Ask AI
— answers from the official manualAnswers from the official manual.
Common questions
Common Questions
10 totalHow do I fill the clean solution tank?
To fill the clean solution tank, first disconnect the deep cleaner from electrical outlet and remove the upper handle if necessary. Add detergent to the measured line on the cap (5 ounces for carpet/Upholstery or bare floors) followed by 1 gallon of hot tap water. Ensure the tank is securely locked back into place after filling. (Page 7)
What should I do before starting to clean?
Before beginning cleaning, vacuum thoroughly; check upholstery codes for compatibility with wet cleaning methods; test detergents on a hidden area for colorfastness. For carpets and bare floors, move furniture out of the path or protect wood finishes from water sprays as necessary. (Pages 9-10)
How do I set up my Hoover SteamVac Widepath?
To assemble your Hoover SteamVac Widepath, start by identifying the parts included in the carton and remove the packing materials. Attach the power hand tool to the upper handle using bolts provided. Join hose holder onto the handle and install clean solution tank back into place securely with tank handle. (Pages 3-4)
How do I empty the recovery tank?
To empty the recovery tank, disconnect the deep cleaner from electrical outlet then raise the tank handle to unlock it from base of the machine and lift off. Carry the tank to a suitable drain or sink for disposal. After emptying, replace the lid properly before resuming cleaning operations. (Page 8)
How do I attach the bare floor attachment?
To install the bare floor attachment, tilt cleaner back with handle resting on floor and remove clean solution tank first followed by recovery tank to prevent leaking. Place foam strip under netting of attachment (A) then insert into nozzle ensuring both ends snap into place correctly before replacing the tanks securely. (Page 11)
How do I prime the pump for using the powered hand tool?
To prime the system, turn the deep cleaner on and block off the suction by placing the tool against a hard surface or your hand. Wait a few seconds (up to 15) then squeeze the trigger several times; this allows clean solution to flow properly when cleaning starts. (Page 12)
Full Manual
15 pages




™
Widepath
The Easy to Use Deep Cleaner


Congratulations on your purchase SteamVac Widepath cleaners have 6 rotating brushes that deep clean carpets and scrub bare floors!
™




LS MODEL
SteamVac™ Widepath Deep Cleaner cleans carpet fibers by applying hot tap water and cleaning solution.
www.hoovercompany.com
Fill in and Retain This HOOVER deep cleaner is designed for deep cleaning carpet, rugs, carpeted stairs and upholstery. The model and serial numbers are located on the data label on the back of the handle.
For your personal records, please enter the COMPLETE model and serial numbers in the spaces provided and retain this information.
Your deep cleaner is model
and has serial number
It is suggested that you attach your sales receipt to this owner s manual.
Verification of date of purchase may be required for warranty service of your Hoover product.
###### Index Important safeguards . . . . . . . . . . 2 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Carton contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 How to use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Agitator speed selector . . . . . . . 7 Automatic “shut-off” . . . . . . . . . . 7 Deep cleaner description . . . . . . 6 Emptying the recovery tank . . . . 8 Filling the clean solution tank . 7-8
How to clean
After cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 Before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Carpet cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cleaning bare floors . . . . . . 10-11 Clean Surge Feature . . . . . . . . . 10 Picking up spills . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Using the tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Attaching tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cleaning carpeted stairs . . 11-12 Cleaning upholstery . . . . . . . 12
Scrub module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Maintenance
Headlight replacement . . . . . . . 13 If you have a problem . . . . . . . . 13 Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13




© 1993, 1999 The Hoover Company w w w. h o ov e rc o m p a ny. c o m
##### Owner’s Manual

ENGLISH pp. 1-14 ESPAÑOL pág. 15-23 FRANÇAIS p. 24-32
Review this manual before operating deep cleaner
I m p o rtant Safeguard s !
When using an electrical appliance, always follow basic precaution, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING APPLI-
#### WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:
Save these instru c t i o n s !
###### Grounding Instructions


A
This appliance must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electrical 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 plugged into an appropriate outlet (B) that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGERImproper connection of the equipmentgrounding 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 illustrated in sketch (A).


D F
G E
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 electrician. The green colored rigid ear, lug, or the like (F) extending from the adapter must be connected 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.
###### 1. Assembly
####### Carton contents

########### 1-1
E F G






H
C D




L K


A B
Unpack deep cleaner from the carton and identify the parts shown. Remove and dispose of the packing.
*Included with some models



The assembled cleaner will look like this
1-3
####### drawing (LS model shown). Assemble handle





1-2



A

######## Attach upper handle
Remove clean solution tank (upper tank) from deep cleaner.
With cord hook (A) to back of deep cleaner, push upper handle down onto lower handle. Push b o l t s into holes on f ront of hand l e. If bolts will not go through hole easily handle is not pushed completely d ow n .









