Nope, don't hand wash 'em and don't dry clean 'em (yech, all those stinky chemicals). I machine wash 'em. Of course, I have a front loading washing machine that has a very gentle cycle that works perfectly, but I have with intense supervision done it in a TL with fair success. I use just barely warm water; a gentle, specific for wool washing powder; a cycle with enough water and very gentle, short cycle, action and I carefully pre-spot, if necessary, and always turn the garment inside out and close the buttons, if any. But before you wash the item, take clean piece of paper (like unprinted newsprint) and draw (with a pencil not a pen which could bleed on to the garment) the exact outline of the sweater so after you get it out of the washer you can turn the garment right side out again and lay it out on the outline and block the sweater back to the right size. Then let it air dry, flat. You may need a teensy bit of touch-up ironing, but that's very rare. If you want to hand wash follow the instructions for machine washing, but just gently squeeze the suds through the garment, and rinse until the water is clear. Then roll the garment in a clean terry towel and gently press the excess water out. (If you're feeling adventurous after you've rinsed you can lay the garment in the base of the tub of your washing machine and run just a spin cycle to extract excess water so as to speed up drying.) I wash cashmere sweaters almost weekly since I live in a cool climate and wear sweaters a lot and I can't recall any disaster, but it's always possible. If you're worried, started with a gentle hand wash, then move on up to popping them (one at a time) into a machine if your machine has a suitable cycle. As for washing products: I routinely use Perwol powder (hard to find in US, but great); Delicare (a liquid that works fine in fls) and Eucalan liquid. Never, ever, use regular detergent whether liquid or powder, almost all are far too alkaline for any kind of wool, including goat hair like cashmere. Molly~

Omigosh, all your complaints about your Meile are just the opposite of my experience with them - although I don't have experience with the Costco model. The upward exhaust bugs me, too, if I get near it, but I like that it's not blowing across the floor moving dust bunnies before I can vacuum them. As far as awkwardness of the hose/handle, try lengthening or shortening the silver metal pieces and see if that makes it easier for you. I've had other canisters and my big complaint was that they'd tip on their sides at the drop of a hat, but I can say my meile has never, ever tipped. It is so easy to pull and flows easily around corners - just a tug on the hose releases it if it gets hung up before getting completely around a corner. One advantage to Costco shopping is they will let you return anything. If you can't make it work for you, take it back! Oops, just noticed this was a revived old thread. My response was for Jellytoast. Hopefully, it's resolved by now.

Wow, Raven. I didn't realize there was a container size difference between the colors. Unfortunately...the only color B,B & B had in stock was the purple and I need it a.s.a.p. so I had them hold it for me. The smaller container shouldn't be a problem but it's interesting that the sales person never mentioned that and I didn't see it in any of the on-line searches I did. See how valuable KT members are! Maybe they'll have the white back in stock by the time I get there and I'll have a look but I don't expect the smaller container will pose any problems. I have a pair of knees who complain constantly so my trips to the floor and mechanical maintenance are becoming less and less these days...and I hear ya. I had my very first bone density test done this morning and I was shocked to learn that my bones are less than they should be. Guess I'd better talk nicer to these knees. Even at the tender age of 80...I'm planning on needing them for a lot longer. Thanks for the heads up. :-)

I have the Dyson V8 animal and have been very pleased with it. Our upstairs is mostly wood and downstairs is mostly carpet, so we keep the Miele Cat and Dog upright down there. I do t use either very often but when I use the Miele I am struck with how heavy it is. I wish Miele would come out with a cordless model but until they do we will use the dyson.