Black & Decker ScumBuster question...

BRUHA

New member
Has anyone use the Black & Decker Scumbuster??? Is it a good investment??? I've heard some people say that they use this tool for cleaning leather seats and vinyl. Just wondering what my fellow Autopians think about the Scumbuster.
 
This is one of those rare questions that no one seems to have the knowledge or experience to answer. And I guess most of us never thought about using a "Scumbuster" on an automobile. We have one which doesn't clean our tile shower floor worth a didlly. I'll give it a shot on my 85 VW and report back after the rain subsides from Frances.
 
I've tried it on tires, wheels, wheel wells, carpet and upholstery. If you have the right attachments it works but not all that well. It simply is not powerful or fast enough. There are better tools out there.
 
It works average at best. It has a tends to bog under direct pressure. If you have a large area to do then it might be worth it, but if its just a couple of mats then your hands will definitely do a better job. Battery life also is relatively poor.



It has several attachments, and in all fairness, I have not really used them much. The round brush attachment might be good for really dirty wheels, but I personally have never tried it.
 
My brother-in-law gave me a Scum Buster for Christmas (payback for me nagging him to detail my sister-in-laws cars more often!).



We only use two of the accessories; the yellow stiff brush for scrubbing sinks, bathrooms etc. and the carpet lifter, which raises the pile on carpet fairly well.



Two problems with the Scum Buster, the revs are too slow to get some jobs done and the battery only lasts for around 30 minutes.



I did try using it on wheels once , but I can do the job better and faster by hand. IMHO OK to use around the home but not much use when detailing.
 
I've tried it on tires, wheels, wheel wells, carpet and upholstery. If you have the right attachments it works but not all that well. It simply is not powerful or fast enough. There are better tools out there.



What are the comparable tools??
 
The Scumbuster is a very good tool provided you get the 'gold' battery to replace the 'silver' battery it comes with. Noticably more power and I get 3-4 interiors done out of one charge. The compact size also allows you to use it in places a Cyclo would never fit.
 
Scottwax said:
The Scumbuster is a very good tool provided you get the 'gold' battery to replace the 'silver' battery it comes with. Noticably more power and I get 3-4 interiors done out of one charge. The compact size also allows you to use it in places a Cyclo would never fit.



The battery in the Scum Buster kit we received is fixed in the handle and not swappable. If anyone is looking to buy a Scum Buster, perhaps you should check if it uses separate batteries that can be replaced.
 
FWIW, I'm with Scottwax on this one. The Scumbuster is a great tool for quick *prespotting* of mats, carpets, and upholstery.



We use it several times a day. Sure, a brush would do the same, but , hey, we got work to do...



Jim
 
I've only used the polish and finishing pads with the WEN. It's is nice for when you are detailing a car and have no power outlet nearby. Meguiar's also sells one of these rechargeable polishers it's the G-104 if I recall correctly. I haven't used it. The WEN does last for about 45 min to an hour of rigorous use on a charge. If you are creative you can adapt the B&D tools for either the WEN or the Coleman.



None of the products are great but the B&D just is too wimpy for my needs. YMMV.
 
I don't even care for a cordless..... I mean I'll take one, but that isn't a priority or something. I would love a brush for interiors, carpets. etc.. and don't want a cyclo for 250-300$. Is there anything else in this category? In between the cyclo and Scum Buster?
 
rookie said:
I don't even care for a cordless..... I mean I'll take one, but that isn't a priority or something. I would love a brush for interiors, carpets. etc.. and don't want a cyclo for 250-300$. Is there anything else in this category? In between the cyclo and Scum Buster?



For carpets and cloth interior I use this most often.



Bissell Little Green Proheat Turbobrush 1425-1 Wet/Dry Vacuum

14251-L.gif
 
rookie said:
Oh i know about extractors.... I am talking more about a brush to agitate the carpet/stains with before extracting. thanks though!



The model I use (1425-1) has rotating brushes for agitation. You can check it out here.
 
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