How to Deep Clean Your Carpets with the Bissell ProHeat Pet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping a clean home is a challenge, especially when you have pets. Fur, dander, accidents – it all adds up and can leave your carpets looking and smelling less than fresh. That’s where the Bissell ProHeat Pet carpet cleaner comes in. This powerful machine is designed to tackle even the toughest pet stains and odors, leaving your carpets clean, refreshed, and looking their best. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using your Bissell ProHeat Pet, from prepping your carpets to cleaning and maintenance, ensuring you get the most out of your carpet cleaner and enjoy a spotless home.

## Why Choose the Bissell ProHeat Pet?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why the Bissell ProHeat Pet is a popular choice for pet owners. Here are some key features and benefits:

* **Heatwave Technology:** This feature maintains a consistent water temperature throughout the cleaning process, maximizing cleaning effectiveness. Heated water helps to break down stains and lift dirt more effectively than cold water alone.
* **Dual DirtLifter Powerbrushes:** These rotating brushes agitate and lift embedded dirt and stains from your carpet fibers. The powerful scrubbing action helps to loosen even the most stubborn messes.
* **EdgeSweep Brushes:** These brushes extend cleaning power to the edges and corners of your rooms, ensuring a thorough clean right up to the baseboards.
* **CleanShot Pretreater:** This integrated pretreater allows you to target tough stains with a concentrated spray of cleaning solution, giving them extra attention before the main cleaning process.
* **Two-Tank System:** The separate clean and dirty water tanks ensure that you are always cleaning with fresh water and solution, preventing you from re-depositing dirt back onto your carpets.
* **Specialized Pet Formulas:** Bissell offers a range of cleaning formulas specifically designed for pet stains and odors. These formulas often contain enzymes that break down organic matter and neutralize unpleasant smells.
* **Attachments for Upholstery and Spot Cleaning:** Many ProHeat Pet models come with attachments that allow you to clean upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas.

## Getting Started: Preparation is Key

Before you even think about turning on your Bissell ProHeat Pet, proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepping your carpets:

1. **Vacuum Thoroughly:** This is the most important step. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove as much loose dirt, debris, and pet hair as possible. Pay close attention to high-traffic areas and areas where your pets spend the most time. Multiple passes with the vacuum are recommended. Think of this as your dry run. The less debris on the carpet before you start wet cleaning, the better.

2. **Remove Furniture:** Clear the area of any furniture that can be easily moved. This will give you more space to maneuver the carpet cleaner and ensure that you can clean the entire carpet surface. If you have heavy furniture that cannot be moved, protect the legs with plastic wrap or furniture coasters to prevent water damage.

3. **Pretreat Stains (Optional):** For stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, consider using a dedicated stain pretreatment product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and dwell time. You can also use the CleanShot pretreater on your Bissell ProHeat Pet for this purpose. Pretreating allows the cleaning solution to penetrate and loosen the stain before the main cleaning process, making it easier to remove.

4. **Test in an Inconspicuous Area:** Before cleaning the entire carpet, test the cleaning solution and the carpet cleaner on a small, hidden area of the carpet to ensure that it does not cause any discoloration or damage. This is especially important for delicate or antique carpets.

5. **Open Windows and Ensure Ventilation:** Carpet cleaning can release odors and moisture into the air. Open windows and turn on fans to ensure proper ventilation. This will help to speed up the drying process and prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Bissell ProHeat Pet

Now that you’ve prepped your carpets, it’s time to get down to cleaning. Follow these steps for effective and efficient carpet cleaning:

1. **Fill the Clean Water Tank:** Locate the clean water tank on your Bissell ProHeat Pet. Remove the tank and fill it with hot tap water. Do not use boiling water, as this can damage the machine. Follow the fill lines on the tank to avoid overfilling. Using hot (not boiling) water helps to activate the cleaning solution and improve stain removal.

2. **Add Cleaning Solution:** Add the appropriate amount of Bissell cleaning solution to the clean water tank, following the instructions on the solution bottle. Using the correct amount of solution is important for optimal cleaning performance. Too much solution can leave a sticky residue on your carpets, while too little may not be effective at removing stains and odors. Bissell offers various formulas specifically designed for pet stains and odors, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Some common choices are the Bissell Professional Pet Urine Eliminator + Oxy and the Bissell Advanced Pro Pet Stain & Odor Remover.

