This document is a user guide for the BISSELL SpotClean portable carpet cleaner, model 36984. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring users can effectively clean spots and stains from carpets and upholstery.
The BISSELL SpotClean is designed as a portable carpet cleaning machine, specializing in the removal of spots, stains, and small high-traffic areas from carpets and upholstery. Its compact design and specialized tools make it suitable for targeted cleaning tasks, offering a convenient solution for unexpected messes. The device operates on a 220-240 Volt A.C. 50-60 Hz power supply, making it suitable for household use in regions with this electrical standard.
Important Safety Instructions:
The manual begins with critical safety warnings to ensure safe operation. Users are advised that the appliance can be used by children aged 8 and above, as well as persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, provided they are supervised or instructed on safe use and understand the hazards. Children should be supervised to prevent them from playing with the appliance. It is crucial to unplug the unit from the electrical socket when not in use, before cleaning, maintaining, or servicing. The appliance should not be immersed in water or liquid, and hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all body parts must be kept away from openings and moving parts. If the supply cable is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or a similarly qualified person to avoid hazards. The appliance should not be run over the cable, used with a damaged cable or plug, or pulled/carried by the cable. The cable should be kept away from heated surfaces. For models with hand-held accessories like pet brushes or motor-driven heads, users should avoid entrapment.
Additional warnings include not leaving the appliance plugged in when unattended, and only using it on surfaces moistened by the cleaning process. Only BISSELL cleaning products intended for this machine should be used, and only the specified type and amount of liquids should be used. The appliance is designed for use on carpet moistened by the cleaning process, and liquid should not be directed towards electrical components. It must always be connected to a properly earthed electrical socket, and the earthed plug should not be modified. The float must always be installed before any wet pick-up operation. To unplug, users should grasp the plug, not the cable, and avoid handling the plug or appliance with wet hands. All controls must be turned OFF before unplugging. A caution notes that the handle contains electrical connections and is not a serviceable part. Plastic film can be dangerous and should be kept away from children to avoid suffocation. The appliance should only be used as described in the user guide and with manufacturer-recommended attachments. If the appliance malfunctions, is dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, it should not be operated but repaired at an authorized service center. No objects should be put into openings, and openings should be kept free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow. Extra care is advised when cleaning on stairs. The appliance should not be used to pick up flammable or combustible liquids (e.g., petroleum) or in areas where such substances may be present. Toxic materials (e.g., chlorine bleach, ammonia, drain cleaner) should not be picked up. The appliance should not be used in enclosed spaces filled with vapors from oil-based paint, paint thinner, moth-proofing substances, flammable dust, or other explosive/toxic vapors. Hard or sharp objects (e.g., glass, nails, screws, coins) should not be picked up, nor should burning or smoking items (e.g., cigarettes, matches, hot ashes). The appliance is for indoor use only.
The manual also highlights that the appliance should be kept on a level surface. To prevent leaking, the unit should not be stored where freezing may occur, as this can damage internal components.
Product View & Components:
The BISSELL SpotClean includes several key components:
- Base Unit: The main body of the cleaner.
- Clean Water/Formula Tank: Holds the cleaning solution and water.
- Dirty Water Tank: Collects the dirty water extracted from the cleaned surfaces.
- Power Button: To turn the unit ON/OFF.
- Flex Hose: The flexible hose through which cleaning solution is dispensed and dirty water is suctioned.
- Flex Hose Clip: Secures the flex hose to the unit.
- Power Cable: The electrical cord for power supply.
- Quick Release™ Cable Wrap: For convenient storage of the power cable.
- Hose Grip Bracket: Holds the hose grip in place during storage.
- Additional Tool Storage: For storing extra cleaning tools.
- 8cm Tough Stain Tool: A smaller tool for concentrated stain removal.
- 15cm Tough Stain Tool: A larger tool for broader stain removal.
The manual emphasizes the importance of using genuine BISSELL Spot & Stain Cleaner formulas to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage. Using cleaning formulas containing lemon, pine, or eucalyptus oil, or chemical spot cleaners/solvent-based soil removers, may damage the appliance and void the warranty due to potential reactions with plastic materials, causing cracking or pitting.
BISSELL offers a range of specialized cleaning formulas:
- PRETREAT (Tough Stain Pretreat & Pet Stain Pretreat): Designed to pretreat spots and stains to improve carpet cleaning. Tough Stain Pretreat penetrates and loosens tough stains, while Pet Stain Pretreat helps remove tough pet stains and odors.
