My mum always taught me that ‘if you buy cheap, you buy twice.’ And while I’ve come to appreciate that spending a little more for a quality home appliance pays off in the long run, I also love a bargain and will always try and save money where I can. That’s why I’m always looking at the ‘secret’ side of Dyson for a must-have deal.
Of course, as Ideal Home’s resident floorcare and air quality expert, the best Dyson vacuums and the best air purifiers always catch my eye. And although I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a big fan of the impressive engineering that makes this brand the crème de la crème, I often struggle to justify the price tag.After all, they’re not cheap.
But when I discovered a secret way to buy official Dyson products for less, I knew that I had to share the news with my family, friends… and now you. So, let me introduce you to Dyson Renewed.
What is Dyson Renewed?
Essentially, Dyson Renewed is the brand’s official purchase point for refurbished products, a feature also offered by other brands such as Dunelm through their hugely popular returns outlet. But the difference between Dunelm and Dyson is that the recommended RRP of the refurbished products is generally much higher, and you also get a bigger discount.
These discounts span across the best vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, the best fans, and even the brand’s sellout haircare range. And while it’s easy to find refurbished vacuum cleaners from other third-party retailers, the beauty of buying from Dyson Renewed is that it also offers a 35-day money-back returns policy and a one-year Dyson guarantee.
(Image credit: Future/Lauren Bradbury)
Rosie Walldock, Global Refurbishment Engineer at Dyson, told me, ‘Dyson Renewed offers expertly refurbished machines, including vacuum cleaners and purifiers, that perform just like new. Every product is meticulously serviced, hygienically cleaned, and rigorously tested to meet Dyson’s high standards of performance and reliability. By choosing a refurbished machine, you’re helping to extend its lifespan and reduce the need for new materials, all while maintaining a clean home and better air quality.’
Of course, it’s worth noting that these refurbished models aren’t going to be perfect. As they are refurbished machines that have been previously sold by Dyson and returned, they’ll often have small scuffs, scratches or other cosmetic imperfections that affect the exterior of the appliance. But Dyson will never resell something that hasn’t been checked and isn’t still in full working order.
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These refurbished models are also renewed with genuine Dyson parts, which is something third-party alternatives don’t do – and something our Renovations Editor, Sarah Handley, knows from first-hand experience is incredibly important.
(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)
She told me, ‘I’ve had my Dyson vacuum for more than 10 years, and during that time, I have replaced the brush head a couple of times. The first time, I bought an official Dyson replacement head, which lasted a good few years. But more recently, I bought a cheaper, non-branded version, and the first time I used it, I knew I’d made a mistake. Despite looking the same, it’s nowhere near as effective at picking up all the dirt and debris from the floor. I wish I’d paid a bit more and got an official Dyson part – I won’t make the same mistake again!’
Rosie also adds, ‘Each refurbished purifier also includes a brand-new filter to ensure optimal hygiene and performance.’ So, you can be confident that the appliance will still work as intended, albeit maybe not as beautifully as a brand-new model, but that’s a small price to pay for something that’s often hundreds of pounds cheaper.
(Image credit: Future/Lauren Bradbury)
Of course, the downside of this initiative is that stock levels—and the products available—are constantly changing. Case in point is that, at the time of writing, all of Dyson’s refurbished air purifiers have sold out completely on the brand’s website.
You can still buy air purifiers on Dyson’s official Renewed Outlet on eBay, though, as the stock is often different to the products you can purchase through the brand’s website. Because of this, it’s worth checking out both options to find what works best for you and your needs.
The best refurbished Dyson products to buy right now
Refurbished Dyson V8™ Absolute vacuum cleaner
This is one of my favourite Dyson vacuum cleaners, and although this refurbished model is cheaper than a brand-new model (the RRP is usually £399.99), it’s also on sale right now. So, it’s even cheaper!
Refurbished Dyson Pure Cool™ Autoreact purifying fan
The Dyson Pure Cool™ Autoreact fan is no longer available to buy brand new, but when it was, it would set you back £399.99. So, the fact that you can buy a refurbished model for £100 off is perfect for these late summer days. We seriously rate it, too.
Although we haven’t tested the Animal model, we have tested the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute, which offers an almost-identical run time and specs. It also comes with the precisely angled laser that we all know and love Dyson for.
