can lead to dehydrated skin, blocked sinuses and an increased susceptibility to colds and flus. But have you ever thought about the potential bacteria that can breed inside your humidifier? It is one of the reasons why I recently tossed out my daughter's old humidifier. Instead, I will be taking advantage of the Ultraviolet Cleanse technology in our new Dyson Humidifier and rest assured that it will kill 99.9% of bacteria in the water.

Recalling how easy it was to assemble our Dyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier, I was eager to set up our Dyson Humidifier review unit until I saw there were a few extra parts to consider. I reviewed the manual to become better familiar with all the parts and followed the instructions for first time use. I filled the water tank with cool tap water and placed it on top of the base by holding onto the convenient red handle, then plugged in the unit.

After taking a brief moment to admire the beauty of its design, I watched as water trickled into the base.

Next, I placed the loop amplifier on top of the tank and pushed down until I heard a click.

I then turned on the Dyson Humidifier and waited approximately three minutes while the water passed over a UV-C emitter, ensuring that it was 99.9% bacteria-free. Once it started to mist, I adjusted the settings using the remote control which allows you control humidity target levels, increase or decrease air flow, set a sleep timer or toggle between humidifier and fan mode. There is also the option to switch to automatic mode which uses Intelligent Climate Control to measure both the temperature and moisture in the air to create a comfortable environment.

Our family loves the new Dyson Humidifier and the ability to switch between humidifier and fan modes. I also love how smart it is and that it makes it easy for me to maintain ideal humidity levels, similar to the Dyson Link App. We just need to make sure we stay on top of weekly and monthly cleaning. We also registered our unit to receive free 2 year parts and labour warranty, which is fantastic given the hefty $599.99 price tag.

Giveaway

To introduce you to this newest technology, Dyson will be attending The BabyTime Show at the Metro Convention Centre from November 11-13. The BabyTime show is a forum for families and parents-to-be to discover the latest and greatest in baby products and services, hear from parenting experts and enjoy toddler entertainment. This year, I have a set of two tickets* to give away so one lucky reader courtesy of Dyson! Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Tickets provide admission only. Transportation not included. Open to residents of Ontario.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Thursday, October 20, 2016
11 Comments

Dyson Pure Cool Link - The Coolest Air Purifier You'll Ever Own

Air Purifier

Back in university, a long, long time ago, I broke out in a bad case of hives. To this day, I am still unable to pinpoint the cause but discovered something new after being tested for allergies. The results showed that I was allergic to horse dander, cat dander and dust mites. I never had to worry so much about horses and cats since our family owned neither, nor was I terribly concerned about dust mites since my mother, who takes great pride in the cleanliness of her home, kept everything meticulously spotless. While I many not be able to share those same bragging rights, I have been able to rely on my Dyson DC78 Turbinehead Animal and my trusty new sidekick the Dyson V6 Mattress to help keep those dust mites at bay while vacuuming. And this spring, joining in the battle against my two arch nemeses - dust and allergens - is one of the coolest air purifiers I've ever laid my eyes on. Introducing the Dyson Pure Cool Link, an app-connected, intelligent machine that is just plain sexy.

Dyson Pure Cool Link uses the latest in fluid dynamics and filtration systems to remove ultrafine allergens, pollutants and odours. We're talking about fumes and gases from cleaning products, cooking and central heating, mould, pollen, bacteria, and viruses, in addition to other harmful particles that are virtually undetectable by the human eye. It relies on a 360° Glass HEPA filter that has been pleated over 200 times and can trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. In short, it does a pretty spectacular job of purifying the air in your home.

As if cleaner, purified air wasn't awesome enough, Dyson Pure Cool Link doubles as a cool fan during the warmer months. But get this: it can connect with the wifi in your home and, using three built-in sensors, it detects the indoor air quality level, temperature and humidity level, and reports to the Dyson Link App on your smart phone. And just when you thought it couldn't get any cooler, you can even control the Dyson Pure Cool Link purifier from your phone, even when you're not home!

The Dyson Link App allows you to:

monitor live air quality inside and outside your home
remotely control airflow speed, sleep timer, oscillation and other settings
view daily air quality data
quickly access troubleshooting guides

Setting up the Dyson Pure Cool Link was painless. I had my purifier up and running within minutes of removing it from the packaging. I particularly like how quiet it is compared to conventional fans and how I can tilt it forward or backward to adjust it to the perfect angle. The auto mode is also a nice feature since it can automatically react to the monitored air quality accordingly.

Dyson Pure Cool Link is now available on DysonCanada.ca as well as in select major retailers. The desk model featured above is currently listed at $499.99 and the tower model is listed at $599.99.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Thursday, May 19, 2016
14 Comments

Dyson V6 Mattress - My Superhero Sidekick

#cleansleep

Like many superheroes, I possess an alter ego who harbours an innate desire to make the world a better place. And by 'a better place', I mean a cleaner place. Scrubbing the grime off the bathtub, polishing the ceramic stovetop, dusting off the furniture, mopping the floors and removing fingerprints from the stainless steel appliances. As much as they can be tedious chores, very little brings me greater pleasure than the resulting shine of a polished surface. My favourite chore, however, is vacuuming. It has been for many years but even more so since I made the switch to the Dyson DC78 Turbinehead Animal. There is a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes wielding the power of a Dyson vacuum. Take the Dyson V6 Mattress, for example. This small handheld vacuum packs quite the punch, kind of like Batman's sidekick Robin.

