Articles by Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

Dyson Digital Slim cordless vacuum in various different cleaning modes

What is the Dyson Digital Slim vacuum, and should I buy one?

By Ruth Hamilton published 26 January 25

The Dyson Digital Slim has appeared on the market, but it's not a flagship model. Here's what you need to know about Dyson's new streamlined, budget-friendly cordless vacuum.

Shark Stratos vs PowerDetect vacuum cleaners

Shark Stratos vs PowerDetect vacuums: what's the difference?

By Ruth Hamilton published 25 January 25

We break down the differences between Shark's PowerDetect and Stratos vacuum cleaners, to help you figure out which oil the best choice for you.

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete robot vacuum lifting up as it approaches a step

I just saw Dreame's new robot vacuum with feet, and I'm ready to throw out my Roborock

By Ruth Hamilton published 24 January 25

This tech-packed bot has convinced me that Dreame is the robovac brand to watch.

Dyson Airwrap's dreamy new colorways might finally tip me over into buying one

By Ruth Hamilton published 22 January 25

Dyson's hair tools have finally had a luxe makeover to fit their premium price tags.

Close up of camera on iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max (left) and close up of LiDAR navigation puck on Roborock robot vacuum

LiDAR vs vSLAM: which robot vacuum navigation technology is better?

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 January 25

vSLAM and LiDAR will both help your robovac find its way around, but one is better than the other.

EcoAir Anti-Covid AVS in a room with people

Forget air purifiers – the world’s first ‘air sterilizer’ is here, and it claims to instantly inactivate Covid, cold, and flu particles

By Ruth Hamilton published 15 January 25

Traditional purifiers simply capture virus particles; the EcoAir AVS eliminates them with heat.

Robot vacuum with legs (left), one carrying a tray of food (centre) and one with a robotic arm (right)

Tiny feet, bionic arms, and bots that can deliver a sandwich – 6 weird and wonderful robot vacuum innovations from CES 2025

By Ruth Hamilton published 11 January 25

CES just proved that robot vacuums can do more than clean your floors.

Why a dehumidifier is your secret weapon for a cosy home with lower heating bills this winter

By Ruth Hamilton published 10 January 25

Plus, tips for choosing a cost-effective model.

Narwal’s new robovac will moonwalk your floors to get even the thickest carpets clean

By Ruth Hamilton published 8 January 25

CES 2025 The Narwal Flow has a novel way of getting deep into those carpet fibers.

Levoit’s new pet-parent air purifier will switch on the fans when it senses your dog is being stinky

By Ruth Hamilton published 7 January 25

CES 2025 It's enough to give poor flatulent Fido a complex.

This robot vacuum can also bring you a sandwich, and it might be the greatest gadget we've seen yet at CES

By Ruth Hamilton published 7 January 25

CES 2025 The SwitchBot K20+ Pro does everything you want a robot vacuum to do, plus several more things you don't.

Eat your heart out Daleks: Dreame's newest robovac can climb stairs

By Ruth Hamilton published 7 January 25

CES 2025 The search for ways to get robot vacuums over tall thresholds reaches inevitable conclusion as Dreame launches bot with tiny mechanical legs.

Family relaxing on the beach next underneath the Anker SOLIX Solar Umbrella

Move over Mary Poppins: this solar umbrella will charge your devices while you chill in the shade

By Ruth Hamilton published 7 January 25

CES 2025 The newly-unveiled SOLIX Solar Umbrella is my unexpected summer essential.

Eureka J15 Max Ultra robot vacuum and mop approaching a liquid spillage

This new robot vacuum-and-mop is so eagle-eyed it can even spy clear liquid spillages

By Ruth Hamilton published 6 January 25

CES 2025 The Eureka J15 Max Ultra uses AI to detect even the most subtlest differences in texture and reflections.

This robot lawn mower promises to traverse awkward lawns with the agility of a mountain goat

By Ruth Hamilton published 6 January 25

CES 2025 The Lymow One lawnbot is designed to offer "sturdy, speedy, superior" mowing.

Roborock Saros 10R robot vacuum in its dock

Roborock's new robovacs are determined to get under your sofa – here's how

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 January 25

CES 2025 The new Saros 10 and 10R are ready to bust dust in places other bots can't go.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum picking up a sock with its pincer arm

Roborock’s new robovac has a mechanical arm that can pick up your socks and maybe also play with your cat

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 January 25

CES 2025 The Saros Z70 doesn't just clean your floors, it'll tidy up for you first.

4 ways to make your vacuum cleaner last longer

By Ruth Hamilton published 3 January 25

Good vacuum cleaners don't come cheap – here's how to keep yours running for as long as possible.

Why does my vacuum smell, and what can I do about it? We asked 4 experts

By Tom May published 2 January 25

Discover the common causes of vacuum smells and learn practical tips for keeping your vacuum odor-free.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. (left) and Dyson Airwrap (right)

Dyson Airwrap vs Airwrap i.d. – what's the difference?

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 December 24

These two styling tools look almost identical; here's how the 2024 Airwrap i.d. improves on the 2022 Dyson Airwrap.

Image shows the Molekule Air Pro air purifier sitting on a mustard colored rug in a living room.

What do air purifiers help with?

By Tom May published 25 December 24

Discover how air purifiers can help with dust, mold, allergies, smoke and smells, as well as their limitations.

What to do if your vacuum cleaner smells like burning

By Tom May published 18 December 24

A burning smell can be a sign of mechanical failure – so turn your vacuum off immediately, then read this for the next steps.

This robot lawn mower turns into a snow blower, and I've never wanted to wake up to a blocked drive more

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 December 24

The snow must blow on.

L'Oreal's new hair dryer blows with the force of a Category 4 hurricane

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 December 24

Those water droplets won't stand a chance against the AirLight Pro.

Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ IZ862H

Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum cleaner review

By Alex Temblador last updated 18 November 24

The Stratos cordless vacuum is a powerful stick vac with some useful added features; a great choice for those with pets or lots of carpet.

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