For years, I struggled with keeping our hard floors clean. Between three young children and two pets, the constant cycle of sweeping, mopping, and the never-ending battle against sticky spills and embedded dirt felt relentless. A simple solution seemed elusive, and I knew a more efficient cleaning method was crucial to prevent the buildup of grime and maintain a hygienic home environment. A powerful, versatile cleaning system, like the Bissell 1132A Symphony Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum, would have saved me countless hours of scrubbing and frustration.
- Vacuum and steam your hard floors at the same time
- Sanitize* floors using the natural power of steam, eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria*. Dry Tank Technology keeps debris inside your dirt tank dry while steam cleaning
- Easy Touch Digital Controls. Switch between vacuum, steam, or both
Choosing the Right Hard Floor Cleaning Solution
The market offers a plethora of hard floor cleaning solutions, each promising a gleaming, sanitary finish. However, the ideal choice depends greatly on individual needs and living conditions. Families with young children or pets, or those living in high-traffic areas, need a powerful, versatile system that can tackle a wide range of messes, from sticky spills to embedded dirt. For those with limited storage space or physical limitations, a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver model might be preferable. Individuals with smaller homes or apartments may find that a smaller, more compact model fits their space better. On the other hand, someone living alone in a small apartment with minimal mess might find a simpler solution, such as a Swiffer wet jet, perfectly sufficient. Before purchasing any hard floor cleaning system, carefully consider your home’s size, flooring type, frequency of cleaning, and your personal physical capabilities.
- POWER OF STEAM MADE EASY: Effortlessly clean and sanitize with just water To sanitize floors, be sure to completely follow the product's directions for use. See sanitization instructions in Owner's...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Powerful steam and rotating pads provide up to 3x better stuck-on stain removal vs. traditional steam mops**.
- 【All-in-One Handheld Steam Mop】 This multi-purpose handheld steam cleaner comes with 11 accessories to tackle cleaning tasks all over your home. Perfect for floors, clothing, glass, furniture,...
Introducing the Bissell 1132A Symphony: A Steam Mop and Vacuum Hybrid
The Bissell 1132A Symphony Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum is a unique 2-in-1 appliance designed to simultaneously vacuum and steam clean hard floors. It promises a deep clean, eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria*. This model boasts innovative Dry Tank Technology, keeping debris dry within its dirt tank during steam cleaning. Easy Touch Digital Controls allow seamless switching between vacuum, steam, or both modes. The cyclonic vacuum action effectively captures dirt and debris. The package includes one microfiber soft pad, one microfiber scrubby pad, and a detachable mop pad tray. Compared to previous Bissell steam mops, the Symphony offers a more powerful vacuum and a more intuitive control system. While it’s not directly comparable to market leaders like Shark or Dyson in terms of pure vacuuming power, its combined steam and vacuum action provides a level of cleanliness that many standalone models struggle to match. This particular model is ideal for those seeking a convenient, all-in-one solution for hard floor maintenance. Those preferring separate, highly specialized cleaning tools might find its dual function a drawback.
* *Sanitization claims based on laboratory testing.
Pros:
* Simultaneous vacuuming and steaming
* Effective dirt and debris removal
* Easy-to-use digital controls
* Multiple mop pads included
* Easy pad replacement system
Cons:
* Heavy and somewhat awkward to maneuver
* Handle does not lock upright securely
* Can leave behind fine dust particles
Unpacking the Features and Benefits of the Bissell 1132A Symphony
The Powerful Vacuuming Action
The Bissell Symphony‘s cyclonic vacuum system is unexpectedly strong. It efficiently picks up larger debris like cereal, pet food, and even larger pieces of dirt that a typical mop would simply push around. This feature significantly reduces pre-mopping cleanup time, simplifying the entire process. The vacuum functionality makes a huge difference; I no longer need to sweep or use a separate vacuum before steaming.
The Sanitizing Steam Power
The steam function is another key advantage. The hot steam effectively sanitizes floors, killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria*—a significant improvement over traditional mopping. The ability to use just steam, just the vacuum, or both simultaneously is a valuable feature, allowing for customization based on the level of cleaning required. The intensity of the steam is easily adjustable, enabling me to modify the cleaning power according to the type of mess and the surface’s sensitivity.
Ease of Use and Maneuverability
While I praised the powerful vacuum, the weight and awkward handle design present a major drawback. The combination of a large water tank and a heavy-duty cord makes the Bissell 1132A Symphony somewhat cumbersome to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. The triangular handle, while modern in appearance, is inconveniently shaped and doesn’t allow for easy viewing of the control panel. Moreover, the lack of a handle lock is a serious design flaw, leading to potential safety hazards and discomfort during use.
Maintenance and Durability
The machine washable mop pads are a definite plus, reducing the need for disposable cleaning cloths. However, I have found that even with thorough washing, stubborn stains can linger. The overall durability of the Bissell 1132A Symphony is acceptable, but I have noticed some wear and tear after several years of regular use. I’d recommend regularly inspecting the components and replacing worn-out parts to prolong the machine’s lifespan.
Water Tank and Cord Management
The large water tank requires frequent refills for larger cleaning jobs but reduces the time spent stopping and refilling. I find it easier to manage than the smaller tanks found in some competing models. The long cord offers ample reach but adds to the overall weight and can be cumbersome to navigate during use. The cord wraps onto the machine for easier storage which is appreciated.
User Experiences: A Summary of Online Feedback
Numerous online reviews highlight the Bissell 1132A Symphony‘s powerful vacuuming capabilities and its effective steam cleaning performance. Many users appreciate its all-in-one design, eliminating the need for multiple cleaning tools. However, negative feedback frequently focuses on the handle’s design flaws and the machine’s weight and maneuverability. There are reports of the unit leaking and the occasional scratching of hard floors. These observations generally reflect my own experiences with the machine.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Cleaner with Room for Improvement
The Bissell 1132A Symphony effectively tackles the persistent problem of cleaning hard floors in busy homes. Its unique combination of vacuuming and steam cleaning offers a significant advantage over traditional methods. Despite its drawbacks, the deep clean it provides and the time it saves are considerable. However, Bissell could significantly improve the user experience by addressing the design flaws in the handle and improving the overall maneuverability. The substantial cleaning power, however, outweighs these minor drawbacks for many users. To see if the Bissell 1132A Symphony Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum is right for you, click here to check it out.