Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set vs Dyson PencilVac
These are not substitutes. The Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set is a spray-and-wipe cleaning kit; the Dyson PencilVac is a 4 lb cordless stick vacuum for hard floors. Buy the cleaner set if you need to clean counters, sinks and tables, and the PencilVac if you need to pick up dust and hair off hard floors. The starter set is listed at $16.00 at one store and $21.00 at another; the PencilVac price was not given, so compare its current store prices on Deal.ai before buying.
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Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set
4.8Choose the Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set if you want a refillable bottle plus plastic-free tablets for wiping counters, sinks and other hard surfaces, at $16.00–$21.00.
- Refillable bottle plus dissolving tablets in one set
- 100% plastic-free tablets; one tablet makes a full bottle
- Plant and mineral-based, dye-free formula with EPA Safer Choice and Leaping Bunny certifications
- Tablets store in 10x less space than a traditional bottle
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 7,738 ratings
- Tablet needs time to dissolve in water
- Only one scent, Fresh Lemon
What separates them
| Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set | Dyson PencilVac | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Spray-and-wipe liquid cleaner for hard surfaces | Cordless stick vacuum that picks up dust and debris |
| Surfaces | Counters, sinks, tables and other washable hard surfaces | Hard floors and flat rugs; not suitable for carpets |
| Weight and handling | Handheld bottle; no power or charging | 4 lb stick vacuum; agile on hard floors |
| Refills and running cost | Tablets refill the bottle; one tablet makes one full bottle | Bagless 0.08 gal dust box; no bags to buy |
| Consumables | Buy replacement tablets over time | No filters or bags listed; empty the dust box |
| Formula and scent | Plant and mineral-based, dye-free, Fresh Lemon scent | No chemicals; dry pickup only |
| Certifications | EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny and Cradle to Cradle Certified | None listed |
Price history
- Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set: lowest $31.49 on Oct 28.
- Dyson PencilVac: lowest $440.00 on Oct 28.
Specs compared
| Spec | Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set | Dyson PencilVac |
|---|---|---|
| Refill | Yes | — |
| Scent | Fresh Lemon | — |
| Tablet format | 100% plastic-free tablet | — |
| Tablet yield | one full bottle of Multi-Surface Cleaner | — |
| Bottle type | Refillable Bottle | — |
| Fill level | half-round symbol or line | — |
| Space saving | 10x less space than a traditional bottle | — |
| Formula | Microplastic-free formula made with plant and m… | — |
| Type | — | Stick |
| Bagless | — | Yes |
What reviewers say
Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set
Rated 4.8 out of 5 across 7,738 ratings, so most buyers are satisfied. Owners like the low-waste refill routine and the lemon scent, and many say it cleans as well as mainstream sprays. The main complaints are the wait for the tablet to dissolve and the single scent option.
- Cuts plastic waste versus buying bottles
- Cleans grease and everyday messes well
- Pleasant Fresh Lemon scent
- Compact tablet storage
- Tablet takes a while to fully dissolve
- Only one scent available
- Some find the upfront set price high
Dyson PencilVac
Reviewers describe the PencilVac as light, agile and well suited to hard floors, with good pickup and a compact bin that holds more than it looks. Several warn it is not meant for carpets, and a few found app setup fiddly and emptying the bin a learned skill.
Questions and answers
- Which one should I buy for cleaning kitchen counters?
- The Multi-Surface Cleaner Starter Set. The PencilVac is a vacuum for floors and does not clean or disinfect surfaces.
- Can the Dyson PencilVac replace a mop or spray cleaner?
- No. It picks up dry dust and debris on hard floors and flat rugs. It does not wash or sanitize surfaces.
- Is the cleaner set worth it over buying a bottle of spray cleaner?
- If you clean often, yes. The refillable bottle and tablets cut plastic and storage space, and the set is listed at $16.00 at one store and $21.00 at another. Tablets cost extra over time.
- Does the PencilVac work on carpets?
- No. Reviewers and the listing say it is not suitable for carpets. It is built for hard floors and flat rugs.
- Which lasts longer?
- The PencilVac is a durable tool with no consumables listed, so it should outlast many tablet refills. The cleaner set's bottle is reusable, but you keep buying tablets.
- How do their prices compare?
- The starter set is listed at $16.00 at one store and $21.00 at another. No price was given for the PencilVac, so check its current store prices on Deal.ai.