When it comes to managing household messes, specifically those left behind by pets, the BISSELL Spotbot hands free Carpet Cleaner has long been regarded as a revolutionary tool. Unlike traditional portable extractors that require you to manually scrub on your hands and knees, this machine allows you to simply “set it and forget it.”
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Bissell SpotBot Pet series, provide essential Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner instructions, and explore the controversial question: Why did Bissell discontinue SpotBot?
1. Product Evolution: The BISSELL SpotBot Pet Series
The Bissell SpotBot Pet was designed with a single goal: to automate the most tedious part of carpet maintenance. Over its lifespan, the series evolved, culminating in highly specialized models like the BISSELL 2117 SpotBot Pet handsfree Spot and Stain Portable Deep Cleaner.
Key Features of the BISSELL 2117 Model:
- DeepReach Technology: The BISSELL 2117 SpotBot Pet handsfree Spot and Stain Portable Deep Cleaner utilizes a specialized cleaning foot that delivers formula deep into carpet fibers to attack stains at the root.
- Spiral Brushing: The unique circular brush pattern mimics the manual scrubbing action of a person but with higher frequency and consistency.
- Two Preset Cycles: This BISSELL hands free Carpet cleaner features “Surface Stain” and “Set-In Stain” cycles, allowing you to tailor the cleaning intensity to the age of the mess.
- Dual Functionality: While famous for being a BISSELL hands free Carpet cleaner, it also includes a 5-foot hose and a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool for upholstery and stairs.
2. User Guide: Bissell Spotbot Carpet Cleaner Instructions
To get the most out of your machine, following the Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner instructions is vital. Improper use can lead to excess moisture in the carpet or insufficient stain removal.
How to Use the Hands-Free Mode:
- Preparation: Vacuum the area to remove loose debris.
- Filling the Tank: According to the Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner manual, you should fill the clean water tank with hot (not boiling) tap water to the water line, then add the specialized BISSELL formula to the formula line.
- Placement: Place the BISSELL spotbot hands Free Carpet Cleaner directly over the center of the stain.
- Cycle Selection: Press the “Surface Stain” button for fresh spills or “Set-In” for older, dried messes.
- Completion: The machine will beep when finished. Use a dry towel to blot any remaining moisture if the carpet feels overly damp.
Manual Mode for Stairs and Upholstery:
The Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner manual also outlines how to use the “Hose” mode. Simply select the “Hose/Tool” setting on the control panel, which diverts the suction and solution flow from the bottom brushes to the handheld attachment.
3. The Big Question: Why Did Bissell Discontinue SpotBot?
If you have searched for a new unit recently, you may have noticed they are increasingly hard to find. Why did Bissell discontinue SpotBot? While the company hasn’t issued a single definitive statement, industry experts and Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner reviews point to a few logical factors.
Reasons for the Discontinuation:
- Component Obsolescence: As technology advances, the specific motorized parts required for the circular “hands-free” scrubbing mechanism became more expensive and difficult to source compared to modern vibrating or rolling brush designs.
- Shift to “Little Green” Innovation: Bissell has shifted its focus toward the “Little Green” and “HydroSteam” lines. These models are lighter, more powerful, and offer better profit margins while fulfilling the same portable cleaning niche.
- Durability Concerns: Some Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner reviews mentioned that the complex internal gears for the hands-free brushes were prone to failure over several years of heavy use, leading the company to favor simpler, more durable manual designs.
4. Community Feedback: Bissell Spotbot Carpet Cleaner Reviews
Despite being phased out, the BISSELL spotbot hands Free Carpet Cleaner maintains a dedicated following.
- The Praise: Most Bissell spotbot carpet cleaner reviews celebrate the “lazy” aspect of the machine. Pet owners, in particular, love that they can start a cycle and walk away to tend to their pets or other chores.
- The Critique: Common complaints often center on the “circle” left behind. Because the machine cleans in a perfect 7-inch radius, it can sometimes leave a very clean circle that makes the rest of the carpet look dirty by comparison.
- Suction Power: While the scrubbing is top-tier, some users on Reddit and in reviews noted that the suction wasn’t quite as strong as the manual “Little Green Pro” models, occasionally leaving carpets slightly wetter.
5. Maintenance: Insights from the Bissell Spotbot Carpet Cleaner Manual
To keep your Bissell SpotBot Pet running as long as possible, regular maintenance is required.
- Cleaning the Brushes: Flip the unit over and remove any tangled hair or carpet fibers from the circular brushes.
- Rinsing the Tanks: After every use, the dirty water tank must be emptied and rinsed. If left sitting, the tank will develop a foul odor that is difficult to remove.
- Filter Care: Check the small foam filter near the dirty water tank regularly. If it becomes clogged with dander, the suction performance of your BISSELL hands free Carpet cleaner will drop significantly.