- BOOST (Oxy Boost): A carpet cleaning formula enhancer that permanently removes old, set-in stains.
- 2X CONCENTRATED CLEANING FORMULAS (Spot & Stain & Pet Stain & Odour):* These are concentrated formulas, where 60 mL is equivalent to 120 mL of non-concentrated formula. Spot & Stain is specially formulated for fast, effective carpet cleaning of stains and small high-traffic areas. Pet Stain & Odour effectively eliminates difficult pet odors from carpets and upholstery.
Assembly:
Assembly is straightforward:
- Flex Hose Clip: Slide the Flex Hose Clip into the opening on the front of the machine until it "snaps" into place.
- Quick Release™ Cable Wrap: Attach the Quick Release™ Cable Wrap by snapping it into place on the Dirty Water Tank side of the machine.
- Hose Grip Bracket: Snap the Hose Grip Bracket into the back of the machine on the Clean Water/Formula Tank side.
- Second Tool Storage (select models): Snap this into the back between the cable wrap and hose grip bracket.
- Flex Hose Wrap: Wrap the Flex Hose around the unit and snap the hose grip into the bracket.
- Power Cable Wrap: Wrap the Power Cable around the Quick Release™ Cable Wrap.
- Remove the tank by pulling its top away from the unit.
- Pull the black tab to reveal the tank opening; the plug rotates out of the way for easy filling.
- Add warm tap water (140° F / 60° C MAX) to the indicated fill line. Do NOT boil or microwave water.
- Add formula to the indicated fill line. Add 29.5ml of BISSELL Boost if desired. Note that there are different fill directions on the tank for small and large messes.
- Replace the plug by rotating it into place and pressing gently onto the tank.
- Replace the tank by lining its bottom with indentations on the machine and pushing the top until a "click" is heard.
Pretreating:
Pretreating heavily stained or soiled areas enhances cleaning effectiveness. Before cleaning upholstery, check the manufacturer's tag; if it's coded "Dry Clean Only," do not proceed. If the tag is missing or not coded, consult a furniture dealer.
- Check the manufacturer's tag before cleaning upholstery.
- Twist the Quick Release™ Cable Wrap clockwise to unwrap the power cable. Plug in the unit and press the Power Button beneath the handle to turn it ON.
- Release the Flex Hose from the Hose Clip and unwrap it completely from around the unit.
- Select the desired tool for spot cleaning and insert it onto the end of the hose until it clicks into place.
- Hold the 8cm Tough Stain Tool just above the carpet or upholstery. Press the trigger to mist formula over the soiled area.
- Let the cleaning formula set for 5 minutes before cleaning.
A warning advises keeping spray away from the face to prevent personal injury.
- Attach the 8cm/15cm Tough Stain Tool to the Flex Hose.
- Press the spray trigger to mist formula over and onto the soiled area. Release the spray trigger and gently scrub the stain.
- To lift the stain, apply downward pressure on the tool and slowly pull it toward you.
- Use "drying strokes" (without pressing the trigger) to remove remaining moisture. Repeat as needed.
Ensure cleaning formula and water are in the tank before use.
Emptying the Dirty Water Tank:
A warning states that to reduce the risk of electric shock, power must be turned OFF and disconnected from the electrical outlet before performing maintenance or troubleshooting.
- Remove the Dirty Water Tank by pulling its top to the right.
- Pull the tab to remove the plug from the tank.
- Carefully empty the Dirty Water Tank; some water may potentially enter/drain from the center Float Stack.
- Close the tank plug and return the tank to the unit, ensuring it is secure.
- To disconnect cleaning tools from the hose grip, push down on the button and pull straight off (do NOT twist).
- The front of the 8cm Tough Stain Tool can be removed for easy cleaning. Press the button on top of the tool and slide its front off the tool base. Rinse under water and return to the tool.
Note: Store the unit in a protected, dry area at room temperature (40° F to 110° F or 4° C to 43° C). A notice warns against storing the unit where freezing may occur to prevent damage to internal components and reduce the risk of leaking.
Cleaning the Float Stack:
A warning reiterates to turn power OFF and disconnect from the electrical outlet before maintenance.
- The Float Stack can be removed from the Dirty Water Tank for cleaning. Turn it counter-clockwise to remove it.