As someone who has tested (and loved) the Dyson V12, I can safely say that the current £379.99 price point for a refurbished model is an absolute steal. After all, a brand new one will set you back 1p shy of £500.
We’re in the process of testing the Dyson V11 right now, but, on paper, it’s an ideal addition to your cleaning routine. It offers an XL cleaning head for busy homes, up to 60 minutes or run time, and touch-free bin emptying system.
One of my least favourite household chores is laundry. Firstly, because it never ends and secondly, because my tumble dryer spits out wrinkled, static clothes after taking ages to dry. But this is no longer a problem because I’ve found a simple, eco-friendly alternative that reduces drying time and leaves clothes wrinkle and static-free – dryer balls that are £5.95 on Amazon.
Laundry never feels like it’s finished, which is why I’m always looking for helpful ways that make the task a little easier. And if you don’t have one of the best irons, investing in affordable dryer balls can eliminate your need for one.
It’s a product that our Senior Editor and laundry expert Jenny McFarlane swears by, but if you need any more convincing, I’ve asked the experts exactly why you should be adding dryer balls to your laundry routine.
What are dryer balls?
Dryer balls are designed to bounce off the inside of your tumble dryer drum, increasing the air flow in your machine, reducing the drying time in the process. It can cost a lot to run a tumble dryer, so investing in dryer balls is a great way to save energy and money as you cut back the time the machine is in use.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
‘The bouncing action of these balls helps to separate clothes, preventing them from clumping together. This allows hot air to circulate better, resulting in a quicker drying time. Not only that, but your clothes will come out less creased, eliminating the need for ironing,’ says Gwil Snook, laundry expert at AO.
‘This trick works in all types of tumble dryers and is especially handy for bulky items like duvets or towels. Plus, the quicker drying time means you’ll use less energy, which is great for your wallet and the planet.’
Amazon’s Wool Tumble Dryer Balls are the dryer balls that Ideal Home’s Jenny MacFarlane uses. They’re made from soft, hypoallergenic wool and can last up to 1,000 washes. ‘Wool dryer balls have made drying laundry so much speedier in our house!’ she says.
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‘Plus, your clothes come out softer without the need for dryer sheets or softener. They’re also natural and reusable, so I’m feeling smug about being more eco-friendly.’’
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Wool is highly absorbent and durable, which makes it a far more sustainable option than dryer sheets.
‘Unlike dryer sheets, wool dryer balls are reusable, making them a more sustainable option. They’re expected to last around 1000 washing loads and should be replaced when the outer layer of felt has started to come apart,’ explains Matt Ayers, Appliance Expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances.
‘If you’re looking to add a fragrance to your dryer balls, it’s safe to add a few drops of essential oils to them. Make sure the fragrance isn’t alcohol based as this is a potential fire hazard.’
Swan
Lynsey’s Cleaning Range Wool Dryer Balls – 6 Pack
Dunelm
Pack of 2 Silicon Drying Balls
BARYAH
Baryah Wool Dryer Balls Xl Pack of 6
Of course, you could also invest in one of the best heated airers (a good idea ahead of autumn) if you’re looking to save energy, but dryer balls are a brilliant option if you have a busy family or simply can’t fulfil your laundry routine without your tumble dryer.
This summer has felt like heatwave after heatwave, and right now, my fan is rarely turned off. However, experts have warned that your fans could be adding more to your energy bills if you put them in the wrong place.
There’s no point investing in one of the best fans if you don’t position your fan in the right way. After all, if you’re not using it to the best of its ability, it will take longer to cool a room and contribute more to your energy bill.
Indeed, many modern fans are pretty energy efficient; however, with money tight for a lot of households, it’s important to know how to save money where you can. So, here’s how to position a fan to cool a room fast and save you a little cash in the process.
How much does a fan cost over summer?
The amount it costs to run the fan is, on average, around 8p an hour. However, this can rack up, and you could potentially see an extra £20 on your bills over the summer without feeling the benefit.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘If the weather maintains, using your fan for 8 hours a day for a month this summer will set you back around £2.45. However, if you were to have three fans in use at the same time across your house, this would cost £7.35 a month,’ explains Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct
‘The costs can really add up if you have multiple fans, you buy a more powerful fan that uses up more energy, or you run it consistently on a really high setting.’