If it weren't for a friend of mine, I never would have considered vacuuming our mattress. I knew it was the perfect place for dust mites to hang out and party while they feast on our dead skin cells. But I completed an allergy test years ago that showed I was allergic to dust mites so I had invested in a not-so-inexpensive mattress cover. Surely I haven't been sleeping in a bed that contains anywhere between 10,000 and two million dust mites and their product droppings. 'Cause that would be gross. Still, I agreed to test out the Dyson V6 Mattress just to be sure.

After removing the mattress cover, I decided to use the Boost mode for added suction given that this was the first time I had ever vacuumed my mattress. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed how much the Dyson V6 Mattress managed to remove. Some of it looked like fluffy bits of dust. Some of it looked like fine sand. I was half expecting it to be dark and dirty looking but it wasn't. Still, the amount of dust and particles in the bin shocked me. To think I could have been potentially inhaling these tiny particles every night, all night long... Shiver.

Luckily for me, I have a brand new sidekick to help me combat those evil mattress dwellers and purify the air all at once. The Dyson V6 Mattress is the first Dyson handheld to have a post-motor HEPA filter that captures over 99.97% of particles (0.3 microns in size which sounds really, really small). This includes allergens and bacteria.

The Dyson digital motor V6 is what gives this vacuum the most powerful suction of any cordless handheld vacuum. While the battery holds its charge for up to 20 minutes, the battery power is only used during vacuuming thanks to the run-time enhancing trigger. Plus, the motor is so powerful, it ensures that you don't have to vacuum the same spot twice. You will also recognize the 2 Tier Radial™ Cyclone Technology which is designed to fling dust out of the air and into the bin while separating the most microscopic particles. Included with the unit is a motorized mattress tool, a combination accessory tool and a crevice tool, making it perfect for vacuuming upholstery. The Dyson V6 Mattress is available at BestBuy.ca for $249.99 plus free shipping.

Unlike previous handheld vacuums that I've tried, the Dyson comes out on top in terms of quality, effectiveness and ease of use. It is also more lightweight and the unit doesn't overheat while in use making it comfortable to use. The quick release button also makes it easy to empty the bin with minimal fuss.

After vacuuming all of the mattresses in our home, I have sent off my sidekick on a special mission to my parents' place to capture all those nasty allergens and microscopic particles. I am confident Dyson V6 Mattress will be victorious. In fact, he will be making his rounds throughout the province ensuring that my family members will enjoy a #cleansleep. My hero!

So... when was the last time you vacuumed your mattress?

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015
6 Comments

Dear Dyson DC78, I Love You!

Cinetic Cyclone Technology

I have a confession to make. I've met someone else and he has stolen my heart. We've been together for quite some time now but I can't hide it from you any longer. He's tall, dark and easy on the eyes. I mean, he is chiseled to perfection! This guy really knows how to work the room, too. Some say he's a bit of an animal. But I believe he's easily misunderstood due to his hard exterior which hides his sensible yet complicated side. Every time I take him by the handle, I know everything is going to be alright, regardless of how messy things can get. The best part? He is very low maintenance. My friends, allow me to introduce you to my newest love interest - Dyson DC78 Turbinehead Animal.

Isn't he gorgeous? Dyson DC78 is the latest vacuum to hit the market that uses Dyson's patented Cinetic™ cyclone technology. (Try saying that five times fast!) That means it has 54 cyclones with high-frequency oscillating tips that extract microscopic particles but also vibrate to prevent the openings from clogging. These cyclones are so efficient at dust separation that they eliminate the need for filters to be washed or replaced. Plus, the air that is expelled comes out cleaner than the air you breathe. The best selling feature: it will never lose suction! In fact, the suction is so impressive that, after using my old canister (which happens to be a really good vacuum), the Dyson DC78 still managed to remove an incredible amount of dust and particles from a small area rug. It was amazing and yet horrifying to think that, after all these years, there was still so much my old vacuum had left behind.

This dust-eating machine features Dyson's latest Ball™ technology allowing it to turn on the spot. I'm telling ya, it curves like it's on rails! The ball is where you'll find all the fancy parts such as the electronics, motor, pre-motor filter and 6.5 metres of cable. With a low centre of gravity, it easily maintains stability. Both the power button and the cable retraction button are located on the ball as well as the button for removing the bin when it needs to be emptied.

The DC78 Turbinehead Animal comes with an articulating hardwood floor tool that has two curtains of soft nylon bristles. My favourite feature is its ability to pivot 180° and reach into awkward gaps between cupboards and furniture thanks to its ultra-slim profile. Also included: a tangle-free turbine tool, groom tool and a stiff bristle brush, which can be mounted directly onto the wand for quick and easy access. This wand is telescopic which makes it easy to adjust to your own height or to vacuum those hard-to-reach places.

Once the bin has reached capacity as indicated by the red line, all you need to do is press the grey bin release button. This will detach the handle and the bin will come free. Place the bin over a deep receptacle or waste bin and press the red button to release the cap on the bottom allowing the contents to fall out. Sometimes I have vacuumed for too long and the bin will be over capacity. This means that larger particles or strands of hair that are above the red line will not come out as easily. So I suggest that you empty your bin frequently.

When you are done ~~dancing~~ vacuuming with your Dyson DC78, you can reattach the carpet tool onto the wand. This tool is what allows you to attach the wand onto the ball by sliding it into a notch on the back for storage.

I think I need to update my LinkedIn profile as the CEV of the household. #ChiefExecutiveVacuumer #Dyson #selfie #LGG3moms

A photo posted by Diana (@torontomom) on Oct 4, 2014 at 1:10pm PDT