DIY Product Reviews

I headed out this morning to Lowes to rent a Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner.  I was surprised to find Lowes no longer rents the Rug Doctor; they instead rent the Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine rental unit by Bissell.  I was disappointed by not getting the reliable Rug Doctor, but decided this Bissell rental machine was worth a try.  Expecting the worse, based on my previous experiences with Bissell Carpet Cleaners, I was pleasantly surprised.

The Bissell Rental (http://bissellrental.com) machine is very different from the Rug Doctor.  The clean and dirty water tanks are both removable, larger, and easy to clean.  It also has a beater brush instead of the vibrating pad.  Even after a through vacuuming this machine still removed a lot of dog hair…more than I ever recall with the Rug Doctor.  It also seemed to leave the carpet  drier.  When using the machine you apply cleaner both forward and back, then repeat to suck up the solution and dirt.  The upholstery and stair attachment is very similar to the Rug Doctor.  It also has a flow indicator to let you know when you are out of cleaning solution.

Bissell Rental offers 4 different cleaning solutions (Advanced with Scotchgard, Pet, Oxy and Allergen).  They also offer a few different pretreatment products.  I used the Oxy formula.  It cost $19.95 for 52 ounces (10 dollars more for the Advanced formula).  The smell was nice and left the carpet soft when dry.

Pros:  Easy to Use, Cleans Great, Easy to Clean, Dryer Carpet and Nice/Neutral Scents, and easier on the back

Cons:  Bit pricier rental and products, need to clear a larger area due to the long size of the machine and handle, and slightly narrow path.

Overall I was impressed with Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine and will never rent the Rug Doctor again.

Seventh Generation’s Botanical Disinfecting Spray was a pleasant surprise.  I’ll be honest I expected another “orange” oil cleaner than is sticky and leaves a residue behind.  It is described as botanical becasue of it active ingrediaent thymol, extracted from the herb thyme.

This ingrediant is what gives Seventh Generation’s Multi-Surface Cleaner such a unique smell.  It smells unlike another cleaner I have every experienced…it smells like thyme!  It isn’t overpowering and doesn’t last after the products is sprayed and wiped up.

Seventh Generation’s website claims these advantages:

• Kills the Flu Virus
• Cleans and Disinfects
• Control Odor
• Will not Harm porous surfaces
• Quick and Easy

I will agree with all of these.  I really like the product, but as with other surface disinfectants you need to let it sit wet before wiping it up.  This can be a pain it quick cleanups, but is just a minor inconvenience. I have used this product on porcelain, stained wood, laminate, and a solid surface sink all be great success.

Seventh Generation also makes a bathroom cleaner and disinfecting wipes in the same line.

The Ultrasonic Humidifier (SUL2324) has been very good despite a very poor users manual.

Here are a few of the details on the unit:

• Actual Runtime: 20 hours at high setting
• 3 Speed Fan
• Automatic Timer
• Use to fill and carry water tank
• Automatic Humidistat

Cleaning the SUL2324 Ultrasonic Humidifier

This unit worked perfectly for about two month, then stopped producing any mist.  I assumed it needed to be cleaned.  I pulled out the manual and it said the transducer need to be cleaned.  The problem was it didn’t say where it was.  After working at it for awhile, I found how to get to it.  1.  Turn the two thumb nuts under the water tank.  2. Pull in button on back of the unit and pull up.  3.  This will expose the transducer (metal center, black ring).  4.  Follow manufactures instructions on cleaning it.

After I removed the scale from the transducer the unit started working like new.  I would recommend this unit.  Model: SUL2324-UM  Price:$50.00

I cannot be happier with Folex Carpet Cleaner.  It is priced right, cleans amazingly, non-toxic, and odor free.  I purchased mine from Lowe’s in the cleaning section.  You might have to look, because the product packaging and bottle is not flashy at all.  It is a simple white squirt bottle with dark purple lettering.  Lowes Item #31704 for the 32 oz size and Item #238332 for the gallon size.

The most common use for Folex is to spot clean carpets…and it does a great job at this.  Just spray the Folex on the stain, agitate with your finger, let it set for 5 minutes, then blot up.  This cleaner works so well, you might need to mark the stain with a coin to blot up the cleaner.  I am serious…it works that well.

The other uses for Folex are equally amazing.

• Clothes Stain - I use it as a pretreater.  Just spray the spot, agitate with your finger, and wash normally.  It doesn’t interfere with your detergent or softener.  It also works fin in HE washers.
• Shower Cleaning - Spray on, then wipe off.  It removes soap scum and mildew great, and is odor free and non-toxic
• Boats - We use it on just about everything on our boat.  It removes bugs and buildup from the seats and stains and mildew from the carpet.  We keep a 2 gallon pump sprayer on board with a 1 part Folex to 4 part distilled water mix for cleaning.  It is a great cleaner for a boat, because we don’t have to rinse it.

How it works - Folex is a surfactant.  That means it separates the stain from the material.  That is why you can simply blot up the stain.

I can not be happier with this product and I recommend it to everyone.  It is available at Lowes, Home Depot, Amazon.com, K-Mart, and Bed Bath and Beyond.