Whether I used a regular mop and bucket, my swiffer wet jet, or my hoover steam vac, I always ended up with a haze on my hardwood floors that I would clean off with a wipe or furniture polish. This is the first machine that leaves my floor shiny and without a haze. It is worth it just for that!!! I also like the job it does on my lineoleum. The first couple of times I used it on what I thought were clean floors because I had recently mopped them, I was surprised at how dirty the water was. After using this as my primary means to clean my floors (two maybe three times a week depending on traffic and what is going on in my household) I notice that my floors not only look cleaner, but also feel much cleaner on the few occassions when I am not wearing house slippers. This is so much better than the regular mopping.
I have read other reviews on the flip-it regarding water being left on the floor; when that does happen, I just go back over that section so that it will be taken care of. For the most part I don''t care about a little water on the floor because I would have so much more if I had the mop and bucket or used my steam vac. I am sold!
I was torn between the Hoover and Bissell models each seemed to have good and bad points. So I got both, with the idea that I''d return the one that was less capable to do the job. What I found was that both have different pluses, and ended up keeping them both.
The Spinscrub has the advantage in cleaning power. The spinning brushes do a better job on getting tile floors clean, especially rough surface tile. It''s also more sturdily built feels more solid (although that sometimes does not translate into longevity). It''s the one I use for large tile expanses, such as in the kitchen and basement. But, the 15 inch width is a drawback in tighter spaces, such as bathrooms.
The Flip-it excels in maneuverability perfect for getting around obstacles (such as the toilet). Although it lacks spinning brushes, it has the advantage of a cloth pad which does a great job on smooth surfaces. The heat also helps out, especially with sticky messes. It doesn''t turn the water to steam, but clearly kicks up the temp (I believe the spec''s say 25 degrees).
I found the best way to use it is to start with the cloth pad attached. That helps even out the water distribution and also helps capture crumbs, pet hair, etc. After one pass with the cloth attached, remove it and put in the scrubby pad. That helps get the floor 99% dry (smooth surfaces) or 90% dry (rough surfaces).
The cloth pad really shines (no pun intended) when it comes to hardwood or laminate floors. Does a far better job than the Hoover in cleaning and water suction. I don''t use the Hoover at all anymore on smooth floors regardless of the size of the room. It may take a bit longer with the Flip-it due to its smaller size, but the end result is much better.
Both are about equal when it comes to disassembly and cleaning a few parts to take out and clean, but nothing major. Cleaning the unit after using it is very important to keep the crud out of the seals to prevent leaks and clogs. Both have a washable filter, and both require that you dry the filter before using it again (tip get an extra filter so you''re never without a dry, clean filter).
I tend to favor the smell of the Bissell cleaning solution, but the Hoover stuff is pretty good both have a nice "fresh" smell. Both brands clean equally well, and are priced about the same. Lowes carries the Bissell brand; Walmart carries Hoover (at least in my area).
Bissell tends to be a nicer company when it comes to support. They offer replacement parts and supplies on their website at reasonable prices, and answer emails if you have questions. Hoover is not as responsive, and their direct-purchase prices are rather high.
One nit with the Bissell is that the cord is rather stiff wish it was more flexible. Also, the water cups (both clean and dirty) are smaller on the Bissell, so you need to fill-up and dump out more often than with the Hoover.
Regardless of which one you get, get one! You''ll be amazed at the amount of dirt that wet mopping leaves behind. Once you start using one, you''ll never pick up a mop again.
Buy BISSELL Flip-!t Select Hard Floor Cleaner Now
I used the Bissell Flip-It Select for the first time tonight. I detest mopping, but with a combination of both linoleum and tile floors in my house, it is a must. So in looking for an alternative to mopping, I hoped for the best with this product. I was not disappointed. Vacuuming first with the dry vacuum side is an excellent alternative to sweeping the floor. After using the wet vacuum side with the heated solution/water mixture, not only was my bathroom linoleum (which had a thick build up of sticky hairspray) cleaned marvelously, but also my tile kitchen floor. The unit is lightweight and easy to use. The filter did get clogged with dirt and hair, but the sound of the motor changed when the suction stopped, so I unplugged it and cleaned the dirty wet/dry container and filter, put it back together, plugged it in, and suction was completely restored. I am extremely satisfied with this purchase after only one use. I will recommend it to friends and family alike.
Read Best Reviews of BISSELL Flip-!t Select Hard Floor Cleaner Here
This machine is so easy to use! I love the option of cleaning my tile floors with heat or no heat, depending on the grime! The mop pad works very well on my sealed hardwood while the brush worked excellent on my grout! I didn''t have to go over anything twice and my floors looked great when I was finished! The "flipping" action is also very easy as this machine is lightweight! I love not having to use a mop and bucket and its even better now that this product offers heated cleaning! Great job!
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I have carefully analyzed all the reviews (positive and negative) before deciding to buy this product in order that the right level of expectation may be set. My need is very simple. I have almost all hard floors in my house, either tile or hardwood. So floor keeping is a relatively low maintenance chore. I know Flip-It serves both as a dry vacuum and wet mop. Knowing that both dry and wet debris are going into the same place and I want to eliminate the messy task of cleaning out the wet gunk, so I opt to use the cleaner solely as an electric mop.
I like the idea that while it is mopping, the machine can also take care of the small amount of debris that I missed in my "pre-mopped" vacuuming. It does take some practice to get the machine to do the job right. Although I don''t have the problem of puddles of water as other have experienced, I have other issue such as the cleaning pad kept sliding out. I find the maneuvering quite exhausting due to the squeegee design. Also, my finger gets very tired from squeezing the solution release button. I don''t find the cleaning result dramatic perhaps because my floors are normally quite clean. The machine will not get to the wall edges so it won''t eliminate manual laboring. I''m also not sure if the heating feature does anything to produce a cleaner floor since the water temperature does not felt very warm. After two days of experimentation, I decided that the machine is going back to the store. For light mopping, I am going back to my Swiffer Wetjet. It is cheaper, quiet, lighter, easy to use, and best of all, no cleaning up required.
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This is misnamed. It is not a candle (i.e. made of wax) it is a small container of liquid fuel with a wick. It works just like the old fashioned kerosene lamps. The light output is equivalent to a candle and it does last for about 100 hours. Be sure to keep the cap on when not using it to prevent the fuel from evaporating. A great item to have on hand for power outages. Be sure to keep a lighter or a pack of matches (sealed in a plastic bag to keep them dry) right beside it in the drawer. Unlike a candle this won''t tip over and won''t drip. I recommend it.