3. **Assemble the Machine:** Ensure that all parts of the Bissell ProHeat Pet are properly assembled and securely connected. This includes attaching the handle, the cleaning head, and any attachments you plan to use.

4. **Plug in the Machine:** Plug the carpet cleaner into a grounded electrical outlet.

5. **Select Cleaning Mode:** Most Bissell ProHeat Pet models offer multiple cleaning modes, such as deep clean and express clean. Deep clean mode provides a more thorough cleaning, while express clean mode is designed for quick touch-ups and faster drying times. Choose the mode that best suits your needs. For heavily soiled carpets, deep clean mode is recommended. For lightly soiled carpets or quick cleanups, express clean mode is a good option.

6. **Start Cleaning:** Begin cleaning in a corner of the room and work your way across the carpet in overlapping passes. Slowly push the carpet cleaner forward while squeezing the trigger to release the cleaning solution. Then, slowly pull the carpet cleaner back without squeezing the trigger to extract the dirty water. Overlapping passes ensure that you clean the entire carpet surface evenly and thoroughly.

7. **Empty the Dirty Water Tank:** As you clean, the dirty water tank will fill up. When it reaches the fill line, stop cleaning and empty the tank. Dispose of the dirty water properly. You may need to empty the dirty water tank several times, depending on the size of the room and the amount of dirt and stains on your carpets. A full dirty water tank will reduce the suction power of the machine, so it’s important to empty it regularly.

8. **Repeat Cleaning (If Necessary):** For heavily soiled areas, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. Allow the carpet to dry slightly between passes. Repeating the cleaning process allows the cleaning solution to penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers and lift more dirt and stains.

9. **Use Attachments (Optional):** If you have upholstery, stairs, or other hard-to-reach areas to clean, use the appropriate attachments. Follow the instructions in your user manual for attaching and using the attachments. Attachments allow you to clean a variety of surfaces and areas that the main cleaning head cannot reach.

10. **Rinse the Carpet (Optional):** Some people prefer to rinse their carpets after cleaning to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue. To rinse, fill the clean water tank with only clean water and repeat the cleaning process without adding any cleaning solution. This will help to remove any lingering soap and leave your carpets feeling softer and cleaner.

## Tackling Specific Pet Stains and Odors

The Bissell ProHeat Pet is particularly effective at removing pet stains and odors. Here are some tips for tackling common pet messes:

* **Urine:** For fresh urine stains, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with paper towels. Then, use the CleanShot pretreater to saturate the stain with cleaning solution. Allow the solution to dwell for a few minutes before cleaning with the carpet cleaner. For older, dried urine stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process several times. Using a pet-specific enzyme cleaner is highly recommended for neutralizing urine odors.

* **Feces:** Remove any solid waste from the carpet. Then, clean the area with the carpet cleaner using a pet-specific cleaning solution. Be sure to disinfect the area thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria.

* **Vomit:** Remove any solid vomit from the carpet. Then, clean the area with the carpet cleaner using a pet-specific cleaning solution. Vomit can be acidic and can damage carpet fibers, so it’s important to clean it up as quickly as possible.

* **Pet Hair:** The Dual DirtLifter Powerbrushes on the Bissell ProHeat Pet are effective at removing pet hair from carpets. Vacuum thoroughly before cleaning to remove as much loose hair as possible. You may also want to use a pet hair roller or brush to remove any remaining hair before cleaning.

## Drying Your Carpets

After cleaning, it’s important to allow your carpets to dry completely. Here are some tips for speeding up the drying process:

* **Ventilation:** Open windows and turn on fans to increase air circulation. This will help to evaporate the moisture from the carpets.

* **Dehumidifier:** Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. This can significantly reduce drying time.

* **Avoid Walking on the Carpets:** Avoid walking on the carpets until they are completely dry. This will prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the damp fibers.

* **Express Clean Mode:** If you used deep clean mode, consider running the Bissell ProHeat Pet over the carpets again in express clean mode to extract more water and speed up drying.