1-4
1-5
B



C


######## Attach hose holder
Place nuts in recessed areas on back of handle. Hold each nut in place while tightening each bolt securely (from the front of the handle) with a Phillips screw driver.
When handle sections are completely together, squeeze trigger (C) and depress Clean Surge™ Button (D) on upper handle to snap trigger rod in place.
Position hose holder (B) onto handle by matching tabs on rack with openings on back of handle. Make sure holes for bolts are aligned.




Only two nuts are needed on this model. The extra nut is not required but has been provided for your convenience.




1-7
1-8 1 - 9


Attach tool holder Remove tool and taped screw from holder. Insert projections on holder into slots on back of cleaner.
Replace clean solution tank (upper tank) by positioning bottom first. Press on tank handle to snap top of tank into place.
Press cord into cord clip on back of handle. Pull cord tight.


























######## Storing hose & tools
Slide rack down into place. Insert screw at (E) and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver.
Then continue wrapping hose as shown snapping end of hose connector into holder.
Store hose on holder by first positioning hose in front section of holder.















Powered hand tool The powered hand tool is shipped in a plastic bag for protection. Remove the bag before using the tool by first opening tool door.
Slide crevice tool (F) into holder.
Insert end of bare floor attachment into holder and snap into clip as shown.
Position stair/upholstery nozzle in holder at base of cleaner and snap it into place as shown at arrow.






########### 1 - 1 7
H




G
########## How to reattach tool cover
To remove powered hand tool (G), pull it down and outward. To reposition the tool, reverse this procedure. To remove the scrub module* (H), grasp it at the sides and pull it forward. To reposition module, fit tabs in the storage area into holes on back of module. Push module to snap it securely into position.
The tool cover is designed with a breakaway feature which allows it to snap free if it is pushed open too far.
To reattach, align hinges of cover with holes on sides of tool storage area.
*included with some models
###### 2. How to use
####### Deep Cleaner Description
The assembled deep cleaner will look like the drawing.

1 2 3 4









5
7














16
*Included with some models This deep cleaner is intended for household use.











21
18 18


24
19
17
22
20
Operate deep cleaner only at voltage specified on data plate on back of cleaner. Plug deep cleaner into a properly grounded outlet.





2-3 2-4
C


D


A B
######## To transport
######## Cleaning mode indicator
######## ON/OFF pedal & Handle release pedal
To move your deep cleaner from room to room put handle in upright and locked position tilt deep cleaner back on wheels and push forward.
Indicator will show a green window next to FLOOR (C) when handle is in the operating position for cleaning carpet rugs and bare floors. Indicator will show a green window next to TOOL (D) when handle is in the upright position for tool use on stairs, upholstery, etc. Deep cleaner automatically diverts
suction from FLOOR toTOOL when handle is raised from the operating to the upright position.







2-5 2-6 2-7


E

######## B rush speed selector
######## Automatic “shut off”
The deep cleaner may also be lifted by placing a hand under the upper clean solution tank handle as shown.
Your ‘SteamVac’ deep cleaner has three agitator brush settings.
When the re c o v e ry tank (lower tank) is full the automatic shutoff mechanism will shut
At that time the yellow float disk will rise to the top of the recovery tank lid (E). The deep cleaner will no longer pick up dirty solution and the motor sound will become noticeably higher in pitch.
When this happens turn deep cleaner
Hl - 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. See page 10.)
Slide selector button to the desired setting before cleaning.
Check clean solution tank also; it may need to be refilled.
Do not use without float and float retainer in place. If broken or dislodged, take to an Authorized Hoover Service Center or Dealer for repair.



2-8




2-9 2-10
5 OUNCES/ 150 ml




A
######## The tanks Clean solution tank (upper tank)
Carry tank to a sink. Rotate tank cap counterclockwise and lift up to remove cap.

