Hoover F8100900 - Platinum Carpet Cleaner User manual

www.hoover.com
©2008 Healthy Gain Investments, Ltd. All rights reserved #960009435-01 11/08
™

™
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read these instructions carefully before
using your vacuum.
OPERATING AND SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
CARPET
CLEANER

TABLE OF CONTENTS
OWNER’S INSTRUCTIONS
English pp. 1-23
Español pàg. E1-E23
2
Safety Instructions ........................ 3
1. FEATURES ................................... 5
2. HOW TO ASSEMBLE ..................... 7
Carton Contents ................................................. 7
Attach Handle ..................................................... 8
Tool Storage ........................................................ 8
3. HOW TO OPERATE ....................... 8
Grounding Instructions ......................................... 10
ON / OFF Button.................................................. 10
Handle Release Pedal........................................... 10
Transporting ........................................................ 10
Carrying Handle .................................................. 10
Tank Status ......................................................... 11
Emptying the Dirty Water Recovery Tank................ 11
Preparing the Machine For Cleaning:
Filling the Tanks.............................................. 12
4. HOW TO CLEAN ........................... 14
Before You Clean ................................................. 14
How To Clean................................................. 14
Wash / Rinse .................................................. 15
Spot Cleaning................................................. 16
Rinse Only Function ........................................ 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Spill Pick Up................................................... 17
Cleaning Stairs Upholstery and Other
Small Areas................................................ 17
After Cleaning ...................................................... 19
5. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .......... 21
6. SERVICE ...................................... 22
7. WARRANTY .................................. 23

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
•READALLINSTRUCTIONSBEFOREUSINGTHISAPPLIANCE.
•WARNING:THISPRODUCTCONTAINSCHEMICALSKNOWNTOTHESTATEOFCALIFORNIATOCAUSECANCER,BIRTHDEFECTS
ORREPRODUCTIVEHARM. WASHHANDSAFTERUSING.
•TOASSISTINREDUCINGDRYINGTIME,BECERTAINTHEAREAISWELLVENTILATEDWHENUSINGDETERGENTSANDOTHER
CLEANERSWITHTHISMACHINE.
•AVOIDPICKINGUPHARD,SHARPOBJECTSWITHTHECARPETCLEANER.THEYMAYDAMAGETHEMACHINE.
•TOHELPPREVENTMATTINGANDRESOILING,AVOIDCONTACTWITHCARPETSUNTILTHEYAREDRY.KEEPCHILDRENAND
PETSAWAYFROMCARPETSUNTILTHEYARECOMPLETELYDRY.
•STOREINADRYPLACE.DONOTEXPOSEMACHINETOFREEZINGTEMPERATURES.
IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
•Donotleaveappliancewhenpluggedin.Unplugfromoutlet
whennotinuseandbeforecleaningorservicing.
•Useindoorsonly.
•Donotimmerse. Useonly on carpetmoistened bycleaning
processorsmallspills.
•Use only commercially available floor cleaners and waxes
intendedformachineapplication.
•Donotallowtobeusedasatoy.Closeattentionisnecessary
whenusedbyornearchildren.
•Useonlyasdescribedinthismanual.Useonlymanufacturer’s
recommendedattachments.
WARNING:TOREDUCETHERISKOFFIRE,ELECTRICSHOCKORINJURY:
THISPRODUCTISINTENDEDFORHOUSEHOLDUSEONLY.
•Donotusewithdamagedcordorplug.Ifapplianceisnotwork-
ingasitshould,hasbeendropped,damaged,leftoutdoors,or
droppedintowater,returnittoaservicecenter.
•Donotpullorcarrybycord,usecordasahandle,closeadoor
oncord,orpullcordaroundsharpedgesorcorners.
•Donotrunapplianceovercord.Keepcordawayfromheated
surfaces.
•Donotunplugbypullingoncord.Tounplug,grasptheplug,not
thecord.
•Donothandleplugorappliancewithwethands.

