I make my living by cleaning my house. spend the whole day with the vacuum cleaner in other people's houses. I find the most expensive one I use is the Rainbow. and it can cost around $3,000. (Those folks actually have two... one for each floor, kill me). Don't get me wrong, this is great. but . let me get practical Four children, a dog and a man. I had to sweep or vacuum every day (usually more than once). but between that $20 vacuum and my wet one, it's faster. I have no problem keeping my house clean. and my back thanks me. I have a powerful vacuum cleaner and I take it out about once a month. But that's really all you need. Clean it every time you use it. sometimes more than once. This vacuum cleaner is 100% amazing. I even vacuum my dog with it :D I'm in no way comparing it to a real vacuum cleaner. but if you use it properly, it can completely replace it :)