Cool Tool Monday: Eye Vac

I don't know who started Cool Tool Monday, but I learned about it from Wendy of Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life. It's fun to read about what other folks consider a useful tool, so I'm joining in.

I first saw an Eye Vac automatic vacuum cleaner at a hair salon. The stylist used a broom to whisk my hair clippings into the base of this little black box, and WHOOSH! It all disappeared. I went home and immediately told DH Sean that we were getting one ASAP.

In this video, I demonstrate how simple it is to use. Just sweep the dirt up near the bottom of the machine, and it automatically starts, runs for several seconds, then turns off. I used little pieces of paper to make it easier to see the vacuum action. I also pulled it away from the wall for a better video angle. But normally it stays tucked in a corner and doesn't move.



Our Eye Vac sits right next to the cat-sized hole that leads to the litter box. Angel always tracks a few bits of litter out onto the wood floor, and I used to use a dust pan and brush to clean that up. Because that involved bending over to reach the dust pan, then carrying it through the kitchen to the garbage can, and I'm pretty lazy, cleaning didn't happen as often as it should. But now, it's so fun to make the Eye Vac go WHOOSH! that I use it every day. The dirt goes into a bin with a filter. To empty the bin, it tilts forward and away, and can easily be dumped into the trash.

OK, quilters: Imagine having one of these handy dandy robotic friends in your quilt room to suck up all the bits of thread and quilt lint that always ends up on the floor. I think this would be a neat addition to a quilt studio with tile, vinyl, or hardwood floors. Obviously, this isn't going to work if you have carpet. My sewing room is carpeted, alas, or I would have my Eye Vac down there in a hot second. Meanwhile, it's doing a great job with the cat litter, and anything else that needs sweeping up from our pilot house and galley.

 

I've seen these for sale on Amazon and eBay, and they come in either black or white. Typical price is around $100, which isn't cheap. But the hair stylist told me theirs has been working like a champ for over a year, and I can tell you it's a sturdy, well made machine. And it doesn't look like a vacuum cleaner, so I don't mind having it out in plain view all the time.