For heavy traffic areas: Pre-treat with HOOVER PreCleaner* Spray. If you do not have access to the PreCleaner Spray, double the amount of HOOVER Detergent (use 2 capfuls or 10 ounces per 1 gallon tank).
The clean solution tank holds the cleaning solution that is to be dispersed onto the surface to be cleaned.
Turn cap (A) upside down to serve as a measuring cup. Using cap, measure detergent following the chart below.
How to fill Disconnect deep cleaner from electrical outlet. Place deep cleaner handle in the upright, locked position. To remove tank, press down on tank handle and pull forward.
For carpet, carpeted stairs and upholstery:
Fill cap to fill line (5 ounces) with HOOVER C a r p e t / U p h o l s t e ry Deterge n t . For bare floors : Fill cap to fill line (5 ounces) with HOOVER Bare Floor Cleaner*
Do not use Bare Floor Cleaner on carpet or u p h o l s t e ry. Do not use any type of wax with your ‘ S t e a m Va c ’ Widepath deep cl e a n e r.
*Available at additional cost if not included with your model.
Continued


NOTE: Use only HOOVER detergents. They are specially formulated for use with your ‘SteamVac’ deep cleaner.
2-11 2-12





############ B
CAUTION: Detergents contain Anionic and Nonionic Surfactants. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. In case of contact with eyes, flush with cold water for 15 minutes. In case of contact with skin, wash with water. If Irritation persists, call a physician. For Medical Information (U.S.) call 1-800-752-7869.

C


D
Pour detergent into tank. Fill tank to fill line (B) (1 gallon) with hot tap water.
If rubber ring (C) on cap has become dislodged, reposition it with uneven side against ledge (D) as shown.


To assure proper performance, use only HOOVER cleaning detergent.
########## Recovery tank (lower tank)




The recovery tank holds the dirty solution that is picked up from the carpet.
When the recovery tank is full, the automatic shut-off will engage (see page 7) and the tank must be emptied.


How to empty Turn deep cleaner off and disconnect from electrical outlet.
To prevent possible leaking, remove clean solution tank (Fig.2-8) by pressing down on tank handle and pulling forward; set tank aside (do not set tank on furniture).
Replace cap. Rotate cap clockwise until it locks In place. Cap must be locked In place for proper performance and to prevent leaking.
Position bottom of tank into unit and press on tank handle to snap tank into place.
Step on handle release pedal (Fig. 2-2) and lower handle until it rests on the floor.


For full suction, it is important that the recovery tank lid is properly secured before cleaning.




UNLOCK
LOCK
Raise tank handle to carrying position to place it into base of deep cleaner. Move handle completely forward to lock tank into place (see Fig. 2-15).
Raise handle of deep cleaner to upright position and reposition upper clean solution tank.
Raise handle to carrying position (straight up) to unlock tank from base of deep cleaner. Lift tank from deep cleaner and carry it to a sink or drain.
To remove tank lid, lower handle completely toward back of tank and lift off lid.
Empty the tank and reposition the lid.
###### 3. How to clean
######## Before you begin cleaning a. Vacuum thoroughly - For carpet, use
under “Fill clean solution tank”, Figs. 2-8 to 2--14. Wet a white absorbent cloth with the solution. In a small, hidden area, gently ru b the surface with the dampened cloth. Wa i t ten minutes and check for color removal or bleed with white paper towel or cloth. If surface has more than one color, check all col-
or wax paper under legs. This will prevent wood finishes from staining carpet. Pin up furniture skirts and draperies.
Do not saturate carpet or upholstery with P re C l e a n e r.
If you do not have access to the PreCleaner Spray, double the amount of HOOVER Detergent (use 2 capfuls or 10 oz. per 1 gallon) in the clean solution tank.
No cleaning solution removes all stains fro m all carpets. Stain removal varies with the type of spill, time elapsed before re m o v a l , carpet material, and carpet type.
See pages 10-13 for instructions on various cleaning tasks.
If rinsing is desired, be careful not to over-wet the carpet or upholstery.
Allow time for carpet or upholstery to dry completely between cleaning and rinsing. To rinse, follow the same proce-
dure for cleaning only using hot tap water with no detergent in the upper clean solution tank.
After cleaning a. Allow carpet or upholstery to dry. To help prevent matting and resoiling the carpet, keep children and pets away from surface until it is completely dry. If it is necessary to walk on damp carpet, place towels or white cloths on the traffic areas.



3-1

If furniture must be replaced before the carpet is dry, place plastic or aluminum foil under legs of furniture so metal slides or wood finishes will not stain the carpet.
d. Remove lint from filter screen located inside recovery tank.





Return cleaner to upright position. f. If desired, vacuum thoroughly after carpet has completely dried. This will help reduce any shading left by the deep cleaner’s brushes. To clean nozzle If lint or other debris becomes lodged in nozzle, do not attempt to remove nozzle cover.


