K.I.
I know what you mean! I've been on the search for what feels like forever trying different things & have recently purchased the Shark floor cleaner. I LOVE IT!!!! Finally something that does the jobs I need it to! It works so well with the small & big stuff (even mac & cheese noodles, soggy cherrios, & grapes)! I have a super messy eater so I'm using this thing at least twice/day. It also has a switch for carpet which I use on our area rugs & entry rug.
It's cordless & lightweight too!