Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum

Price: £129.99/£149.99 (Animal)

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2009

Are dirty footmarks in carpeted footwells set to become a thing of the past? Dyson certainly thinks so. Its latest portable vacuum is its most powerful ever, with a motor that spins at over 100,000rpm – five times faster than a Formula One engine.

The DC31 uses what the firm calls Root Cyclone technology to spin dust and dirt out of the air. It weighs less than 1.32kg, and has a simple button release to empty the chamber. Because car vacs tend to clog up and lose suction between empties, this one has been designed with a lifetime filter and internal dirt trap to ensure debris is picked up without compromising performance.

Fully charged, the battery powers up to 10 minutes of suction, providing the portability of a carry vac with the power to remove muddy prints from carpet. Buyers can even specify a special Animal version, complete with a motorised brushbar, for collecting pet hairs.

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* Maker’s claim: “The DC31 and DC31 Animal handheld cleaners are small, light machines. They have a 10-minute battery life, and deliver constant, strong suction.”