* **Drying Time:** Drying time will vary depending on the humidity, temperature, and ventilation in your home. In general, carpets will take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours to dry completely.

## Cleaning and Maintaining Your Bissell ProHeat Pet

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your Bissell ProHeat Pet in good working condition. Here are some tips:

* **Empty and Rinse the Dirty Water Tank:** After each use, empty the dirty water tank and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This will prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.

* **Clean the Brush Roll:** Remove the brush roll and clean it of any hair, debris, or fibers. This will ensure that the brushes continue to rotate freely and effectively.

* **Clean the Nozzles:** Check the nozzles for any clogs or obstructions. Use a small brush or toothpick to remove any debris.

* **Wipe Down the Exterior:** Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or spills.

* **Store the Machine Properly:** Store the machine in a clean, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in areas where it may be exposed to extreme temperatures.

* **Replace Filters (If Applicable):** Some Bissell ProHeat Pet models have filters that need to be replaced periodically. Check your user manual for instructions on how to replace the filters.

## Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are some common problems you may encounter with your Bissell ProHeat Pet and how to troubleshoot them:

* **Machine Not Spraying:**
* Check the clean water tank to make sure it is full and properly seated.
* Check the nozzles for any clogs or obstructions.
* Make sure the pump is priming properly. You may need to hold the trigger for a few seconds to allow the pump to prime.

* **Machine Not Suctioning:**
* Check the dirty water tank to make sure it is not full.
* Check the hoses for any clogs or obstructions.
* Make sure the brush roll is rotating properly.

* **Carpet Too Wet:**
* Make sure you are not using too much cleaning solution.
* Try using the express clean mode to extract more water.
* Increase ventilation to speed up drying.

* **Unpleasant Odor:**
* Make sure you are cleaning the machine properly after each use.
* Use a pet-specific cleaning solution that contains enzymes to neutralize odors.
* Consider using a carpet deodorizer after cleaning.

## Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution

Selecting the appropriate cleaning solution is vital for achieving optimal results and safeguarding your carpet’s longevity. Bissell provides a diverse array of solutions tailored to address specific cleaning requirements. For pet owners, pet-specific formulations excel at tackling stubborn stains and odors commonly associated with pets. These solutions frequently incorporate enzymes, which effectively break down organic matter responsible for unpleasant smells, guaranteeing a comprehensive and lasting clean.

Additionally, explore hypoallergenic options if anyone in your household experiences allergies or sensitivities. These solutions are formulated to minimize allergens while delivering a thorough cleaning experience. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding dilution ratios and usage instructions to prevent harm to your carpets and ensure the efficacy of the cleaning procedure.

## Safety Precautions

When using the Bissell ProHeat Pet, it’s crucial to adhere to essential safety precautions to ensure both your well-being and the longevity of your machine:

* **Read the User Manual:** Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the user manual before operating the carpet cleaner. Pay close attention to all safety warnings and instructions.

* **Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets:** Store the carpet cleaner and cleaning solutions in a secure location, inaccessible to children and pets.

* **Avoid Contact with Eyes and Skin:** Prevent direct contact of cleaning solutions with your eyes and skin. In case of contact, promptly rinse the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

* **Do Not Use on Delicate Fabrics:** Refrain from using the carpet cleaner on delicate fabrics, such as silk or velvet, as they may be prone to damage.

* **Unplug Before Maintenance:** Prior to performing any maintenance tasks, such as cleaning or replacing parts, unplug the carpet cleaner from the power outlet.

* **Use a Grounded Outlet:** Always plug the carpet cleaner into a grounded electrical outlet to minimize the risk of electric shock.

* **Do Not Overfill Tanks:** Avoid overfilling the clean water or dirty water tanks, as this may cause leaks or damage to the machine.

## Conclusion

The Bissell ProHeat Pet is a powerful and effective carpet cleaner that can help you keep your home clean and fresh, even with pets. By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you can get the most out of your carpet cleaner and enjoy a spotless home. Remember to always prepare your carpets properly, use the correct cleaning solution, and maintain your machine regularly. With proper care and attention, your Bissell ProHeat Pet will provide you with years of reliable service and help you keep your carpets looking their best. Happy cleaning!