MY WEAPON AGAINST TEENAGERS AND FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS!
Written: Apr 21 '06
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Pros: Quick, lightweight, easy to use.
Cons: Extractor is not very powerful.
The Bottom Line: This machine is effective for immediate spills and stains and cleans with little effort.
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| 42ENGLISH's Full Review: Bissell SpotLifter 1716 Bagless Handheld Vacuum |
I have new beige-colored carpeting in the bedrooms and living room of my house. We all know, girls, how protective we are of our new carpets from stains. Especially from fifteen-year-old teenagers and little four legged friends who tend to have weak stomachs. This only because the teenager sneaks the four legged friend people-food when she knows better. Well, now I have a weapon. My Bissell Spot Lifter should have a holster for my hip but since it’s compact (about 9” X 15”), I will settle for close-by easy storage.
Bissell’s Claim:
* The powerful, effective way to handle all the messes in your home when they happen.
* Double the cleaning action to lift and remove stains and dirt
* Powerful spray and suction clean and help dry in one simple step
* Removable brush cartridge for easy brush clean up after use
* 18' long power cord for continuous cleaning
The Product:
This machine is electric with an 18 foot electrical cord, which is really handy for far-from-the-outlet cleanings. It is blue and white and basically made of durable plastic. The cleaning solution goes in an 8oz detachable tank on the rear, which sits above the detachable collection tank underneath it. The dual cleaning brushes are located on the front bottom side behind the extractor, which have a 4-˝ inch cleaning path. The brushes are also detachable for easy cleaning. This machine has a large easy-grip handle with the trigger for the spray nozzle just beneath it. The power button is at the front of the handle.
Ease of Use:
I wouldn’t say that any cleaning product, which takes preparation is that easy to use but this being a small device, the simplicity is in the reduction of the preparation and its maneuverability. Removing, filling and clicking back on an 8oz canister on a lightweight appliance is far easier and quicker than hawling out the big steam cleaner. I also find the cleaning itself effortless. No elbow grease required here.
My Experience:
I think my children were born to test my sanity sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, my daughter is a very smart young lady but if you are walking through the living room with a hot cup of green tea, wouldn’t it make sense to use a saucer, especially when it is filled to the brim? Oh, mom, you are so paranoid. But, yes, I am paranoid when seconds later I have a trail of green spots on my just-today newly laid carpet. I must have come out of my seat like a mad woman because she backed into her room like a would-be victim in an axe murderer movie. But I controlled my homicidal moment.
I know my kids and my dog. I was not about to have new carpet laid without a defensive weapon in my house. I immediately withdrew my new appliance, which I had found at Wal-Mart for $39.50. Now was the time to test its skills.
The solution tank is easy to pull out. The screw off cap turns just once to pull off and the tank has a measure for the amount of formula versus water. That done, I clicked it back on, plugged it in and approached the dreaded stains with malice. Just under the handle is the trigger for the spray nozzle. I sprayed each stain about four times and let the cleaning solution sink in. Turning on the machine, I applied the rotating brushes to the stain for a few moments. Tilting the machine forward activates the extractor, which sucks up the dirty liquid into the collection tank.
I wouldn’t say the extractor is very powerful but it does take the surface moisture away. However, remember, if you walk on this area while it is wet, it will soil again. It cleaned the stains very well and after emptying and rinsing out the solution and collection tank, the Spot Lifter was ready to be stored until next time. The dual brushes can be removed for cleaning. I do this when needed.
The four-legged friend has committed the crime of running through my house with muddy feet (my fault-I forgot to lock the doggie door on a rainy day). The Spot Lifter cleaned these stains also.
I am finding that a solution of water and a little bit of clear dish soap does a good cleaning job as well as their solution. However, neither of these could clean a tropical punch stain. I had to get the monster out for that.
I have also used this machine on my upholstery. I found that the extractor is not powerful enough to clean upholstery. With a little more suction, it would be perfect for the job but that wasn’t in the cards.
Conclusion:
The Bissell Spot Lifter is a handy little machine for small spills on carpets. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Two steps in preparation make it a simple task to clean spills. Its size makes for easy storage and the price is perfect. I would not recommend it for ground-in or tough stains but for immediate spills and stains, it is very effective and handy tool.
Note: To calm my homicidal tendencies when it comes to my carpet, my daughter has resigned to drinking her tea in the kitchen and using a safety cup (the kind with the click-on cap and a straw) in the living room. SMART GIRL!
This product has a one year limited warranty.
For more information, go to http://www.bissell.com
Or call: 1-800-237-7691
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Thank you for reading.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39.50
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Member: JULIE
Location: Gulf Coast, Texas
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