•Donotputany objectintoopenings. Donotuse withany
openingblocked;keepfreeofdust,lint,hair,andanything
thatmayreduceairflow.
•Keephair,looseclothing,fingers,andallpartsofbodyaway
fromopeningsandmovingparts.
•Turnoffallcontrolsbeforeunplugging.
•Useextracarewhencleaningonstairs.Donotplacecarpet
cleaneronstairs.
•Donotusetopickupflammableorcombustibleliquids,such
asgasoline,oruseinareaswheretheymaybepresent.
•Connecttoaproperlygroundedoutletonly.SeeGrounding
Instructions.
•Unplugbeforeconnectingpoweredhandtool.
•Donotpickupanythingthatisburningorsmoking,suchas
cigarettes,matches,orhotashes.
•Donotusewithouttanksinplace.
•Donotcleanoverfloorelectricaloutlets.
•The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If an
extension cord is absolutely necessary, use at least a 16
gauge 3-wire cord which has a 3-prong grounding type plug
anda3-polereceptaclethatacceptsthemachineplug.
•Donotpointtoolstowardpeopleorpets.
•Keepdetergentsandothercleanersoutofchildren’sreach.
•Donotpick upchlorine bleach, draincleaner, gasolineor
anyothertoxicmaterialwiththisappliance.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

FEATURES
5
1 Cord Hooks
2 Crevice Tool Retainer
3 Crevice Tool
4 Handle Release Pedal
5 Stretch Hose
6 Carrying Handle / Hose Retainer
7 Cord
8 Hose Pocket
9 Carpet/Upholstery Tool
10 C/U Tool Holder and Cord Wrap
11 SpinScrubTM Powered Hand Tool
12 Detergent Tank
13 Clean Water Tank
14 LED Headlight
15 Spot and High Traffic Sprayer
16 Heated Drying Nozzle
17 Control Panel
18 Tool Door Handle
19 Tank Release Handle
20 Dirty Water Recovery Tank
21 Heated Cleaning Temperature Sensor Light
22 Dirty Water Recovery Nozzle
23 Solution Trigger
1. FEATURES
1.1
10
7
4
2
3
6
5
8
9
1
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

FEATURES
Control Panel
24 Detergent Tank is Empty
25 Clean Water Tank is Empty
26 Recovery Tank is Full
27 Cleaning Selector
28 Power Button
29 Surface Selector
30 Wash Indicator
31 Rinse Indicator
1.2
1. FEATURES
6
24
26
27 28
29
31 30
25

2. HOW TO ASSEMBLE
HOW TO ASSEMBLE
Carton Contents
Remove all parts from carton and identify each
item shown. Make sure all parts are located
before disposing of packing.
A Upper Handle
B Cleaner
C Crevice Tool Retainer
D Handle bolts and nuts (Three nuts may be
in bag but only two are needed for assembly.)
7
Optional Accessories
Accessories not included with your model
may be purchased separately by visiting
www.hoover.com, or your local HOOVER®ser-
vice center.
E SpinScrub™ Hand Tool
F Crevice Tool
G Carpet/Upholstery Tool
2.2
E
F
G
A C
D
B
2.1

HOW TO ASSEMBLE
2. HOW TO ASSEMBLE
8
2.5
Attach Handle
TOOL REQUIRED: PHILLIPS OR FLATHEAD
SCREWDRIVER
2.3 Slide upper handle down into cleaner body.
2.4 Insert bolts into center of cord hooks (H) -
Open tool door on front storage area and
attach nuts.
2.5 Tighten with screwdriver.
2.3
2.7
2.6
Tool Storage
2.6 Snap crevice tool retainer into back of cleaner.
2.7 Store crevice and brush tool on back of
cleaner. (Optional tools shown.)
2.8a Store SpinScrubTM tool in front storage area
located beneath the cleaner control panel.
How To Reattach Tool Door
2.8b The tool door is designed with a break-
away feature which allows it to snap free if it
is pushed too far open.
To reattach, align hinges of cover with holes on
sides of tool storage area. Snap door into place.
2.8a
2.8b
2.4
H

HOW TO ASSEMBLE
9
2.9
Position Hose
2.9 Loop over hose retainer/carry handle.
2.10 Firmly insert hose into hose pocket. Failure
to do so could result in suction loss at the floor.
2.10
2. HOW TO ASSEMBLE