3-2 3-3


Pour one to two cups of clear water on a non-carpeted floor. Do not pour water onto a wood floor.
e. Remove lint from filter screen located on bottom of cleaner as follows. Note: When brushes seem to be rotating slowly, disconnect deep cleaner from electical outlet and check and clean this screen.
Some models have a nozzle clean-out tool for removing debris or if a non-carpeted floor is not available. To use the tool:
Pick up the water with your deep cleaner. Repeat as necessary until debris is flushed out of nozzle.
Disconnect deep cleaner from electrical outlet.
Tilt cleaner back so handle rests on floor. Squeeze frame, lift and pull it out. Wipe off screen and push frame back into place.
Slide tool into nozzle and remove debris as shown.



Keep nozzle flat on floor for both forward and reverse strokes.
To clean the outside of the machine, wipe off dirt with a cloth dampened in warm water and mild detergent. Do not use solvent or petroleum based products to clean the machine.
3-4
To avoid saturating carpet, do not use more than 4 wet strokes over one area. Always end with dry strokes.
######## Carpet Cleaning
It is best to alternate wet and dry strokes as described above.
Read “Before you begin cleaning” instructions on page 9.
For best cleaning results and to aid in faster drying of carpet, end with more dry strokes. (Continue using dry strokes until little water is visible passing through the recovery tank lid.) Empty recovery tank when the motor sound becomes higher pitched and there is a loss in suction (see “Automatic shut-off”, Fig. 2-6)
Do not clean over floor electrical outlets.
When finished cleaning, follow “After cleaning” instructions on pages 9-10.
Step on handle release pedal and lower handle to operating position; turn deep cleaner ON.


######## Picking up spills
When picking up spills on bare floors , use only the floor nozzle with the bare floor attachment in place and speed selector in the OFF position (this will help p revent spreading the spill). If a spot is left, the stair/upholstery nozzle is generally more effective for removing it. Although no cleaning solution can completely remove all spots, they can be tre a ted by following the instructions pro v i d e d by the manufacturer of the carpet, uphols t e ry, or bare floor surface being cleaned. Do not use the deep cleaner to pick up f l a m m a ble or combu s t i ble liquids or ch e m i c a l s .

########### 3-5

Your deep cleaner may also be used to pick up small liquid spills (1 gallon or less, never to exceed 1/4 inch in depth) on carpet, upholstery, or bare floors.

Clean Surge™ Button The ‘Clean Surge’ button can be used to dispense extra solution when cleaning particularly soiled areas of carpet or spots. To use, press ‘Clean Surge’ button while squeezing solution trigger. For normal solution spray, release button and continue to squeeze solution trigger.


When finished, follow “After cleaning” i n s t ructions on pages 9-10.







Cleaning bare floors
########### 3-6 A
3-7
########## How to attach bare floor attachment


Disconnect deep cleaner from electrical outlet.
B

To prevent possible leaking, remove clean solution tank (Fig. 2-8) and recovery tank (Fig. 2-15) before positioning bare floor attachment. Set tanks aside (do not set tank on furniture).
( N o t e : Some fo rce may be required to rotate and snap attachment into place. )

3-8
B


A
########## To clean floor
Read “Before you begin cleaning” instructions on page 9.
C
D
Do not use the deep cleaner on hardwood floors.
Disconnect deep cleaner freom electrical outlet and remove attachment from nozzle. Rinse it in clear water. Do not remove plastic screen or foam from attachment.
Do not use any type of wax with your deep cleaner.
*available at additional cost if not included with your model
######### Using the tools
Your model includes some combination of the following tools. A. Powered hand tool has rotating brushes for extra scrubbing action on small carpet areas, carpeted stairs and upholstery. For some models, the brushes can be removed for converting to the scrub module.


*some models





3-11
3-10

F
E










D
How to attach tools Disconnect deep cleaner from electrical outlet.
seconds). Then squeeze the trigger and begin cleaning.
With a little solution, test the scrub tool on a hidden area before using on the desired surface. If no surface change is visible, continue to use as described below.
Follow the instructions on pages 12-13 for the appropriate cleaning task.
########### Attaching scrub module*
Using your thumb, push forward and up on the latch (D) to remove tool as shown.
Note: It may be necessary to rotate the scrub module (F) slightly so it will align properly to the base.
########## Before using tool
*included with some models
It may be necessary to remove air from the system (“prime the pump”) so the clean solution will flow to the tool. Follow these steps:
Using the scrub tool
After using scrub tool









########### 3-12
3-14

G

ON and holding end of hose up for several seconds. Do not press trigger.
To clean scrub pad, pull it off module. Wash it in water with mild detergent. Rinse and let air dry.
Pad must be completely dry before reattaching to module and storing on deep cleaner.
Replacement pads may also be purchased. Ask for HOOVER part no. 40308001. To store scub module, remove scrub module from tool in same manner as removing the brush module.
Align openings on back of module with tabs in storage area (G).
Push module into position. After using tool





######## Cleaning carpeted stairs

3-15
3-16




Read “Before you begin cleaning” instructions on page 9.
To prevent machine from falling, use extra caution when cleaning on stairs.
Do not place deep cleaner on stairs. Do not point tools toward people or pets.
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 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.
When finished cleaning, follow “After cleaning” instructions on page 9 and “After using tool” instructions on page 12.






