iRobot 4110 Roomba Floor-Vacuuming Robot, Sage Review

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(More customer reviews)OK. First let me say that this product is amazing and well worth the money. As an engineer, this thing has amazing obstacle avoidance software, and it navigates rooms extremely well. I put a good deal of research into this vac before I bought it - so let me tell you what you can expect, and more importantly- what not to expect. The majority of reviews that are negative are from people with defective units or people who expected something completly unrealistic. On a side note - all of the units have the same capabilities. So I would recommend that you buy a slightly cheaper unit like this one to test it out. If you really like it, then buy the schduler seperately. The high-end vacuum is no different than the low end one. The only exception is the red - which doesn't have "max" clean mode. This particular package is very good because it has the home base, which is very useful. You can let it run while you are gone, and it will charge on it's own when it's done. I did not find the remote to be useful. If I want the roomba to clean in a specific place, I pick it up and carry it there. You cannot use the remote to drive the roomba onto the charger, and the instructions are pretty clear about that. So, I do think it is a useless component.
My wife and I have about a 1500 square foot house. To really get the most out of the unit, we divide our house into 3 smaller areas, and we move the roomba each day into whatever area we want to clean (one large bedroom, the living room, and two smaller rooms joining a bathroom). We then run it while we are gone during the day in the heavily travelled areas once a day and in the less travelled areas once a week. We thought we'd use it more, but honestly, the floors have been so clean - there is no need to run it in an area more than once a day. I was suprised at how well it will navigate between rooms if you leave the doors open. Anyway, the floors are very clean - much cleaner than they ever were with an upright. The roomba really does a great job on the baseboards and under furniture. It picks up dust and pet hair very well. The suction is NOT as strong as an upright, but the unit will cover most areas several times - and after several times, it will pick up as much or more than most uprights. It has to hit larger pieces of debris head on to be picked up. There are some cases where the roomba may hit a small spot only once or miss a spot completely after a full 1-2 hour cylcle. However, if you run it multiple times in a day in the same room - you will have very clean floors very quickly. It takes the Roomba a few runs to reach an "equilibrium" where it's picking up about the same amount of dirt each run. But expect it to pick up a lot of dust and dirt the first few runs.
Let me tell you what not to expect of the Roomba. If you think you will buy this vacuum, set it in the middle of your house, punch a few buttons, walk away - and your floors will forever be clean - do not buy this vacuum. This vacuum does requre that you empty the bin at least once a day if you use it on carpet. It does requre that you find out what type of items it may get stuck on the first few times you run it. It does reqire that you make sure you don't have cords or tassels in its way. It does requre that you clean the brushes every few uses. The roomba cannot do anything a normal vacuum does not. It cannot clean over tassels, it cannot magically hop over 1/2" thick area rugs, it cannot run over wires and ignore them. If you are willing to do these few things, such as "roomba-proof" the room, and clean the brushes - it is MUCH EASIER than a traditional vacuum. It will keep your floors very clean, and you will be very happy.
Let me tell you a story about why the robot is still a robot and it can't do everything on it's own... My wife and I were watching TV and the roomba was cleaning (it's not really louder than a dust buster). We have a puppy... Well... the puppy pooped on the tile entryway while we were watching. The roomba... ran over the puppy poop and drug it all over the carpeted floor next to the entryway while smearing the poop all over itself (brushes, small places, dust bin). Needless to say - it was not pretty - and we had caught it after about 5 minutes. One and a half hours, and 150 Q-tips later - the roomba was clean, the carpet was clean - and the puppy was outside. Lesson learned - watch what the Roomba may run into. It's not completely fool-proof. It did it's job... and if I had watched the puppy - things would have gone well.
This is a great product if you don't have unrealistic expectations. It's a great product if you don't get a dud. The jetsons are not here yet - but I can honestly say my carpet and hard floors are much cleaner than they have ever been, and the unit is very easy to use. It is well worth the money.