10
3. HOW TO OPERATE
HOW TO OPERATE
Grounding Instructions
This appliance must be grounded. If it should
malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides
a path of least resistance for electric current to
reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance
is equipped with a cord having an equipment-
grounding conductor (C) and grounding plug
(A). The plug must be inserted into an appro-
priate outlet (B) that is properly installed and
grounded in accordance with all local codes and
ordinances.
WARNING:
Improper connection of
the equipment-grounding conductor can result
in the risk of electric shock. Check with a
qualified electrician or service person if you are
in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with
the appliance - if it will not fit the outlet, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
This appliance is for use on a nominal 120-volt
circuit and has a grounding plug that looks like
the plug (A) illustrated in Fig. 3.1. A temporary
adapter (D) may be used to connect this plug to
a 2-pole receptacle (E) if a properly grounded
outlet is not available. The temporary adapter
should be used only until a properly grounded
outlet (B) can be installed by a qualified electri-
cian. The green colored rigid ear, lug, or the like
(F) extending from the adapter must be con-
nected to a permanent ground (G) such as a
properly grounded outlet box cover. Whenever
the adapter is used, it must be held in place
by a metal screw. NOTE: In Canada, the use
of a temporary adapter is not permitted by the
Canadian Electrical Code.
GROUNDING
OUTLET BOX
3.1 B
AC
3.2
D
F
E
G
D

HOW TO OPERATE
3. HOW TO OPERATE
ON/OFF Button
Hold handle while
stepping on handle
release pedal to lower
to operating position.
Handle does not lock
into a single position
but “floats” to allow
convenient operation.
Lift the cleaner by
placing hand in carry
handle on the back of
cleaner as shown.
To move your cleaner
from room to room, put
handle in upright and
locked position, tilt
cleaner back on wheels
and push forward.
3.3 3.4 3.6
To turn cleaner ON,
push button.
To turn cleaner OFF,
push button again.
Handle Release
Pedal
Transporting Carrying Handle
11
3.5

Tank Status Indicators
The computerized controls will perform a self diag-
notics test the first time the machine is powered
up after being plugged in. This process takes 5
seconds during which all of the lights on the control
panel will flash. This is normal.
The appropriate tank status light will blink when
the Clean Water or Detergent Tank is empty.
In some circumstances, “soft water” or certain
3.7
Emptying the Dirty Water Recovery Tank
3.8 Lower cleaner han-
dle to the floor.
3.9 Grasp handle of
Dirty Water Recovery
Tank and pull straight
up.
3.10 Set tank on coun-
ter-top or table and
remove lid by pushing
button (A) and pivoting
the lid up and away
from tank.
3.11 Dump dirty water
in sink or toilet. Rinse
out Dirty Recovery Tank
and be sure to remove lint
and dirt from screen (B).
detergents might not be recognized by the sen-
sor. The cleaner will continue to operate properly
even though the light has been activated.
The tank status light representing the Dirty
Water Recovery Tank will blink when the tank is
full and needs to be emptied. In this state, the
cleaner will no longer dispense liquid so that the
carpet does not become over-saturated.
3.12 Secure lid to tank
and place tank back
into cleaner.
HOW TO OPERATE
3. HOW TO OPERATE
12
3.12
A
B
Turn carpet cleaner off and unplug from outlet. Do not use without float in place. If broken or dislodged, take
to an authorized Hoover
®
dealer for repair.
3.9 3.103.8 3.11

HOW TO OPERATE
3. HOW TO OPERATE
13
Preparing the Machine
for Cleaning
Filling the Tanks
3.13 Make sure Dirty Water Recovery Tank lid
and tool hose end are secure to ensure
optimum water pick up.
3.14 Remove Clean Water and Detergent Tanks
by pulling forward on handles and sliding
tank towards you.
3.15 Fill large Clean Water Tank (A) with hot tap
water (under 140˙f/60˙c) to fill line. Do not
boil or microwave.
3.16 Fill Detergent Tank (B) to fill line. Use only
Hoover®brand detergents and carpet
cleaners; others may foam too much and
cause leaking or cause damage to the
cleaner and void the warranty.
3.17 Replace tanks by sliding straight into cleaner.
Push bottom of tank until you hear a loud
“click”. This ensures the tank is locked into
place.
3.14
3.15 3.16 3.17
3.13
A
B