######### Cleaning upholstery
########### 3-17 3-18
Read “Before you begin cleaning” instructions on page 9.




Be sure to check the cleaning code on your upholstery. Use your deep cleaner only on upholstery marked “W” or “W/S”.
Do not point tools toward people or pets.
Press the trigger and slowly pull the nozzle over the fabric.
necessary to repeat the cleaning process. Make crisscrossing strokes to the original pattern; overlap each pass. Make no more than 2 passes with the solution over any one area to prevent over-wetting and damage to fabric.
Make additional strokes without pressing the trigger to remove more moisture.
If additional cleaning is necessary, wait until the upholstery is completely dry before using the tool again.
When finished cleaning, follow “After cleaning” instructions on page 9 and “After using tool” instructions on page 12.




###### 4-1 4-24. Maintenance


####### H e a d l i g h t re p l a c e m e n t


######## What to buy
The deep cleaner uses a 7 volt, wedge base type bulb, H O OVER part no.
######## W h e re to buy
Bulbs may be purchased from authorized Hoover dealers (Depot), Hoover F a c t o ry Service Centers, or through The Hoover Company online at w w w. h o o v e rc o m p a n y. c o m
######## How to re p l a c e
Turn cleaner off and with dry hands, disconnect deep cleaner from electrical outlet.

####### S t o r a g e
• Empty recovery tank and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Lubrication The motor is equipped with bearings which contain sufficient lubrication for the life of the motor. The addition of lubricant could cause damage. Do not add lubricant to motor bearings.
Before storing:
Allow brushes and underside of deep cleaner to air dry thoroughly before storing deep cleaner on a carpeted or wood surface.
Do not store deep cleaner with a full solution tank in place.
###### 4. If you have aproblem
If a minor problem occurs, it usually can be solved quite easily when the cause is found by using the check list below.
Problem: Machine won’t run
Possible cause Possible solution
Possible cause Possible solution
Possible cause Possible solution
Possible cause Possible solution
Problem: Low suction
Problem: Clean solution won’t dispense
P ro bl e m : Brushes won’t rotate during floor cl e a n i n g
####### Service
To obtain approved HOOVER service and genuine HOOVER parts, locate the nearest Hoover Factory Service Center or Authorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealer (Depot) by:
Do not send your cleaner to The Hoover Company in North Canton for service, this will only result in delay.
If further assistance is needed, contact The Hoover Company Consumer Response Center, North Canton, Ohio 44720 Phone: 330-499-9499.
In Canada, contact Hoover Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A8, Phone: 1-800-263-6376.
Always identify your cleaner by the complete model number when requesting information or ordering parts. (Thtom
######## Full One Year Warranty (Domestic Use)
Your HOOVER® appliance is warr a n t e d in normal household use, in accord a n c e with the Owner’s Manual against original defects in material and workmanship for a period of one full year from date of p u rchase. This warranty provides, at no cost to you, all labor and parts to place this appliance in correct operating condition during the warranted period. This w a rranty applies when the appliance is p u rchased in the United States including its territories and possessions, or in Canada or from a U. S. Military Exchange. Appliances purchased elsew h e re are covered by a limited one year w a rranty which covers the cost of part s o n l y. This warranty does not apply if the appliance is used in a commercial or rental application.
Warranty service can only be obtained by presenting the appliance to one of the following authorized warranty service outlets. Proof of purchase will be required before service is rendered.
For an automated referral of authorized service outlets in the U.S.A., phone 1-800-944-9200 OR visit The Hoover Company on-line at www.hoovercompany.com
This warranty does not cover pick up delivery, or house calls; however, if you mail your appliance to a Hoover Factory Service Center for warranty service, transportation will be paid one way.
While this warranty gives you specific legal rights, you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
If further assistance is needed, or if there are questions concerning this warranty or the availability of warranty service outlets, write or phone the Consumer Response Center, The Hoover Company, 101 East Maple St., North Canton, Ohio 44720, Phone 1-330-499-9499.
In Canada, contact Hoover Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A8, 1-800-263-6376.

HOOVER y son marcas registradas THE HOOVER COMPANY, NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720

HOOVER et sont des marques déposées THE HOOVER COMPANY, NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720

HOOVER and are registered trademarks THE HOOVER COMPANY, NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720