It's a tool. Like all tools it needs to be used properly to work properly. I like it so much that I bought a second for our camper. It will clean up to an edge if you go head on, not along the side. It will pick up most everything if you don't go too fast. Yes, it only picks up going forward but I don't find that to be a problem. I have had my home one for almost 2 years. It gets daily use and works as good as the day I first used it. Every time I use it I knock the dirt off of the mesh filter and brush off the cloth one. I purchased an extra filter kit and regularly wash the cloth filter, about every 3 weeks. Having a spare means I don't have to wait for it to dry before using the vacuum. The swivel head and "break down" handle makes it easy to get in small places and under things. Again, used correctly it's a great tool