BISSELL Launches Robot Vac/Mop for Pets
BISSELL has released the FlexClean FurForce, a 2-in-1 robot that vacuums and mops simultaneously. The new device is specifically engineered for pet-owning households, featuring stronger suction to handle constant shedding and messes.
The new vac/mop enters a competitive market where brands like iRobot and Roborock are established leaders for pet hair solutions. BISSELL, however, claims the FlexClean FurForce delivers twice the suction and picks up 30% more pet hair than competitor Shark's Matrix Plus 2-in-1 model. This isn't BISSELL's first foray into pet-focused cleaning; the company, where 72% of employees are pet owners, launched its first product specifically for pet messes back in 2005. The brand has a long history of innovation in floor care, dating back to the invention of the carpet sweeper in 1876 by Melville R. Bissell. A key feature of the FurForce is its NeverTangle™ Brush Roll, designed to combat the common problem of hair wrapping around the roller, a frequent issue for pet owners with robotic vacuums. The device also includes a bagless self-emptying base with HEPA filtration that can hold up to 60-8 weeks of debris, aiming for a more hands-off experience. For navigation, the FlexClean FurForce uses 360-degree LiDAR, which allows it to map rooms and clean in the dark. Unlike some competitors that use cameras for obstacle avoidance, this camera-free approach may appeal to users concerned about privacy. The device also features a mop pad that automatically lifts when it detects carpet, allowing it to vacuum and mop in a single pass without wetting rugs. It has a claimed runtime of up to 180 minutes on a single charge, a significant increase from the 110-minute runtime of its 2022 predecessor, the SpinWave R5.