HOW TO CLEAN
14
BEFORE YOU BEGIN CLEANING
How to Clean
4. HOW TO CLEAN
A. Vacuum thoroughly - For carpet, use a HOOVER®vacuum cleaner with an
agitator for best results. Vacuum upholstery with a vacuum cleaner with clean-
ing tool attachments. Use a crevice tool to reach into tufts and folds. Do not
use the carpet cleaner as a dry vacuum cleaner.
B. Test for colorfastness - Wet a white absorbent cloth with the detergent. In
a small, hidden area, gently rub the surface with the dampened cloth. Wait ten
minutes and check for color removal or bleed with white paper towel or cloth.
If surface has more than one color, check all colors.
C. When cleaning entire floor, move furniture out of area to be cleaned (may not
be necessary if only high traffic areas are to be cleaned). For furniture too heavy
to move, place aluminum foil or wax paper under legs. This will prevent wood
finishes from staining carpet. Pin up furniture skirts and draperies.
D. To prevent staining, use plastic or aluminum foil to protect wood or metal
surfaces from possible water spray.
E. To avoid wetting and possible damage to wood floors underneath area rugs,
either move area rugs to a non-wood hard floor surface or place waterproof
material (e.g. plastic) underneath them before cleaning.

Dry hands and plug cleaner into a properly grounded outlet.
Do not clean over floor electrical outlets.
Wash / Auto Rinse
Use for normal floor cleaning
1. Press power button.
2. Press appropriate surface selector button. “Carpet” for wall-to-wall
carpeting. “Rug” for throw rugs, area rugs or delicate carpet.
3. Turn cleaning mode selector dial to “Wash/Auto Rinse”.
4. You are now ready to clean your carpet.
5. Release handle by stepping on “Handle Release Pedal”.
6. See Figure 4.1 for reference.
A. Pull and hold solution trigger (Fig. 4.2) while pushing machine straight
forward. This is the wash cycle.
B. Continue to depress solution trigger and pull cleaner towards you. This is
the rinse cycle.
C. Release solution trigger and push forward. This is the first dry cycle.
D. Pull towards you, this is the 2nd dry cycle.
Steps A through D should be performed in approximately 24 seconds for best
results. This speed is much slower than dry vacuum cleaning.
For best cleaning and drying it is very important to perform steps A through D
in one path before moving to the next section.
Move over the width of the machine and repeat steps A through D.
Repeat steps C and D for drier carpets.
15
HOW TO CLEAN
4. HOW TO CLEAN
4.2
4.1
A
B
C
D

HOW TO CLEAN
4. HOW TO CLEAN
16
Spot Cleaning
Use for spots, stains and high traffic areas
1. The spot sprayer has two spray patterns. Wide (A)
for treating high traffic areas and large spots and
narrow (B) for smaller areas. Turn sprayer right for
narrow and left for wide.
2. Press power button.
3. Press appropriate surface button. “Carpet” for
wall to wall carpeting. “Rug” for throw rugs, area
rugs or delicate carpet.
4. Turn cleaning mode selector dial to “SpotClean”.
5. Release Handle.
6. Aim spot sprayer at problem area using the spot
finder light as your guide. Pull solution trigger to
spray solution. Be careful not to over saturate.
7. Position brush system over treated area. This
will work the solution into the fibers, releasing
the soils. Do not scrub the same area for more
than 30 seconds.
NOTE: The vacuum motor is turned off in Spot
Clean mode. This allows for maximum cleaning
effectiveness.
Always rinse areas that have been cleaned with the
Spot Clean function, this removes the soils and the
detergent from your carpet.
Rinse Only Function
Use to remove soap residue or liquid spills
1. Press power button.
2. Press appropriate surface button. “Carpet” for wall to wall carpeting. “Rug”
for throw rugs, area rugs or delicate carpet.
3. Turn cleaning mode selector dial to “Rinse Only”
4. Release Handle.
5. A. Pull and hold solution trigger while pushing machine straight forward.
This is the first rinse cycle.
B. Continue to depress solution trigger and pull towards you. This is the
second rinse cycle.
C. Release solution trigger and push forward. This is the first dry cycle.
D. Pull towards you, this is the 2nd dry cycle.
Repeat steps C and D for drier carpets.
A B

