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BISSELL Carpet Cleaning FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions

Dirt and ground-in grit can cause serious harm to carpet fibers. Deep cleaning protects your carpet investment by loosening and removing most of the dirt. Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked deep cleaner questions.

Is deep cleaning different from traditional carpet shampooing?

Yes. Not only is shampooing much harder to do than deep cleaning, it is also more likely to re-soil and unlikely to have the same pleasing odor of a deep-cleaned carpet.

How does deep cleaning work?


What is the difference between a carpet deep cleaner and a steam cleaner?

A steam cleaner uses actual steam to clean various types of hard surfaces, and this steam can damage carpet fibers and remove the protection. A carpet deep cleaner is designed to force a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution (not steam) into the carpet to clean deep down in the carpet fibers. The solution and dirt are then extracted from the carpet, leaving the fibers and carpet base clean.

Will the water harm my carpet?

No. The mixture of water and cleaning formula is essential to the dirt removal and carpet protection process.

Why does stain-resistant carpet need to be deep cleaned?

While the fibers in these carpets have been pre-treated to resist stains, the manufacturers themselves still recommend regular maintenance. This includes not only the removal of dust mite allergen, embedded dirt and ground-in grit to prevent permanent damage to fiber coatings, but also the reapplication of the mill-applied protection.

Why does the carpet protection need to be reapplied?

The exact length of time the mill-applied Scotchgard protection lasts depends on a number of variables: the amount of foot traffic, the frequency of spills and how often the carpet is vacuumed or cleaned. While no carpet is stainproof, under normal conditions and with reasonable care, Scotchgard protection will provide long lasting benefits. 3M recommends that Scotchgard protector be reapplied after every hot water extraction cleaning to maintain optimum performance. By deep cleaning with BISSELL Formulas with Scotchgard protector, your carpet will be revitalized. And, by applying a post-cleaning application of the Scotchgard protector, your carpet will return to mill-applied stain protection levels.

Can deep-cleaning machines be used on more than my carpets?

Yes. Most owners also regularly clean furniture and automobile upholstery, stairs and mattresses with their BISSELL Deep Cleaning machines.

Does deep-cleaning work on all carpets and fabrics?

BISSELL Deep Cleaning machines are safe and effective on virtually all carpets although certain wools require extra care. Upholstery fabrics, silk and velvet should not be deep cleaned. Of course, you should always follow the furniture manufacturer's treatment instructions before using BISSELL's product.

What is the advantage of deep cleaning with heat?

The BISSELL ProHeat and ProHeat 2X series feature built-in heaters that heat hot tap water up to 25 degrees hotter for maximum cleaning effectiveness.

How long will it take my carpet to dry after deep cleaning?

Drying time will vary by the type of carpet, thickness of the pad and the cleaning techniques of the user. On average, it's best to wait four to six hours before walking on the carpet after deep cleaning.

Why isn't weekly vacuuming sufficient?

Vacuums, even the best ones, simply can't reach the deep-down dirt at the base of your carpet's fibers. The deep cleaning process is engineered to reach the dirt that vacuums leave behind. Deep cleaning gets your carpets much cleaner than vacuuming even while you expend around the same amount of effort.

How powerful is a BISSELL Deep Cleaning machine?

Most BISSELL machines are 12 amps. However, the cleaning and suction power is not directly related to amp rating. BISSELL Deep Cleaning machines are so effective and so powerful because of the unique patented nozzle head and intake system. In fact, the power of BISSELL Deep Cleaning machines compares favorably to any other commercial machine and even those used by professional cleaning services.

How do BISSELL Deep Cleaning machines compare with rental machines or professional cleaners?

Owning your own machine means you can clean when it fits your schedule — you're not tied to someone else's schedule or a store's 24-hour return policy. Besides, spills and pet accidents aren't scheduled and best cleaned as soon as possible. When you add up the continuous cost of professional cleaning of several machine rentals, the initial cost of a BISSELL Deep Cleaning machine is quickly recouped.

How long will it take to clean a room?

It normally takes less than an hour to clean an average 12' x 12' room.

Is owning a machine expensive?

When you consider the investment many people have in their carpet and fine upholstery fabrics, regular, twice-per-year deep cleanings (even more often for high traffic areas and spills) are an inexpensive way to protect that sizable investment. The payback on ownership is very rapid when compared to the cost of several rentals or continuous professional cleanings.

Can I use cleaning formulas other than the BISSELL brand?

It's possible to use others, but BISSELL does not recommend it. Their formulas contain no dyes, phosphates or optical brighteners, and will produce optimal cleaning performance when used in combination with BISSELL deep cleaning machines. Carpet manufacturers also recommend the reapplication of a stain-resisting formula at least every two years, and BISSELL brand deep cleaning formulas are the only ones that contain Scotchgard protection. And the cost is relatively minimal.

Is the cost of chemicals for rental machines more than 2 cents per square foot?

Yes, far more. That's because most rental units require the purchase of several chemicals to do the job of the recommended BISSELL formula. Then, of course, there's the cost of renting the machine itself.

Deep cleaners

BISSELL Vacuums and Floor Care

Get your floors sparkling clean with vacuums, steam mops and carpet cleaners from BISSELL. They tackle everyday cleaning as well as your tough pet messes with ease.