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For effortlessly clean floors, this high-efficiency vacuuming robot senses, finds, and eliminates dirt. The unit provides a wide cleaning path, powerful suction, and counter-rotating agitators to reach into carpet and remove dirt. The entire cleaning head automatically adjusts for both carpet and hard-floor surfaces, while its spinning side brush and wall-following technology team up to grab dirt and debris from wall edges and other hard-to-reach places. Just push a button and the machine automatically calculates how long it needs to work to clean the entire room. When finished cleaning or when the battery runs low, the robot returns to its self-charging home base where it automatically docks and recharges between cleaning cycles. The microprocessor-controlled charging system provides up to 120 minutes of cleaning power, and it recharges the battery in three hours, 60-percent faster than the original Roomba.
Other highlights include active dirt detection for finding and sensing dirt, a bagless bin that holds three times more debris than other models, compatibility with all Discovery Series Roombas, and a convenient remote control for powering the robot up, starting a cleaning cycle, or directing the robot to the dirt. One virtual wall, which uses an infrared beam to create a barrier, comes included for confining the robot to a designated area. The virtual wall requires two D batteries (sold separately). Other accessories include two Roomba filters, documentation, and an owner's guide. The vacuuming robot measures 16-3/4 by 21 by 5 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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iRobot Roomba Intelligent Floorvac Robotic Vacuum, Red Review

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(More customer reviews)Roombas have now evolved into surprisingly well-designed machines that provide a surprising amount of vacuuming for the purchase price.
Which Roomba:
- All current models have the same innards and cleaning abilities, making bottom-of-the-line Red a bargain. Even Red's missing 'Max' mode (allows continuous cleaning beyond one hour) can be used if you buy the optional remote.
- Color and case design change a bit from model to model, and higher-end models come with more accessories in the box. Cool features described in the higher models can be added later.
- The main benefit of the drive-up charging base, included starting with the mid-line Discovery, isn't actually the automatic charging. With the base in a room, you know where to find the vac when it's done. Without it, Roomba finishes wherever it pleases -- whether or not that's a convenient place for you to retrieve it.
- Because you empty dirt before or after use, the optional, top-of-the-line scheduling capability doesn't really add completely unattended cleaning capability.
Before you buy:
- You can't see one of the vac's best features in the product picture. A front-side brush sticks out the front-right side of the vac, so it gets as close into corners as upright vacs. With this brush and a wall-distance sensor, it hugs the baseboards and puts most vac's "edge cleaning" claims to shame.
- Design changes to recently built units fix problems reviewers report on units made before mid-2005. Check the serial number on the box when you get yours. Build dates June 2005 or later have the fixes. The build date is after the model number (JEN4xxx); six digit date should be greater than '050601', ignore the rest of the serial number after this.
- Roomba works quite differently than other vacs. Brushes pick up hair and larger dirt; the vac gets the dust that the brushes don't get. It doesn't replace a standard vacuum -- it cuts down how often you need to use it.
- On hard floors, the brush seems to give Roomba better results than standard suction-only vacs. On dense-plush or low carpet, it does well; but the big vac will need to come out for periodic deep cleaning.
- 3 1/2" tall and about 13" diameter, it easily gets under furniture and between chair legs. Front bumper clearance (a bit over 1/2" -- about 9/16" or 15mm) determines which rugs and doormats it climbs onto and which it sees as obstacles.
- It's not terribly loud, and not shrill, but the noise is busy enough that you'll likely want to be away or in another room unless you're also doing housework.
Getting used to it:
- Bumping into things first seems a rather crude way for it to find its way around, but it doesn't seem to leave marks, and it's vacuuming right up to things anyway. It takes longer to vacuum than you do, and its often random patterns seem inefficient. Let it be -- it does remarkably well at covering everything this way.
- Expect Roomba to work room-by-room, not to do the whole house unattended. In normal operation, it runs up to an hour for mid-to-large rooms then stops. At least on mostly-hard floors, it can fully clean two of these rooms on a charge.
- If a regular vacuum would choke on something, so will this. The time you normally spend picking things up as you go needs to happen before starting Roomba instead. (At least your hands won't be full with a vacuum as you pick up . . . )
- You do need to empty its dustbin and check its underside after each run -- after all, it's about the size of a couple of Dustbusters, and those don't run unattended over an entire room. Remove and empty the dirt/dustbin, turn the vac upside down on the counter, check the main brush and clear as needed. Yes, you'll be doing this more often than on a full-size vac, but then, you don't have to tend it the entire time it's vacuuming.
- The 'virtual walls' transmit a remote-control like infrared beam that's wider than you'd expect. If Roomba unexpectedly starts to act like it's just run into an invisible force field, that just may be what happened. Reposition, turn off, or turn down the 'virtual wall'.
Getting the most out of it:
- If you want vacuuming to be as automatic as possible, some 'trim' projects may be in order. Clip up hanging cords, and get out the double-stick carpet tape where needed. Consider neutering carpet tassels -- tape 'em underneath.
- Although Roomba can navigate mazes of table legs and other objects, consider small changes in furniture placement that can make big differences in how quickly Roomba gets the job done. Forests of openings that are just a bit wider than Roomba eat time --move some things together so openings are narrower than Roomba; others further apart to speed passage.
- Though it's natural to think first of using Roomba in main rooms, small rooms bring gains too. Drop the vac off in bathrooms, stair landings, and other small areas as you do other housework.
- All rechargeable appliance batteries lose power eventually. Roomba's is easily replaceable, and if a $50 battery lasts you a year of vacuuming -- that's actually quite a good deal in the world of rechargeable batteries. Tip: newer Roombas have a somewhat hidden, built-in 16-hour battery "reconditioning" cycle useful when runtimes drop after some months. To trigger this cycle, take the battery out, press/hold 'power' for at least 30 seconds, wait 10 minutes or so, then put battery back in & start charger. The need for this isn't indicative of a Roomba shortcoming -- other rechargeable appliances should support battery conditioning & replacement instead of forcing you to throw 'em away.

