This document describes the HOOVER SteamVac™ LS, a deep cleaner designed for household use. It is engineered for deep cleaning carpets, rugs, carpeted stairs, and upholstery, and features automatic tool conversion for versatile cleaning tasks.
Function Description
The HOOVER SteamVac™ LS operates by applying hot tap water and cleaning solution to carpet fibers, effectively deep cleaning them. It is equipped with five brushes that work to scrub and clean both carpets and bare floors. The machine features a clean solution tank (upper tank) that holds the cleaning solution, and a recovery tank (lower tank) that collects the dirty solution picked up from the cleaned surface. An automatic shut-off mechanism engages when the recovery tank is full, preventing overflow and indicating that the tank needs to be emptied. The deep cleaner automatically diverts suction from the floor nozzle to the tools when the handle is in the upright position, allowing for seamless transition between floor and tool cleaning.
Usage Features
The SteamVac™ LS is designed for ease of use with several convenient features:
- Handle and Pedals: The deep cleaner has an ON/OFF pedal for power control and a handle release pedal to lower the handle to the operating position. The handle "floats" to allow for convenient operation, rather than locking into a single position. For transport, the handle can be placed in an upright and locked position, allowing the cleaner to be tilted back on its wheels and pushed.
- Cleaning Mode Indicator: A visual indicator shows whether the cleaner is in "FLOOR" mode (green window next to FLOOR) when the handle is in the operating position for carpets, rugs, and bare floors, or "TOOL" mode (green window next to TOOL) when the handle is upright for tool use on stairs or upholstery.
- Brush Speed Selector: The deep cleaner offers three agitator brush settings:
- HI: For normal cleaning of carpet and bare floors.
- LO: For gentle cleaning of carpets and bare floors.
- OFF: For cleaning carpets and bare floors when brushing is not desired, such as when picking up liquid spills.
The selector button should be set to the desired setting before cleaning. A brush indicator spins when the brushes are rotating, providing visual confirmation of their operation.
- Filling and Emptying Tanks: The clean solution tank is easily removed by pressing down on its handle and pulling it forward. The tank cap doubles as a measuring cup for precise detergent dosage. The recovery tank is also easily removed for emptying once the automatic shut-off mechanism indicates it is full.
- Carpet Cleaning: Before cleaning, it is recommended to vacuum thoroughly and test for colorfastness in a hidden area. For heavy traffic areas, pre-treatment with HOOVER PreCleaner Spray is suggested. The cleaning process involves squeezing a trigger to release solution while pushing the cleaner forward (wet stroke), then pulling it back (wet stroke), and then performing dry strokes without the trigger to aid in faster drying. Overlapping strokes by one inch helps prevent streaking.
- Picking Up Spills: The deep cleaner can pick up small liquid spills (1 gallon or less, never exceeding 1/4 inch in depth) on carpet, upholstery, or bare floors. For bare floors, the bare floor attachment should be used with the speed selector in the OFF position to prevent spreading the spill.
- Bare Floor Cleaning: A bare floor attachment can be easily attached to the nozzle. The cleaning process involves dispensing solution while moving the cleaner forward and backward, then releasing the trigger to pick up the dirty solution.
- Tool Usage: The deep cleaner includes a powered hand tool with rotating brushes for small carpet areas, stairs, and upholstery, a stair/upholstery nozzle with a built-in brush, and a scrub module with a detachable scrub pad for stubborn spots and hard surfaces. Tools attach to the hose, which is stored on a hose holder. To ensure solution flow to the tool, it may be necessary to "prime the pump" by blocking suction for a few seconds while the cleaner is ON.
- Cleaning Carpeted Stairs: The tool is used to pre-spray the stair, then pressed against the carpet pile to dispense solution while pulling it slowly. Dry strokes are then performed without the trigger. Overlapping strokes are recommended, and no more than four wet strokes should be used over any one area to prevent saturation.
- Cleaning Upholstery: Similar to stairs, the tool is gently pressed onto the fabric, and the trigger is pressed to dispense solution while slowly pulling the nozzle. Additional strokes without the trigger help remove moisture. For corners or creases, the tool can be lifted slightly while pressing the trigger.
Maintenance Features
The SteamVac™ LS is designed with easy maintenance in mind:
- Nozzle Cleaning: If lint or debris becomes lodged in the nozzle, clear water can be poured onto a non-carpeted floor and picked up by the deep cleaner until the debris is flushed out. A nozzle clean-out tool is provided with some models for removing debris.
- Tank Cleaning: After each use, the clean solution tank and recovery tank should be emptied, rinsed with clear water, and allowed to air dry. The solution tank cap and recovery tank lid should also be rinsed.
- Filter Screen Cleaning: The filter screen located inside the recovery tank should be removed and cleaned of lint.
- Brush Cleaning: The deep cleaner is equipped with removable brushes for easy cleaning. To remove them, the cleaner should be disconnected from the electrical outlet, and both tanks should be removed. The handle release pedal is pressed to lower the handle, and the cleaner is tilted over. The inner portion of the brush assembly is pulled out to reveal latches, which are then pressed to release the brush block. The brushes can be cleaned under running water.
- Scrub Pad Cleaning: The scrub pad from the scrub module can be pulled off, washed with mild detergent and water, rinsed, and air-dried. It must be completely dry before reattaching and storing.
- Storage: Before storing, both tanks should be emptied and rinsed. The deep cleaner should be turned ON, and the trigger squeezed while pushing and pulling the cleaner to expel any remaining solution from the system. The brushes and underside of the cleaner should be allowed to air dry thoroughly before storing on a carpeted or wood surface. The machine should not be stored with a full solution tank or exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Lubrication: The motor is equipped with bearings that are sufficiently lubricated for the life of the motor, and no additional lubricant should be added, as this could cause damage.
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