- Remove the Float Stack Cap and Float Stack from the Dirty Water Tank.
- Rinse with water until all debris is removed and let air dry.
- Return the Float Stack to the Dirty Water Tank, ensuring the float is installed before returning it to the Dirty Water Tank.
- Turn the Float Stack Cap clockwise to lock.
Thermal Protector:
The cleaner has an internal thermal protector to prevent overheating. If activated, the suction motor will stop.
- Turn the cleaner OFF.
- Unplug the cleaner from the electrical outlet.
- Check the end of the Flex Hose and tool for blockages and remove if necessary. Check the Float Stack for clogs and remove debris.
- Let the motor cool for approximately 30 minutes. The thermal protector will automatically reset, and cleaning can continue once plugged back in.
Note: If the thermal protector continues to activate after these steps, the cleaner may need servicing. Users should contact BISSELL Consumer Care or visit the website.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Reduced Spray or No Spray:
- Possible causes: Spray nozzle clogged, Clean Water/Formula Tank empty, Clean Water/Formula Tank insert clogged, Pump needs priming, Clean Water/Formula Tank not fully seated, Poor upholstery/carpet tool position.
- Remedies: Clean spray nozzle with an unfolded paper clip, check/fill tank, clean insert at bottom of tank, gently lift Clean Water/Formula Tank while pressing spray trigger OR gently squeeze clean tank while pressing spray trigger, remove and reinstall tank, reposition upholstery/carpet tool on surface following cleaning procedures.
- Carpet Cleaner Won't Pick Up Cleaning Formula:
- Possible causes: Dirty Water Tank is full, Excess formula in Flex Hose, Incorrect cleaning formula, Dirty Water Tank is improperly seated onto base, Dirty Water Tank plug is unplugged, Duckbill valve is dirty.
- Remedies: Empty tank, lift tool and point upwards to allow water in hose to flow into Dirty Water Tank, use BISSELL® 2X Portable Machine formulas only, remove tank and reseat onto unit, push in tank plug until properly sealed, clean the duckbill valve at the bottom of the Dirty Water Tank and ensure it's securely back in place.
- Dirty Water Tank Leaking:
- Possible causes: Float Stack not fully locked on Dirty Water Tank, Dirty Water Tank not properly seated onto machine.
- Remedies: Remove Float Stack and twist until the arrow is aligned with the lock symbol on the Dirty Water Tank, remove and reseat onto unit.
Consumer Guarantee:
BISSELL offers a Limited 2-Year Guarantee from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. This guarantee provides specific legal rights in addition to rights under the Australian Consumer Law. BISSELL will repair or replace (with new, refurbished, lightly used, or remanufactured components or products), at BISSELL's option, any defective or malfunctioning part due to manufacturer defect, free of charge. This applies to products used for personal purposes, not commercial or rental service. The guarantee does not cover fans, routine maintenance, or consumable components (filters, belts, brush rolls), nor damage/malfunction caused by negligence, abuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, or any use not in accordance with the user guide. BISSELL recommends keeping the original packaging for the guarantee period for re-packing and transportation if needed. Personal information may be collected to fulfill guarantee terms, handled according to BISSELL's Privacy Policy.
Conditions of the Guarantee:
BISSELL and its in-country distributors are not liable for incidental or consequential damages associated with product use, subject to reasonable foreseeability. For Australian consumers, goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law. Consumers are entitled to replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. They are also entitled to repair or replacement if goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This guarantee is additional to other rights or remedies under law. Nothing in this guarantee excludes, limits, or modifies any liability of BISSELL imposed by law, or limits or modifies any remedy available to the consumer by law. To make a claim, contact BISSELL Australia Pty Ltd. Contact BISSELL before returning any goods. Where agreed, BISSELL will reimburse reasonable postage/handling costs for returning goods. To claim expenses, provide BISSELL with a copy of the receipt by email or post.
Consumer Care:
For service or guarantee claims, users can contact BISSELL via:
- Website and Email: www.bissell.com.au, www.bissell.co.nz
- Telephone: Australia: 1300-247-735, New Zealand: 0800-247-735
- Write: BISSELL AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED, 42 Rocco Dr., Scoresby 3179, Victoria, Australia.
Replacement parts and accessories are available for purchase at www.BISSELL.com.au. When contacting BISSELL, users should have the cleaner's model number and purchase date available. It is important to keep the original sales receipt as proof of purchase for guarantee claims.
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