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Roomba Red Robotic FloorVac

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Bissell Flip-t Bare Floor Cleaner, 5200 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have 3 large dogs that drool any water left in their mouths after a drink, and a large textured ceramic floor that collects dirt in the grooves of the texture. I bought a Hoover Floor-mate in hopes of eliminating the mop and bucket, and because I felt that after a while I was pushing around dirty water. The Floor-mate did pick up a lot of dirt, but it is too large to get under cabinets and the brushes are too soft and too high to get into the crevices of the texture in the ceramic.
I decided to try the Flip-It because it is supposed to vacuum and wash the floor. First of all, you really have to vacuum first and clean the receptacle before washing. Otherwise, you will end up with a yucky mess to clean from the receptable and filter. I didn't find that the vacuum blew the hair as one other buy had reported, but I agree that it doesn't vacuum very well. It picked up some hair and small crumbs, but didn't get all of it. This was obvious when I washed the floor. More hair was picked up in the washing process.
With the rubber brush and a little pressure, this cleaner did get much more of the dirt out of the floor texture. I still had to scrub some with the brush on the unit, but I would have to do the same with a sponge mop. At least with this cleaner, the dirty water is vacuumed up and clean solution is dispensed for the next section. Even with my uneven floor, the unit did pick up the water, and the floor dried quickly.
The first floor bathroom, hall, kitchen, and foyer are pretty large, kitchen alone is about 12' x 18'. I had to refill the cleaner 3 times. I filled the unit with hot water from the tap. So maybe that helped. I don't think this is too bad because I had to refill the Floor-mate as many times and it didn't get the floor as clean.
I wouldn't use this unit as a vacuum again, but as a hard floor cleaner, I think it works well on floors that need more scrubbing than a soft brush.

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Combining power with versatility, this bare-floor cleaner features three modes of cleaning--dry vacuum, wet vacuum, and drying. A fingertip trigger control dispenses the cleaning solution, while its floating soft-scrub brush and interchangeable pad, which are machine washable, allow for cleaning various types of floor surfaces. Lightweight at just 8 pounds, this self-standing upright unit is designed with a low-profile head, which makes it easier to access hard-to-reach areas like under beds, couches, and other furniture. Other convenient features include simple drop-in tanks, one-screw quick assembly, and a 22-foot power cord for easy maneuverability. Two trial-size Bissell chemical solutions are included. This safe and powerful floor cleaner measures 7-1/2 by 11-1/4 by 44 inches and carries a one-year limited parts-and-labor warranty.
Wet or Dry Begin by using the dry side to vacuum crumbs, pet hair, and other dirt and debris. When the unit is flipped around, and the handle tilted back, the Gentle Clean brush is automatically lowered for wet cleaning. When the formula trigger is squeezed, water and formula are dispensed on the floor. A Gentle Clean brush or pad cleans the floor, while the squeegee and suction leave the floor dry and ready to walk on.
Unlike other hard floor cleaners, the Flip-It can be customized for different flooring types with its interchangeable Gentle Clean brushes and cleaning pads. The Gentle Clean brush is designed for use on surfaces such as tile, slate or hard floors with grout or crevices where dirt and grime collect. While the Gentle Clean pad is perfect for use on more delicate surfaces such as sealed hardwood, laminates or vinyl. The Flip-It can safely be used on virtually all hard floor surfaces in your home such as vinyl, ceramic, laminates, slate and sealed hardwood. It is not intended for use on carpeting.
Easy to Use The Flip-It hard floor cleaner involves no complicated levers or buttons to change between dry and wet cleaning. A simple one step assembly is all that is required. Place the handle on the unit and insert one screw to secure it in place. After filling the clean tank with water and solution you are ready to clean. Plus, the lightweight cleaner's low-profile head easily accesses hard-to-reach spaces and corners under beds, couches, and other furniture.
The Bissell Story Bissell's history dates back to the mid-1800s in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Anna and Melville Bissell owned a small crockery shop. While cleaning up one day, Anna grew frustrated with the sawdust in the carpet. After she presented the problem to Melville, he designed and constructed the company's first carpet sweeper, which subsequently was patented in 1876. Following Melville Bissell's death in 1889, Anna Bissell became America's first female corporate CEO. The Bissell company has evolved into a leader in carpet cleaning, introducing one of the first carpet shampooers in 1956, as well as the Big Green Clean Machine in 1992 and the Spot Lifter in 1998. Throughout the company's history, it has continually focused on redefining the concept of clean with a large family of innovative cleaning products.

