How to Vacuum and Mop at the Same Time

Through my participation in the Walmart Moms Program, I was sent a BISSELL SYmphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop model #1132 to try out.  As my house is full of tile downstairs, I was happy to give it a go.

What intrigued me about the BISSELL Symphony, was the fact that it mops AND vacuums at the same time!  Is that really possible?

With my tile floors, I first need to sweep up the debris, then bring out a mop.  It’s a time consuming process I’d rather forego.  I’m afraid I’m much better at sweeping up than I am mopping.  I’m more of a spot clean mopper.  After all, who wants to deal with a mop and bucket?

I’m going to tell you right off the bat, yes, the BISSELL Symphony actually does vacuum and mop at the same time!  I was really surprised.  And even better, there is no bucket to deal with and it eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and germs on your floors…with no chemicals needed…just use water.  How can it get your floors so sanitary?  Because it steam cleans your floors!  You can actually see the steam coming off your floor.  Very cool…or should I say hot!

The BISSELL Symphony did a nice job cleaning my floors.  You’re probably wondering, what about the harder spots, perhaps where something was spilled or dropped, right?  I found that with a few swipes there were some spots did not go totally away; however, when I pressed my foot on the Symphony and pushed the vacuum and mop along, the spots disappeared.  I then realized I was using the soft mop pad instead of the scrubbing one.  After switching mop pads, I found I rarely need to press down on the Symphony with my foot for harsher spots.

But the BISSELL Symphony is not a miracle worker.  I was dying to cleanup the old blueberry stains off my kitchen floor, under the counter.  One spot did lighten, but it did not go away.  Another bad spot (not a blueberry stain) under the counter did go away though!  Yay!

If you’re curious how the vacuum part works, the vacuum is in the front of the mop and small to medium debris is sucked up first before the mop hits it.  My kids and their friends helped us dirty up our kitchen floor with mud from the garden.  I was worried because they smeared some mud in our thick grout lines.  The mud pieces were vacuumed up first then the hot mop hit the stains.  Even the stains in the grout were wiped clean!  I was quite surprised!

• Vacuums and mops at the same time
• Only requires water, no harsh chemicals
• Easy Touch digital controls to switch between vacuuming, steam mopping, or both at the same time
• 5 way adjustable handle
• Comes with two washable Microfiber Mop Pads With Microban, one soft and one for scrubbing
• Quick-release mop pad to clean or store
• 2 year limited warranty
• 25 foot long cord

Pros:

• I love the fact that the Symphony only uses water.  No need for expensive cleaners.
• The mop pads come off easily and can be washed over and over again.  And because it comes with two pads, I can use one while washing another.
• The handle comes down so you can store the cleaner in smaller, low profile places.
• The water from the steam tends to dry quickly.  With a mop and bucket, it takes up to 10 minutes for the floor to dry.  By the time I’m done with steam mopping a room, the first half is already dry.

Cons:

• Unfortunately, the BISSELL Symphony does use a plug.  It would be easier if it was rechargeable.  However, it does offer a powerful clean that wouldn’t be possible with a rechargeable version.
• The bin to add water into is supposed to be easy to access, but it takes some effort for me to be able to open.

The BISSELL Symphony sells for $198.96 at Walmart.

The ability to vacuum and mop all at once seems to good to be true.  I put together this video so you can see for yourself…

I keep my BISSELL Symphony in the kitchen for quick clean ups.  I used to keep a broom and dustpan nearby, but they are no longer needed.  I also used a towel and 409 to clean up food spills , but they too are no longer needed.

I also love the fact that the Symphony gives such a nice clean.  After the mopping dries, there is no streaking, just a beautifully clean floor.  And with no residue leftover from cleansers, which means the floor attracts less dirt.

The Symphony is great for my house with two young kids, but I can only imagine how wonderful this vacuum and mop would do with dogs.  Can you imagine being able to mop up dog prints and vacuum up dog hair at the same time?  What a time saver!