- When you use the Bissell Power Steamer, be sure to plug it into a grounded outlet and unplug it when it's not being used; while you're cleaning it; or while you're troubleshooting a problem. Operate this appliance indoors only; never use it in a closed area where there are vapors from paint, gasoline or other combustible materials--and don't use the steamer to clean up such materials. Never operate this appliance unless the belt door, located to the left of the tank, is firmly in place. Keep hair, fingers and clothing away from the moving parts of the steamer. Be careful not to run over the cord with the steamer; and don't pull on the cord or carry the appliance by the cord. Keep all of the openings clear of debris.
- Allow enough time for your carpet to dry after cleaning. If you're doing the entire room, moving the furniture to another area will make the job easier. Before using the steamer, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Plan for an exit by beginning at the point farthest from where you'll leave the room.
If the carpet is dirty, use a pre-treatment product first. Spray it onto the soiled areas and let it sit for three minutes before using the steamer. - Push the handle back to release it and take the water tank off the base. Turn the handle to the front to unlock the lid and take it off. Fill the "bladder" of the tank from the faucet with hot water. Never boil or microwave the water, since water that's too hot can damage the bladder. Put the handle in the forward position and put the lid on, aligning the lid and tank edges. Secure the lid by moving the handle to the carrying position. Be sure the lid is on tightly before you lift the tank.
Put the tank back on the base, settling it securely, and turn the tank handle to the locked position. Bring the machine handle back to the upright position.
The formula tank is located to the right of the water tank. To fill it, pull it up and off the base. Unscrew its lid and the long insert attached to it; pour cleaning formula into the tank until it reaches the fill line. If you're using a concentrated formula, put three tbsp. of formula into the tank and finish filling it with warm water. Replace the insert and screw the lid on. Put the formula tank back on the base. - Select the setting on the outside of the formula tank. The choices are "high traffic," "normal" and "water rinse." The steamer will mix the appropriate amount of formula with the water in the tank. Choose the "floor cleaning" setting on the tools dial that's located to the left of the tank. Plug the steamer into an electrical outlet. The power switch is on the back of the machine handle; turn it to "on."
To begin cleaning your carpet, squeeze the trigger on the handle to release the cleaning formula while you push the steamer forward and back slowly. Don't overwet the carpet. Be careful not to run over anything lying on the carpet or the edge of the carpet itself, which can stop the brush movement and lead to belt failure. Without squeezing the trigger, move the carpet steamer forward and back over the same area again. This will help to suction the dirty water from the carpet. Repeat these two steps until the water being suctioned looks clean. Continue moving the steamer over the area without pressing the trigger until no more water is being suctioned.
Both the water tank and formula tank must contain liquid in order for the steamer to work. If one or both tanks are empty, the steamer won't operate.
After cleaning, you can rinse the carpet if you wish by setting the dial on the formula tank to "water rinse."