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Bissell 1867 Steam Mop Bare Floor Steam Cleaner Review

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(More customer reviews)I admit it I finally bought something because I saw it on an infomercial and all I can say is that I am very impressed!! I have 2 dogs, a husband that works in the oilfield, me the messy cook, and I live in sandy red dirt west Texas. This thing can really handle it all. I also like how the mop pad also goes over my 1/4 round on the baseboards and gets them too.In addition I love that I don't have to immediatly leave the area after I have mopped because the fumes from the chemicals are so strong... as my experience was when I tried the swiffer wetjet. I had debated as to whether to get this with the Bissell CatchAll or to get the Hoover Floormate and so far I am very happy with th choice I have made.
One hint I found out when using this product that is not mentioned in the instructions is that it works best when you pull it backwards instead of forwards.( like I do when using my hoover steamvac widepath) I noticed when I was pushing forwards all the steam seamed to be coming out the back of the mop head and when I pulled it backwards all the steam went apparantly on the floor because I barely saw it coming out but I could certainly see the difference. After using this product I really can say that my floor is clean. not only does it look clean , but I know that the steam is killing bacteria and I can believe it or not , breathe better. I dont know if this is because it is like being around a vaporizer or because it is killing bacteria and dustmites but it does.
WHen all of these new and improved moppping gadgets hit the market I had been hopfull because hey, I admit I hate mopping. After mopping while the floor was still wet it never failed that either my dogs or my husband when just walk on it and get it dirty again.So I tried the swiffer wetjet and was not impressed because of the strong smell of the cleaner, having to buy cleaner and pads all the time, did not get ground in stuff very well, and Knowing that I was only degreasing and not disinfecting the floor. This steam mop is cost effeciant because I don't have to keep buying cleaner or pads. It is reccomened to use distilled water to maximize the use of the water filter but 1$ /gallon compared to $3/liter isn't bad and I may end up getting one of those pur things to not have to do even that. I honestly recommend this product and hope that this may help someone considering buying it!

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Bissell Steam Mop Bare Floor Steam Cleaner - the most environmentally safe and thorough way to clean your bare floors

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Dirt Devil 082500 Breeze Bagless Canister Vacuum Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the best vacuum I've had yet for hard wood floors. I have 1 child, 2 cats ,a dog and a bird and it literally was a breeze on all of their mess, such as candy wrappers, hair, cat litter and seeds. We have a large townhouse and I could do the first-floor and steps without having to replug somewhere else. The dirt canister is larger than I thought it would be and the suction was great! It's also very easy to clean. It is lightweight and easy to handle and the micro-fresh filter only needs to be replaced 2 times a year ... (Now that makes me breathe easy). The only thing I can come up with that I would change on this vac is that it does not have a retractable cord.

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Dirt Devil Breeze Canister Vacuum Cleaner features clean air system. Bagless. Standard Brushroll. Cord Length: 20 Feet. Crevice Tool. Dusting Brush. HEPA Filtration. Standard Grip Handle. 72 Inches Hose Length. Blow Molded Hose Type. 12 Amps Motor. Nozzle Width 10 Inches. On Board Tools. Product Hand Weight: 1.9 Pounds. Product Working Weight: 11.4 Pounds. Replaceable Filter.

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