Bissell SpotBot Hands-Free Compact Deep Carpet Cleaner, 1200B Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Hundreds and hundreds of reviews below this one, so here's a summary of all of the three hundred or so reviews below this one:
1. Almost everyone is a fanatical lover of this product. Sometimes it takes two or even three applications, but it seems to work except on some red stains, which any carpet cleaner will tell you are difficult. Otherwise, pet stains, and even very old stains are gone without a trace (we've tried this on a couple of *ten year old stains* and it pulled them right out), even after trying other devices and solutions that did not work. (My note for vomit or other stains of similar consistency, first clean as much as possible using the back of a knife, held at a 45 degree angle and scrape towards the center of the stain, cleaning the knife frequently or you'll just push the vomit into the carpet, though most report not doing this and it being completely clean anyway). People really like that you just start it and walk away, you don't have to monitor it.
2. The product cleans so well, used on a dirty carpet, you'll see circles that are cleaner than the rest of the carpet. Using the manual wand to soak up the solution when it is done will help, by spreading the cleaning solution into the non-cleaned area as you soak it up. Otherwise, you may have to use a regular machine to clean the entire carpet after you use this on a very dirty carpet.
3. People also report that it leaves the carpet VERY wet. But again, the manual wand used afterwards will take up the excess water. Tilt the wand so that the hose is up at about a 45 degree angle and run it slowly with medium pressure downward and most of the water will be sucked up. You can see the water getting sucked up from the side of the wand.
4. The best technique is to use a spray bottle of cleaning solution, diluted as directed for the machine, spraying the affected area, and using only water in this machine. It will use less of the expensive solutions, is just about as effective, and will not leave an excess of soap on the carpet. If you don't use the spray bottle technique, and instead you put the soap in the tank, 6 months later, the soap residue that is left on the carpet will attract its own dirt and so you'll have to reclean, but the spray bottle technique doesn't have this problem. So spray, turn the machine on, and wand up the excess water.
5. Some people report that the two included solutions work the best, others say that with the spray bottle technique it doesn't matter and others say using Costco carpet cleaning solution in the gallon jug works as well but is cheaper. One reported that vinegar and water worked and didn't smell when dry, but I don't think I'm gutsy enough to try that. Citrus based solutions and probably vinegar will damage the inside of it.
6. Some have reported that it may take some effort to get it to work at first. Check to make sure the containers are pushed all the way in. If that doesn't fix it, look at the FAQs on the Bissell web site in the support section for more detailed instructions. And note, don't do what we did at first, which is to put the water in the wrong tank. You put the water in the tank at the BACK of the unit. The other tank is where the dirty solution goes. You fill the tank that has a screw cap on the bottom of it. No screw cap? You've got the wrong tank.
7. Don't leave the tanks full, they leak. Run the unit on manual with *no* water in the tank for a few seconds to suck the solution out of the hose between uses or it may get moldy.
The product is every bit as good as what is written here. We've used it a couple of times. Don't put soap in it, the soap only goes in a your own separately purchased spray bottle used before you use the machine: nothing but water in the machine, and empty both tanks between uses. I just saved you hours of reading the remaining 300 reviews.
We bought the remanufactured version and haven't had any problems. Thumbs up.
Finally, when you have put your toe in the carpet cleaning waters, look at the Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac with Clean Surge for a full room carpet cleaner. It doesn't spot clean as well as this one, but you can do a whole room in under an hour, and it sucks the water back out of the carpet so thoroughly, the carpet dries in about an hour - faster if you blow it with a fan. Worth every penny. That one needs to be cleaned between uses (about 15 mins), so it takes a little more time to use. The Bissell is just a load and go product. The Hoover is more of an event.

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The SpotBot from Bissell takes care of carpet stains that are new, old, large, small, and everything in between. In one surface stain cycle, the Unique Spiral Brushing action completes over 400 cleaning revolutions, for thorough and effective removal of tough stains. Red wine, cola, fruit juice, coffee, and even pets stains permanently disappear under the powerful cleaning bristles of this compact green cleaning machine. For best results, use Bissell's specially formulated chemicals like OxyGen II and Little Green Formula.
The SpotBot has two cleaning modes: hands-free and manual. In hands-free mode, the SpotBot is easier to use than a toaster oven. Just fill with water and cleaning fluid, select your stain type, and then walk away. Within seven minutes, its 24-inch circumference cleaning head does everything else for you. For larger stains or ones that require some extra elbow grease, use the Tough Stain Brush that attaches to the hose. The hose and brush are stored on board for versatile cleaning of stairs, auto, and upholstery.

Before treating any stain, you should first:
Gently scrape up semi-solids with a spoon or spatula. Do not use a knife or other utensil with sharp edges because it could damage the carpet or upholstery.
Blot up liquids with an absorbent cloth or paper towels. White materials are recommended because certain dyes may bleed and make the stain worse.
Remove the remaining semi-solids and residue with a sweeper or vacuum.
Be sure to pre-test any spot removal solutions or chemicals on an inconspicuous area first. This is extremely important; different dyes and materials could be damaged or discolored by a cleaning solution. If such a change should occur, try a different solution or call a professional.
FAQ What is SpotBot? It's a revolutionary spot cleaner that gives you the freedom to walk away while it does the work for you.
What does the SpotBot know about stains? Everything. Bissell SpotBot has an Automatic Smart System that eliminates guesswork. SpotBot knows how to measure and distribute just the right amount of water and cleaning formula, suction up tough stains, and leave carpets clean. Just push a button and SpotBot does the rest.
How does hands-free cleaning save time? While SpotBot gets the stain, you get back to your day. That's hands-free cleaning, and it lets you handle vacuuming, laundry, a workout, or anything else that's important to you today.
Is SpotBot safe for all carpet types? SpotBot is safe on virtually all types of carpet. To be sure, Bissell recommends that you follow your carpet and upholstery manufacturer's fabric treatment instructions.
How does it work on pet stains? All pets have accidents. That's why SpotBot is trained to remove pet stains in no time. Use the Automatic Smart System and Bissell specially formulated chemicals then "Spot It, Bot It, Got It!"

What's in the Box Compact carpet cleaner w/hose, brush attachment, trial-size "OxyGen II" cleaning fluid, trial-size "Little Green Formula" cleaning fluid.

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