Bissell's successful SpotBot now comes in a pet cleanup version -- model 1200-2. Like the pet version of so many other floor care products, the SpotBot Pet doesn't differ at all from the original -- it's just marketed differently.

SpotBot Pet sports a new dark blue color versus the standard green. In place of the Little Green Cleaning Solution, Bissell has packed the pet version with a sample of their Pet Formula product. Unlike the Little Green solution, Pet Formula is specifically designed to tackle the urine, feces and vomit pets may leave behind. Other than these two superficial changes, the SpotBot Pet is the same as the original, reliable cleaning machine. Because both models are actually identical, make sure you don't pay more for the pet version. Purchase the model offered at the best price, and use any money you save to purchase a full-size bottle of the solution of your choice.

Regardless of the model you choose, the SpotBot is a beautiful thing. This well-designed cleaner is meant to be filled with water and solution and placed over a spot. You simply turn it on and walk away. This little machine works on its own for six minutes or so wetting, scrubbing and extracting solution from your rug. You can choose a short setting for fresh stains or opt for a longer one for stains that have set in. Our testers preferred using the longer setting every time, because they felt cleaning was more thorough. The only time we can envision using the short cycle would be if guests were arriving soon.

Although we were very pleased with the results on new and fresh carpet, the SpotBot does have a tendency to leave behind a tell-tale ring, especially on carpets that are somewhat soiled, old or worn. Using the included hand tool to brush the ring is a good way to eliminate it. A full carpet steaming later on often serves to eliminate this ring and blends it into the carpet.

A quick and easy way to treat any spot, Bissell SpotBot Pet 1200-2 is a handy tool to have on hand and our favorite in the spot treatment category. Its hose and brush also make it useful for cleaning small areas such as automobile carpeting and stairs.


Pros: Hands-free, low labor way to treat emergency spots on the rug
Cons: Can leave a ring behind, if not brushed

Warranty
1 year