Testing and review of the iRobot Roomba, iRobot Scooba – as well as the Bissell SpotBot
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Carpet Cleaning Tips (Removing Stains)
Published on 9/18/06 in the woman’s Magazine called “First” – page 92, published on 9/18/06.
Please remember: Follow the advice given to substitute white vinegar for the expensive chemical solution that the companies market with the wet vacuums. This will be so much safer for you and your pets!! If you choose to use the commercial solution, please remove your pets from that area … for their own safety. This being said, I personally wouldn’t stay in that room either, as I would be concerned about cancer, allergies and other health issues associated with chemicals contained in cleaning solutions).
The results were as follows (excerpted from the above magazine)
1. iRobot Roomba: Great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas
How it works: This machine rolls around on its own, picking up dirt and dust in its path. Its sensors detect debris and it stops and suctions until the grime is gone.
How it tested (excerpt from the magazine): “I was skeptical that the Roomba would work as a traditional vacuum,” says Julie Rimm of Troy, Ohio … I programmed it to sweep while I was at work, and when I got home, all the hair, dirt and cereal crumbs were gone! Plus, my husband swears his allergies have improved, probably because the robot removes dust from under the couch and corners better than I could.”
Best for: Confined carpeted spaces and underneath low furniture.
Insider Tip: Tuck tassels under the rugs and lift power cord off the floor so that they don’t get sucked up.
2. iRobot Scooba:
How it works: The Scooba deposits cleaning solution, gently scrubs the floor surface and sucks up grime.
How it tested (excerpt from the magazine): “My husband surprised me with a Scooba last Christmas, says Linda McGuire of Albion, Nebraska. I never would have bought it for myself, but now I can’t imagine life without it. I put it to work while I watch TV, then dump the old water and plug in the machine to recharge before going to bed. It covers every area in my kitchen several times, never missing a spot.”
Best for: Tile, linoleum, and sealed hardwood floors.
Insider Tip: You can safely substitute white vinegar for the recommended cleaner – this will be cheaper and safer for your pets. Remove small rugs, pick up large debris and tuck away low-hanging power cords before using.
(Eliminates the problem of carpet stains reappearing after cleaning. This item has been advertised on TV a lot lately – it has this big brush, which you place over a spot and leave)
How it works: Like an evolved wet-dry vac, the Spot Bot uses a spiral brush system to reach deep into carpet fibers, explains Jeremy Moog, a research and development engineer at Bissell. The scrubbers work at a stain for up to six minutes before the suction head picks up the dirty water..
How it tested (excerpt from the magazine): “With two dogs, I was paying to have my white rugs professionally cleaned several times a year, says Jennifer Schank of Phoenix. I figured if the SpotBot worked, it would save me money. I filled it with water and cleaning solution, placed it over the a tainted area and pressed the “Set-In Stain” button. The machine scrubbed and suctioned until it beeped, signaling that it was done. It took about an hour for the carpet to fully dry, but when it did, the spot was gone!”
Best for: Deep-pile carpeting.
Insider Tip: Speed drying time by using the unit’s manual hose.
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