I didn’t expect to become so invested in a handheld vacuum, but the Black & Decker CHV1410L has surprised me. What started as a simple purchase for spot cleaning around the house turned into a deeper appreciation of how versatile and surprisingly powerful a small vacuum can be. And I’m not alone. As I dug through other users’ reviews, I found everything from garden warfare against bugs to creative DIY modifications that make this Dustbuster even better.
Here’s what I’ve learned from using it—and what others have experienced too.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When I opened the box, I found exactly what I expected: the handheld vacuum itself and its charging base. The vacuum is cordless and comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery that’s already pre-installed. Setup is as easy as it gets. Just plug in the base, let it charge, and you’re ready to go. One user put it simply:
“The vacuum operates on a lithium battery which is included. I love being able to leave it on the charger at all times without destroying the battery. I always have full power available.“
I agree—this feature eliminates the worry of battery wear from constant charging.
Performance: Everyday Use and Beyond
I initially bought this vacuum for simple tasks like cleaning crumbs off the kitchen floor, catching pet hair off the couch, or getting dust bunnies from corners where my main vacuum can’t reach. For these jobs, the CHV1410L works beautifully. The suction power is strong for its size and the crevice tool built into the nozzle is really useful for getting into narrow spots.
Someone else mentioned,
“This thing is very light and easy to use in awkward spaces with the built-in extension tip. There’s no attachments to lose, it’s all built into the nose!“
I found this to be true as well. It’s super handy that everything is self-contained.
Battery life is good for short bursts of work. Most users report 10 to 15 minutes of continuous use per charge, which matches my own experience. That said, one reviewer noted, “Hasn’t been a problem for me because I have a vac for big jobs and only use this to spot vac dirty areas of my house and car.” Same here—it’s not meant to replace a full-size vacuum, but it’s ideal for small, quick jobs.
Not sure if this is the one? Compare it with the best vacuum cleaners on the market.
An Unexpected Use: Garden Bug Control
Here’s where this vacuum really caught my attention. While I’m using it inside my home, others have taken it outside, into the garden, to fight pests—particularly stink bugs.
One organic gardener shared a detailed and frankly impressive story:
“I started vacuuming stink bugs from my plants every day and flushing them down the toilet. I pull hundreds of the horrible death creatures from my garden every day thanks to my Dustbuster!”
She went on to say that she also removes stink bug eggs with duct tape early in the season, but the vacuum becomes essential once nymphs appear.
This story fascinated me because it shows how a household vacuum can become an essential garden tool. As she said,
“Conventional farmers spray their crops half to death. Organic gardeners get creative.”
It’s this kind of unconventional use that shows just how adaptable the CHV1410L really is.
Great for Pet Owners Too
Pet owners also seem to love this vacuum. One reviewer said,
“We bought this to keep near our cat’s litter box to clean up any scattered litter and it works amazing!”
They went on to say it even performs better than their Dyson in certain situations, especially when it comes to portability.
I use mine to catch fur balls around the living room and clean out the car seat where my dog rides. It’s light enough that I can clean without lugging around a heavier upright vacuum.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Emptying the dustbin is quick and easy. The transparent bowl lets you see when it’s full, and you can pop it off with one hand. The included cloth filter is washable, and rinsing it under running water is enough to get it clean again.
Another reviewer commented,
“The reusable filter washes up easily under running water.”
They also added that when bugs get stuck in the chamber, the vacuum allows access from both the quick-release and the filter side, which is helpful.
Cleaning isn’t just easy—it’s user-friendly enough that one buyer even modified theirs to improve it. They explained, “I noticed very fine dust particles were getting past the cloth filter, so I cut a corner off an old pillowcase and wrapped it around the motor part. No more fine dust past the filter and no performance drop.” That kind of DIY solution impressed me, and it shows how adaptable the vacuum is even when you want to enhance it further.
What I Didn’t Like and What Others Wish Was Better
I don’t have many complaints, but I will say that suction power, while good, isn’t quite strong enough to handle heavy debris or deep carpet work. Some users wished the vacuum killed bugs on contact. One gardener wrote,
“I really wish this vacuum exerted strong enough pressure to kill the bugs as I sucked them into it. I hate dealing with live bugs when cleaning the chamber.”
Another reviewer warned against shaking the vacuum when it’s full:
“It can cause dust to fall out of the nose. Avoid that and you’re good.”
So, just a tip—empty it often and be gentle with it when it’s full. Also, if you live in the UK or other countries outside North America, be aware that the charging base uses a two-prong plug. One UK user said,
“It came with a USA/Canada two-prong charger base, so I had to purchase an adapter.”
Before you buy, make sure to check out our expert Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide.
Final Verdict
Overall, I’m really happy with the Black & Decker CHV1410L. It’s the kind of tool that proves its worth the more you use it. For me, it’s a daily helper. For others, it’s a garden pest control weapon, a cat litter scooper, or a car interior savior. It’s surprisingly powerful for the price, it charges efficiently, and the lightweight design makes it easy to use for just about anyone.
I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable, cordless handheld vacuum for quick cleanups. Just know what you’re getting—it’s not built for industrial cleaning, but for everyday messes, it performs better than expected.
As one reviewer summed it up, “Definitely a great purchase.” I couldn’t agree more.