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‘Positioning fans to create cross-ventilation, such as placing one near a window to draw in cooler air and another to push warm air out. This can improve airflow and comfort without relying on expensive air conditioning. If it’s cooler outside in the evening, place the fan near an open window to draw in the fresh air,’ says Katie Lilywhite, AO’s air treatment expert.
‘By using smart positioning instead of simply running fans on high all day, you can potentially cut your usage time in half, especially compared to the price of air conditioning.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Alongside positioning your fan correctly, you should also clean your fan regularly to make it as efficient as possible, and consider how and when you use it.
‘Having a fan on when you are not in the room is pointless. It may feel like they ‘cool’ a space, but most fans can’t actually change a room’s temperature and only make the room feel colder by moving the air around. It’s the breeze they create that brings some relief in hot weather,’ says Stephen.
‘If you only use your fan when you are in the room, then this will reduce running costs. The rest of your house won’t be worse off (warmer) for doing this either.
‘In general, it’s definitely worth only keeping these devices switched on when you need them, using a low power setting if you can, and also looking at the wattage of the fan you have bought so you’re not faced with a nasty shock when your energy bills arrive.’
MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator
This is Ideal Home‘s best-rated fan because our reviewer found it to be powerful, quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to use.
Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan
If you’re working to a budget, the Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan is one of the cheapest fans out there, which is no doubt why it’s one of Amazon’s bestselling fans.
John Lewis Handheld and Desk Fan
This handheld fan is a game-changer for staying cool on the go, and is also powerful enough to become a desk fan, too. Plus, it’s available in several fun colourways.
Do you have any other energy-saving tips for keeping cool?
Summer is well and truly here, and with another heatwave set to hit the UK this week, keeping cool is a must. But whether you’re desperately trying to keep the kids entertained in the garden or you’re hiding from the sun inside, it’s well worth having a fan by your side. Thankfully, the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor & Outdoor Fan & Outdoor Misting System (£219.99 at Shark) is currently on sale.
And with many of the best fans still out of stock after the previous hot weather, I’d suggest snapping this deal up as soon as you can. After all, this 4-in-1 cordless, indoor-outdoor misting fan has sold out before… and I can’t imagine it’ll be long before it sells out again.
Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor & Outdoor Fan & Outdoor Misting System FA300UK
This fan can be used as a full-size pedestal or tabletop fan, and can offer dry cooling or misting – and it’s well worth the price tag. But if it’s sold out by the time you read this, it’s also on sale for £220 at Argos.
One of the things I love most about the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist is the fact that it’s so customisable. It can be used as a full-size pedestal fan, or it can be turned into a tabletop model in the flick of a button – allowing it to rival one of the best desk fans, too. But that’s not all.
In ‘dry’ mode, this fan can help you and your family feel the breeze up to 20m away and last up to 24 hours on a single charge. It also offers five fan speeds, two SmartBreeze modes, 180-degree oscillation and even a tilting function.
(Image credit: Shark)
But when you attach the Outdoor Cooling System to the mix and switch to ‘misting’ mode, the cooling mist can reduce temperatures either indoors or outdoors by up to 6°C. And while this will undoubtedly use more energy, you can still enjoy up to 60 minutes of misting power on a single charge. Or, you can simply plug it in and enjoy constant cooling power.
As if that wasn’t enough, the fan is also whisper-quiet and comes with a remote control so you don’t even have to get off the sofa to enjoy it. If you’re interested, it also comes in a white colourway or a limited-edition black and gold colourway – and they’re both discounted, too.
(Image credit: Shark)
And while we haven’t tested this specific model at Ideal Home yet, we’re very familiar with it. In fact, the older version of this model – which came with a separate misting attachment rather than an in-built mister – previously won our ‘best garden innovation’ category in the Ideal Home Garden Awards in 2024. Our E-Commerce Editor, Lindsey, also uses the non-misting model in her bedroom and says it’s a ‘must-buy for hot sleepers.’
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But as I own the viral Shark HydroGo Misting Fan (which is constantly sold out), I can vouch for the fact that the misting function is a must-have for both indoor and outdoor use. In fact, it’s one of the only things helping me cope with the heat in my south-facing garden this summer, and now I couldn’t live without it.
