In the world of home appliances, innovation is key. But sometimes, manufacturers take their creativity a step too far, leaving consumers both baffled and amused. This was precisely the case for one Australian Kmart shopper who stumbled upon a rather peculiar feature in a popular cleaning appliance.


While perusing the manual of the Anko Spot Cleaner, a device known for its prowess in tackling stubborn stains on furniture and carpets, the shopper was taken aback to find instructions for an unexpected use: cleaning your dog. Yes, you read that right. The manual included a section on how to use the appliance, complete with a dog cleaning nozzle and brushes, to groom your furry friend's coat.


The idea, according to the manual, isn't to replace traditional dog baths but to potentially reduce how often they're needed. This discovery was so unusual that the shopper couldn't help but share it in a popular Kmart Facebook group, sparking a flurry of reactions from fellow members.


The responses ranged from disbelief to outright rejection of the idea. Many pet owners expressed concern over the loud noise the Spot Cleaner makes, which could terrify their pets. 'My dog won't even stay in the same room when I turn it on to clean furniture,' one shopper commented, while another added, 'My pooch would literally poop himself if I came near him with this machine. It's extremely loud.'

The humour wasn't lost on the group members, with some making light of the situation. Jokes about throwing dogs in the washing machine or questioning if the pet's name had to be Spot to use the cleaner were among the quips shared. But beyond the jest, there was a serious undertone to the conversation, with many agreeing with the sentiment, 'Just because you can doesn't mean you should.'

Amidst the nearly 100 comments, only one brave soul claimed success in using the Anko Spot Cleaner on their dog, a Groodle who, against the odds, didn't mind the appliance. However, this was a rare exception to the general consensus.


Professional dog groomers weighed in on the matter, reinforcing the scepticism. Janie Rose, owner of grooming franchises Blue Wheelers and Dash DogWash, emphasized the importance of professional grooming over DIY attempts with home appliances. 'A professional groomer has been trained and certified... in all aspects of dog washing and dog grooming,' she explained. 'It's a skill, not a hobby.'

Dr. Teagan Lever, Head Vet at Pet Circle, also advised caution, noting that using such appliances could be stressful for pets and potentially harmful to their skin due to the removal of natural oils. Instead, she recommended less invasive options like colognes, pet wipes, and coat sprays to keep dogs fresh between baths.

As for Kmart, the retailer has yet to comment on this unusual feature of their Spot Cleaner. But it's clear that while the appliance may be a hit for cleaning up after pets, using it to clean the pets themselves is a step too far for most.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what do you think of this quirky discovery? Have you ever come across a household appliance with a feature that made you do a double-take? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your experiences with the wild world of home gadgets!