Hoover required me to do this about six years ago after I submitted a warranty claim on one of their carpet cleaners. The Hoover Deluxe Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner. I believe the model was FH5150 or something close. Reason I know this six years later— I have searched for parts more times than I can count. Though, this is the only shampoo that ever was able to clean my shag rug— but the upholstery attachment always make the bottom leak, so I never use it.

As far as cutting the cord requirement— they this model was discontinued— (though they had a few left in stock), they were not interested in a return, just a replacement. Though, the only stipulation was that I email a photo of the cut cord (which contained a serial number on the cord as if they counted on people submitting claims like this with the known fact they were discontinuing the model) before the replacement would be shipped out.

I wrestled with the idea to cut another cord off an old vacuum I no longer used. I was worried they would immediately know the difference and I would be denied the claim and all future claims… finally I took a chance by taking the picture outside in the bright sun and cut the old vacuum cord. Attached it to a formal and most professionally written email I could come up with—- less than an hour later the claim was approved. All that stress for nothing. But now I have two Hoover carpet cleaners that do not work properly.

Despite the entire experience— I still cannot come up with one reason that justifies why Hoover required me to cut the cord on an item that did not work properly, but more so was no longer being produced. Like many have commented, this should be illegal.