Upright Bissell Carpet Cleaner
Upright Bissell Carpet Cleaner: Your Complete Guide
Upright Bissell carpet cleaners are full-size, push-style machines that spray cleaning solution, scrub carpets with rotating brushes, and extract dirt and water in one pass—making them perfect for wall-to-wall carpets, large area rugs, and high-traffic areas. Bissell offers upright models ranging from lightweight options like the TurboClean to heavy-duty machines like the Big Green, each built to handle ground-in dirt, pet stains, and everyday messes that vacuums can't remove.
How Upright Bissell Carpet Cleaners Work
Upright carpet cleaners combine three actions in a single cleaning stroke:
Spray: A trigger on the handle releases hot water and cleaning solution onto the carpet
Scrub: A rotating powerbrush agitates fibers to lift ground-in dirt and stains
Extract: Powerful suction pulls dirty water back into the machine's recovery tank
You repeat this "spray, scrub, and extract" cycle by moving the cleaner forward and backward over the same area, typically making two wet passes followed by two dry passes. Upright Bissell machines excel because they use high suction and strong brush action, performing well on tough stains compared to cheaper alternatives.
Key Features Across Bissell Upright Models
The TurboClean™ Upright Carpet Cleaner (3952) is compact and lightweight (under 13 pounds), designed for tight spaces while delivering strong suction and a 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush for pet messes.
The Big Green Machine is Bissell's professional-grade upright with the highest measured suction at the nozzle of any carpet cleaner tested; it cleans stains faster, leaves carpet the driest, and has larger tank capacity.
The ProHeat 2X Revolution series adds heated cleaning and advanced brush systems to tackle pet stains and stubborn messes, often described as perfect for situations involving pets or kids.
The Revolution HydroSteam upright introduces HydroSteam technology to remove stuck-on and sticky messes and includes a 7-foot hose and 4-inch self-cleaning tough stain brush for couches, stairs, and pet beds.
Step-by-Step: How to Use an Upright Bissell Carpet Cleaner
1. Prepare the Carpet
Vacuum thoroughly to lift excess dirt, dust, and pet hair before cleaning
For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a carpet shampoo or pretreat formula
2. Fill the Tank
Fill the clean water tank with hot tap water
Add the recommended amount of Bissell carpet cleaning formula
For pet stains, pair with PRO MAX Clean + Protect or a pet-specific formula
3. Set Up the Machine
Place both tanks securely on the machine
Set the cleaning dial to Light, Normal, or Heavy based on dirt levelTurn the dial to the floor cleaning option
Plug in and turn on; press power and heater buttons if your model has heating
4. Clean the Carpet
Start in the far corner and work toward the door
Press the trigger to spray solution onto the carpet
While holding the trigger, push the cleaner forward, then pull it back over the same area
Focus on small areas at a time, overlapping clean areas by a few inches
Make two "wet" passes (spraying solution), then release the trigger and make two "dry" passes to suction up water
Repeat until the water being pulled up looks clean
5. Finish and Dry
Allow the carpet to air dry thoroughly
Use fans, open windows, or air conditioning to speed drying; avoid heavy heat sources
Walk on the carpet only when mostly dry to avoid re-soiling
6. Clean the Machine
Empty and rinse both tanks (clean and dirty)
Remove hair or debris from the brush area
Wipe down dirt and residue from the bottom of the machine
Rinse and wipe down any upholstery tools or hoses if used
Upright Bissell vs. Other Carpet Cleaning Options
Professional-grade models like the Big Green approach commercial machine performance while remaining user-friendly for home use.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Rinse tanks regularly to prevent mold, mildew, and residue buildup
Clean the brush roll by removing hair, threads, and debris after each use
Use the right formula: Bissell recommends their own formulas matched to your model
Avoid over-wetting: Use two wet passes followed by two dry passes to minimize moisture
Store properly: Keep the machine in a dry area; lightweight models like the TurboClean are designed for simple storage
Performance and What Users Say
The Bissell TurboClean has shown:
Very high suction at the nozzle
Strong performance in upright stain tests
Easy cleaning, light weight, and ease of use
The Big Green Machine is rated the best performer overall with:
The highest measured suction
Ability to completely clean tough stains like tomato sauce
Carpet left the driest after cleaning
Larger coverage area before refilling tanks
Users of the PowerForce Pet XL report:
Simple operation and ease of navigation
Affordable price point with quality performance
Effectiveness on thin rugs and pet hair
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not vacuuming first: Skipping vacuuming leaves surface dirt that muddies your cleaning solution
Rubbing stains: Always blot stains; rubbing pushes them deeper into fibers
Over-wetting: Too much solution or not enough dry passes leaves carpet too wet, causing slow drying or odors
Ignoring care labels: Some carpets have specific cleaning restrictions; check manufacturer guideline
Skipping tank cleaning: Leaving dirty water in tanks causes mold and reduces performance