Cleaning stairs, upholstery and other small areas.
Unplug carpet cleaner from electrical outlet.
1. Remove hose from hose pocket.
2. Slide desired tool onto hose (Fig. 4.3).
Plug carpet cleaner into electrical outlet.
3. Place handle in upright position
4. Set cleaning mode selector to “Wash / AutoRinse” for normal cleaning
“Rinse Only” for plain water spray or “Spill Pick-Up” to remove small
spills (will not spray in this mode).
a.Tool will not operate in “Spot Clean” mode.
b.The surface selector can be set to either the carpet or rug cleaning
mode, the tool will operate the same at either setting.
HOW TO CLEAN
4. HOW TO CLEAN
17
4.3
Spill Pick-Up
Use for picking up small liquid spills (one gallon or less, never to exceed
1/8 in. in depth) on carpet or upholstery
1. Press power button.
2. Turn cleaning mode selector dial to “Spill Pick-up”.
3. Brushes do not spin in this mode.
4. Release handle.
5. Slowly move cleaner over the spill until liquid is no longer visible moving
through the recovery nozzle.
Washing or rinsing is recommended after picking up a spill in order to prevent
resoiling.

Cleaning carpeted stairs
1. Place handle in upright position. Agitator brushes will not rotate while
handle is in upright position.
2. Hose length may require that machine be placed at the top of the stairs to
clean upper half of stairway and at bottom of stairs to clean lower half.
To prevent machine from falling, use extra caution when cleaning on stairs.
Do not place cleaner on stairs.
Do not point tools toward people or pets.
3. Dry hands and plug cleaner into a properly grounded outlet.
4. Pre-spray the carpeted stair by holding the tool about one inch
above the carpet and push it forward while pressing the trigger (equals one
wet stroke, Fig. 4.4).
5. Position tool against the riser and slightly press it into carpet pile. Press the
trigger and pull the tool slowly over the carpet (second wet stroke). Release
trigger at end of stroke.
6. Lift tool, and position it against riser. Pull tool slowly over carpet without
pressing trigger (dry stroke, Fig. 4.5.)
7. Overlap strokes by 1/2 inch to help prevent streaking.
It is best to alternate wet and dry strokes as described above. End with more
dry strokes to aid in faster drying of carpet.
To avoid over saturating carpet, do not use more than 4 wet strokes over any
one area. Always end with dry strokes.
If additional cleaning is necessary, wait until the carpet is completely dry before
using the tool again.
Place hose end firmly into hose pocket after use. Failure to do so could lead
to suction loss.
HOW TO CLEAN
4. HOW TO CLEAN
18
4.4 4.5

HOW TO CLEAN
4. HOW TO CLEAN
19
Cleaning upholstery
Be sure to check the cleaning code on your upholstery. Use your cleaner only
on upholstery marked “W” or “W/S”.
1. Place handle in upright position. Agitator brushes will not rotate while handle
is in upright position.
2. Dry hands and plug cleaner into a properly grounded outlet.
Do not point tools toward people or pets.
3. Gently press the tool onto the fabric. Press the trigger and slowly pull the
nozzle over the fabric.
4. Overlap strokes by 1/2 inch to help prevent streaking.
Make additional strokes without pressing the trigger to remove more moisture.
5. To clean in corners or creases, lift the tool one-half inch from the fabric and
press the solution trigger.
6. Vacuum up the solution with the tool without pressing the trigger.
7. For heavily soiled areas, it may be necessary to repeat the cleaning
process. Make crisscrossing strokes to the original pattern; overlap each
pass (Fig. 4.6).
Make no more than 2 passes with the solution over any one area to prevent
over-wetting and damage to fabric.
If additional cleaning is necessary, wait until the upholstery is completely dry
before using the tool again.
Place hose end firmly into hose pocket after use. Failure to do so could lead
to suction loss.
4.6