Like any other normal person on Christmas day there comes a point in the day when you think…“I wonder if the Amazon sales have started yet?”
And so as luck would have it, while I surreptitiously got my fix on the iPhone in the kitchen I saw before me they had “70% off Jewellery”, “60% off books” and “50% off Home & Garden”. Unfortunately, being a landlord means the conscience pricks in – and I always seem to find myself choosing the sensible option over the more interesting option. So while I was rather tempted by the pretty, glittering diamonds of the 70% cheaper necklaces, I found myself clicking through on the discounted vacuum cleaner icon.
I know it’s sad.
It gets worse.
I have to admit I got excited.
Like some kind of porn addict I find myself salivating over the carpet cleaners and the reviews of a Vax W90-RU-B Rapide Ultra Upright Carpet and Upholstery Washer
“This is an awesome bit of kit. It totally rejuvenated an old carpet. It is a cinch to set up from the box and just works right away. I was amazed at just how good it was”
“Used the washer to clean a cream carpet in my sons bedroom which I thought was ready for the skip-after two washes the carpet came up like new”
“All in all, I can’t praise this machine enough…The results are splendid”
“IT WAS WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY I PAID FOR IT.
F A N T A S T IC”
“I decided to buy this model…i have to say I LOVE IT!!
“The carpet has come up like new. Tea, coffee, wine and other random stains and dirt have all been removed effectively and the carpet is lovely and clean”
“I would certainly recommend this cleaner, it is lightweight, easy to fill and empty and can even tackle the most ‘horrid’ of stains”
“It took no time at all to clean the carpet with amazing results”
“I am very pleased with the results, my carpet looks like new and I would highly recommend this product specially if you have children, cats or dogs”
I scoured the reviews for any landlords who may have bought…children, pets and wine stains are one thing – but how about tenants?
But I was bowled over by “Reviewer Love”. I daydreamed about “as new” carpets, about not “skipping” carpets, about not keeping Carpet Right’s share price afloat in 2012.
And then before me – on eBay- I saw my Christmas present sent from Landlord Heaven: a Vax W90-RU-B Rapide Ultra, used once, 6 months old, located down the road in Cambridge and with a starting price of just 99p!
But what to do – the eBay auction had 9 days left to run, but the Amazon half price deal had only 8 days left…with limited stock.
And, of course, every person on the planet would want to buy one of these Vax machines when they read the reviews. How could I be sure that I wouldn’t miss the deal of the century? If I didn’t buy now I may end up Vax-less! I knew if I didn’t buy it right at that moment my Christmas would be filled with regret and 2012 would be awash with purchasing new carpets.
Fuelled by Christmas spirit and my then decided New Year’s Resolution to “buy less carpet” I quickly emailed the eBay seller explaining my predicament with the Amazon sales and his auction end date and emphasizing my need to buy this miracle machine. Obviously, the seller was equally bored of the Christmas day festivities and had replied within moments. After a quick-fire text exchange I am soon-to-be the proud new owner of a Vax W90-RU-B Rapide Ultra!
And so I have collected the miracle machine aka Vax W90-RU-B Rapide Ultra and it is soon to be put through it’s paces with it’s first tenant house this weekend. I feel it’s a fair test – a property which until recently housed a single mother with 9 children (no kidding!). And I am looking forward to the promised vision of “as new” carpets which will be as sparkling and as glossy as a raven haired beauty on a L’Oreal shampoo advert. Of course, I know this carpet cleaner won’t change my life…but in it’s own way I am expecting my own little Christmas miracle.
To Be Continued.
Diane
I too have seen the Amazon sale and couldn’t see anything I wanted. Hadn’t thought of looking at vacuum cleaners though. Made my way through to the books section where I discovered some Perennial Vegetable books I quite fancy.
Make sure you take some photos of before and after your hard work! Don’t forget to tell us how long it takes too! How dry it leaves the carpets is always a worry. They have a rug doctor stand at the supermarket near me but haven’t tried it.
Sam
Yes – will ensure I get good before after photos and will ensure you get a proper review from the perspective of a landlord (and one who is hoping this purchase will save me having to buy more carpets for a while!!)
Hmolandlady
Carpets! The bain of my life and it makes me (almost) to want to buy a carpet shop. I bought a George cleaner (brother of Henry) but it wasn’t really up to the job of getting rid of unidentified stains.
It’ll be interesting to hear the results…….. Landlording is just so glamorous, isn’t it?!
Sam
Ooh now I had not thought about investing in a carpet shop…the company I use are always busy…you may be onto something there!!