Bissell 1200B SpotBot Carpet Cleaner Review
- Details

Avg. consumer rating = 87/100
The Bissell 1200B SpotBot is not a steam cleaner rather it is a specialized unit for cleaning carpet stains (Bissell categorizes the SpotBot under Compact Deep Cleaners). The Bissell 1200B gets excellent consumer ratings, and reviews indicate that it is very easy to use and can effectively remove all manner of carpet stain.
The Bissell 1200B is a popular product and as a result it has been well-reviewed and rated by consumers. Ratings from several popular websites are shown in the table below (these are solid ratings):
Source | Consumer Ratings | #Ratings |
Amazon | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 515 |
Walmart | 4.45 stars out of 5 | 93 |
Target | 4.5 stars out of 5 | 86 |
Epinions | 4.5 stars out of 5 | 76 |
Best Buy | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 15 |
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
The SpotBot 1200B has both hands-free and manual cleaning modes. The hands-free mode has elicited enthusiastic comments from many buyers. Simply fill the clean water tank with water and solution, place the unit over the stain, choose the cleaning cycle (surface stain or set-in stain) and walk away. During the cleaning cycle the spiral brush head will spray and brush the area loosening the stain. Vacuum suction then removes the stain material and cleaning solution. A cleaning cycle lasts for approximately 7 minutes and within that time the cleaning head will complete 400 revolutions. A beeping sounds alerts you when the cleaning cycle is complete. The SpotBot uses a dual tank cleaning system: one tank is for the clean water and cleaning solution while the other collects the dirty water and grime from the stain.
Cleaning tools and a hose also come with the SpotBot and allow one to do manual spot cleaning. Manual cleaning may be necessary for larger stains or for particularly difficult stains. In manual mode you can remove the flex hose (five feet in length) and work on stains with the spray trigger and the three inch Tough Stain Brush (brush comes with the unit). The hose and tools are stored on board. Bissell also indicate that the Bissell 1200B SpotBot provides effective stain removal on both carpet and upholstery, and that the tools provide the versatility necessary for cleaning stairs and inside automobiles.
Before tackling a stain it is advised that one prepare the area by first removing any solids or semi-solids (remove large amounts manually then vacuum away residue). If the stain is due to a liquid then blot up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent cloth. Bissell literature also advises that one test the spot removal formula on an inconspicuous area of carpet first to ensure that there is no discoloration or other damage.
The Bissell 1200B SpotBot includes a 16 foot power cord that wraps around an on-board oval cord wrap. The SpotBot weighs in at 14.2 lbs and some consumers feel it is heavy while others comment that it is fairly light likely depends on what one is used to. It is a compact device measuring (HxWxD) 14 x 20 x 9.5. It has a one-year limited warranty.
The Bissell SpotBot comes with trial size cleaning fluids: 8oz of Little Green Formula and 16oz of OxyGen2. Little Green Formula is a low foaming concentrate for carpets, upholstery and auto interiors. It is designed to cut through and lift spots, spills and soils leaving fibers clean while deodorizing and refreshing with a light, clean scent. OxyGen2 is a deeply penetrating spot and stain remover that thoroughly remove stains like red wine, cola, and fruit juice from carpets.
A review of consumer comments related to the Bissell 1200B SpotBot indicates the following common likes and dislikes:
PROS
- Highly recommended (by consumers) for households with pets and/or children
- Effective at removing many different kinds of stains: coke, dirt, Koolaid, spaghetti, pet stains, red wine, etc.
- Also works well on carpets in vehicles
- Very easy to use
- Compact
- Hands-free mode cleans well and is popular with consumers
CONS
- Noisy (common comment)
- Some complaints that it can leave a ring in the carpet (a ring of cleaner carpet).
- Uses a lot of cleaning solution
- Cleaning area is a little small
- Leaves carpet damp
- Some outlets charge a fair bit for the cleaning solution (Amazon prices are not too bad you can check the cleaning solution images above. They are also cheaper if bought in 3 or 6 packs).
Manual
Some good step by step instructions as well as a description of the different features of the deep cleaner can be found in the Bissell 1200B Manual.
Video
This Bissell 1200B Video is by Bissell and shows the unit at work. Great for seeing the product features and versatility.
There is also a good video on the SpotBot on our vacuum video page. It is by HSN but if you are considering purchasing this cleaner then the video is worth the watch.
POST YOUR COMMENTS