The Vacuum Saga Continues

I know I seem a little obsessed with my Electrolux (or specifically its filter), but really, this piece of equipment plays a major role in my everyday life. When we "lost" the main filter (meaning, somebody threw it out), I nearly lost my mind trying to get a new one. See earlier post(s) on this subject. Somewhat stupidly, at least in hindsight, I kept using the vacuum with just the fine filter. Eventually it stopped working properly. The motor struggled. I had pretty much ruined it. And while I loathe to cast blame when my own actions are clearly at fault, I feel quite strongly that the store that tried for 6 months to order me the correct part before finally going out of business is also partially to blame. Really, they just suck. Which is probably why they went out of business. But I've already blogged about that. This post is the continuation.

After accepting the sad fact that my Electrolux was rendered useless by my inability to replace a $2.99 filter, I finally made the difficult decision to buy a new one for approximately $100. So I stopped at Canadian Tire, a little bit excited by the prospect of ending my days with a dust pan and broom, only to discover that they only carry a bright orange model. A slight setback, but I remained undeterred. I bought my original black model at Costco, and even though I didn't see any the last time I was there, I was confident they still had some hidden away somewhere in their giant warehouse. No. I was wrong. Okay... so this wasn't looking so good. Suddenly my beautiful and rare charcoal coloured Electrolux that was sitting with the garbage in the garage was acquiring new value.

In a fit of desperation I decided to call Customer Service a second time. The first time they had directed me to the now-defunct retailer to replace my filter. I looked up the number. It was toll-free, but apparently Customer Service was only available Monday - Thursday, and then Saturday and Sunday. It was, of course, Friday. I called anyway. (As I said, I was desperate.) To my shock and delight, someone answered. And after hearing my woeful tale, he offered to send me a free filter. Where was he 6 months ago? I realize a free filter is most likely too little, too late; but still. There's a slight chance it might work. There's a slight chance I can revive the Electrolux. After all, no one was supposed to answer the phone on a Thursday. And when I tried to turn the Electrolux on, it didn't make the same terrible whining noise it made the last time. Maybe, just maybe, the motor isn't ruined.

But I won't try using it until I have that new filter. And I won't get excited about the filter until I have it in my hands and know that it actually fits into my obviously unique model. And even then, I won't get excited until I successfully suck up a pile of spilled Cheerios...