Hoover FloorMATE Hard Floor Cleaner - User Manual

FloorMATE
™
The Hard Floor Cleaner
Owner’s Manual
English ➜ pp. 1-13
Español ➜ pàg. 15-22
Français ➜ p. 24-31
Review this manual before
operating cleaner.
This cleaner was inspected and packaged carefully before being shipped
from the factory. If you should happen to need assistance during assem-
bly or operation:
Visit us online at www.hoover.com to find the service
outlet nearest you (click on the “Service” button) or
Call 1-800-944-9200 for an automated referral of authorized
service outlet locations (U.S. only) or
Call 1-330-499-9499 to speak with a representative in our
Consumer Response Center.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE.
Thank you for selecting a HOOVER product.
www.hoover.com

Summary

Important Safeguards

General Safety Precautions

Essential safety rules to follow for safe operation and to prevent injury or damage.

Assembly

How to Use

Handle Release Pedal Operation

How to adjust the handle position using the release pedal for operation.

ON;OFF Switch

Instructions for turning the cleaner on and off using the main switch.

Wet;Dry Pedal and Indicators

Brush Control Switch

Recovery Tank and Automatic Shut-Off

How to Empty

Emptying the Recovery Tank

To Clean Filter

Cleaning the Recovery Tank Filter

How to Clean

Recommended Cleaning Sequence

Step-by-step guide for dry vacuuming, wet cleaning, and wet pickup.

Cleaning Floors (Vinyl, Tile, Linoleum)

Detailed instructions for wet cleaning and picking up dirty solution from hard floors.

Cleaning Sealed Wood Floors

Maintenance

Cleaning the Nozzle

Cleaning the Brushes

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Checklist and solutions for common problems like no suction or machine not running.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Hoover FloorMate™ Hard Floor Cleaner is a versatile appliance designed for household use, specifically for cleaning non-carpeted hard floor surfaces such as vinyl, tile, sealed wood, and linoleum. It is not intended for use on carpets or rugs. The cleaner combines dry vacuuming, wet cleaning, and wet pickup functions to provide a comprehensive cleaning solution for hard floors.

Function Description:

The FloorMate™ operates in three main modes:

1. Dry Vacuuming: This mode is used to remove loose dirt, hair, and debris from the floor surface before wet cleaning. The cleaner's squeegee is raised in this mode, allowing for dry debris collection into the recovery tank.
2. Wet Cleaning (Wet Scrub): In this mode, the cleaner dispenses a cleaning solution onto the floor while the brush assembly is lowered to scrub the surface. The solution trigger on the hand grip is squeezed to release the clean solution, and the cleaner is moved forward and backward over the area to be cleaned. Overlapping strokes are recommended to prevent streaking. The cleaner's suction simultaneously picks up the dirty solution.
3. Wet Pickup: After wet cleaning, this mode is used to enhance drying of the floor surface. The solution trigger is released, and the wet control switch is moved to the "WET/DRY PICKUP" setting, which raises the brush assembly. The cleaner is then moved over the area to pick up any remaining dirty solution, reducing drying time.

The cleaner is equipped with a clean solution tank (upper tank) and a recovery tank (lower tank). The clean solution tank holds the cleaning concentrate mixed with warm water, which is then dispersed onto the floor. The recovery tank collects both dry debris during vacuuming and dirty cleaning solution during wet cleaning and pickup. An automatic suction shut-off mechanism is built into the recovery tank to prevent overflowing. This shut-off activates when the tank is full or if the handle is raised to the upright position while the motor is running, indicated by a change in motor sound and a loss of suction.

Usage Features:

• Handle Release Pedal: A pedal at the base of the cleaner allows the handle to be lowered to an operating position. The handle "floats" to allow convenient operation rather than locking into a single position.
• ON/OFF Switch: A simple push switch on the cleaner's body turns the appliance on or off.
• Solution Trigger: Located on the hand grip, this trigger is squeezed to release the clean solution onto the floor during wet cleaning.
• Brush Control Switch: This switch allows the user to lower the brush assembly for wet scrubbing or raise it for wet pickup and dry vacuuming. The "WET SCRUB" position lowers the brushes, while the "WET/DRY PICKUP" position raises them.
• Wet/Dry Pedal and Indicators: A pedal on the base of the cleaner allows switching between wet and dry operation. The WET indicator shows red when the pedal is set for wet operation, and the DRY indicator shows red when set for dry vacuuming. This pedal controls the nozzle squeegee, lowering it for wet operation and raising it for dry debris pickup.
• Clean Solution Tank: The upper tank is easily removed by pressing a release button and pivoting it forward. The cap doubles as a measuring cup for the cleaning concentrate. The tank is filled with 2 oz. of concentrate and 1 quart of warm water.
• Recommended Concentrates: For best results, Machine Formula LYSOL® Floor Cleaning Concentrate is recommended for vinyl, ceramic, and other tiles, and linoleum. For sealed wood floors (laminate, polyurethane, or other water-cleanable wood floors), Machine Formula OLD ENGLISH® Wood Floor Cleaning Concentrate is advised. These concentrates are specifically formulated to resist excessive foaming. Pine or solvent-based cleaning concentrates, or any type of wax, should not be used.
• Transport: The cleaner can be easily moved by placing the handle in an upright position, tilting the cleaner back on its rear wheels, and pushing it forward using the carrying handle located on the back of the cleaner.
• Cord Clip: A cord clip on the handle helps manage the power cord, keeping it out of the way during cleaning.
• Grounding Instructions: The appliance must be connected to a properly grounded 120-volt outlet. A 3-prong grounding plug is provided, and a temporary adapter may be used if a grounded outlet is not available, though this is not permitted in Canada.

Maintenance Features:

• Recovery Tank Emptying: The recovery tank should be emptied after dry vacuuming and before wet operation, or when the automatic shut-off activates. To empty, press the release button, pivot the tank forward, lift the lid latch, and remove the lid.
• Filter Screen Cleaning: The filter screen located in the recovery tank lid collects dry debris and can be rinsed under running water.
• Washable Filter: The recovery tank lid contains a washable, reusable filter. This filter should be cleaned when suction is low or reduced. It can be brushed, tapped, or rinsed and must be allowed to air dry between uses.
• Nozzle Cleaning: The nozzle can be removed for easy cleaning by sliding two release latches outward and pulling it straight out. It can be rinsed under running water, and debris from the squeegee can be wiped with a damp cloth.
• Brush Assembly Cleaning: The brush assembly can be removed after the nozzle is detached by pulling it straight out using the finger grips. It can be washed with a mild detergent and rinsed. Pine or solvent-based detergents should not be used for cleaning the brushes.
• Storage: Before storing, the cleaner should be turned off and unplugged. Both the solution and recovery tanks should be emptied, rinsed, and allowed to air dry. The filter in the recovery tank lid should also be dry. The cleaner should be set for "Dry Vacuuming" (pedal to "DRY" and Wet Control switch up), ensuring nothing is pressing on the nozzle squeegee. The cleaner should not be stored on a wood surface unless it is completely dry.

The FloorMate™ is designed for convenience and efficiency in maintaining hard floor surfaces, with clear instructions for operation and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Hoover FloorMATE Hard Floor Cleaner Specifications