I do find the HydroGo to be a little too small, though, so I’m definitely taking advantage of this deal for hosting this weekend.
Alternative fans to buy
MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator
Crowned the ‘best overall’ fan that we’ve tested, this Meaco offering is a little more affordable than the Shark. It can’t be used outside, but it is compact and portable for using around the house.
Dyson Purifier Cool PC1
Shark and Dyson are constantly compared with each other, and this is one of the best bladeless Dyson fans you can buy. It also serves as one of the best air purifiers, which is especially helpful if you suffer from hay fever.
Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan
If you’re really on a budget, we also rate this affordable fan. It’s an Amazon bestseller, and naturally doesn’t come with any bells or whistles. But it will cool you down during this heatwave.
Known and loved for his various hosting stints and chat show appearances, I didn’t think I’d be looking to Rylan for laundry room inspiration. But a recent Instagram reel from the TV star, showcasing his genius washer-dryer set up, stopped me in my tracks during my morning scroll, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
A washing machine and tumble dryer are two vital appliances for any home, but their bulky shape often leaves us wondering how to store appliances in a utility room, especially when space is at a premium. That’s why Rylan’s set up is so smart.
Rylan first shared a snippet of his laundry set up back in 2021, and even then it had people talking. His duo, double-drum machine is sleek and slim, a far cry from some of the bulkier options on the market. ‘Double-drum washing machines can boost the speed and efficiency of your laundry days,’ says Sarah Dempsey, cleaning and laundry expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk.
‘You can do two loads at the same time, effectively halving the time it takes to get everything washed. This is particularly handy for large families or those who want to get all the laundry washed and hung out before they leave the house in the morning,’ adds Sarah.
Rylan’s exact model is the HAIER Duo. While this machine is currently out of stock, Haier will likely be selling duo products again at the end of the year. ‘Our duo washer-dryer will let you wash two loads at once in separate drums, using different cycles, temperatures or spin speeds. That means no more mixing delicates with heavy laundry,’ shares Liam Cookson, product manager at Haier Europe.
What’s more, Rylan’s washer-dryer is stored neatly away in a dedicated laundry cupboard that blends in seamlessly with the rest of his room.
Pantry ideas have been all the rage this year, with people looking for easy ways to save space and reduce clutter in the kitchen. Rylan’s pantry-esque laundry cupboard achieves this same feel, creating a sleek storage space in his utility room. And, since 2021, his set up has evolved.
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In a recent video, Ryaln shows off his washing machine, now complete with a nifty shelf above it, housing labelled containers full of washing detergent and fabric conditioner, making it easier than ever to pop a load on.
Creating a laundry cupboard
If you want to follow in Rylan’s footsteps and store your washing machine out of sight, there’s a few things to consider.
‘A double-drum machine like Rylan’s can take up a lot of space. If you’re looking to create a laundry cupboard that includes a dryer, it would need to be quite large to accommodate everything,’ warns Sarah. ‘But, if you had a single-drum washer-dryer, you could fit everything into a more compact cupboard,’ she adds.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
However, if you do go ahead and replicate a laundry cupboard in your own home, it’s important to ensure that there is enough space around the appliance for adequate airflow. ‘If you keep your washing machine in a cupboard, make sure it has ventilation to avoid moisture build-up, and leave enough clearance for easy door access and airflow,’ advises Liam.
Remember that this space should make laundry days more efficient, and so the layout and fit of your appliance cupboard should reflect this. ‘Shelves, over-door racks and storage down the sides will enable you to stow your detergents, iron, and ironing board all in one cupboard, keeping everything organised and hidden away,’ suggests Sarah.
For a seamless finish, make sure your cabinetry finish matches the rest of the cupboards in your scheme. And think carefully about the type of doors you’d like – ‘push-to-open doors or pocket-style hinges give a sleek, unobtrusive finish,’ suggests Liam.
Laundry cupboard essentials
Amazon
Sunal Glass Jars for Laundry Room Organisation
Amazon
Pull Out Cabinet Organiser Drawer
Amazon
Collapsible Plastic Laundry Basket
Will you be taking inspiration from Rylan’s washing machine set up?