The Complete Guide to Bissell Carpet Cleaners and Solutions

Keeping your carpets and floors fresh can feel like a full‑time job, especially in busy households. Muddy footprints, spilled drinks and the occasional pet accident can leave your home looking less than inviting. Thankfully there’s a name that professional cleaners and DIY enthusiasts alike trust: Bissell. The company is known for developing reliable carpet cleaners, cross‑wave hard‑floor machines and spot cleaners that lift dirt, neutralise odours and bring tired fibres back to life. In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn which Bissell carpet cleaner or solution is right for you, how to get the best results and why investing in a proper machine is better than renting a bissell carpet scrubber or guessing which cleaning solution for a Bissell carpet cleaner you need.

Why choose a Bissell carpet cleaner?

When it comes to carpet washers, few brands have as much heritage as Bissell. Their range covers everything from portable spotclean units, like the Bissell Little Green and Bissell Spot Clean Pro, to full‑size uprights and multi‑surface machines like the CrossWave – sometimes referred to as the Bissell Wave Cross. Having your own unit on hand means you’re not reliant on renting a machine and purchasing a generic cleaner; instead you can pair the right cleaning solution for a Bissell carpet cleaner with the task at hand. Investing in a machine rather than hiring a Bissell carpet cleaner each time you have a spill offers several benefits:

•             Consistency: Your own machine will always be available when you need it, without waiting for a rental slot or paying daily hire charges.

•             Performance: Bissell carpet cleaners use powerful brushes and suction to agitate and extract dirt. Paired with the right shampoo, they deliver results that rival professional services.

•             Versatility: Models such as the CrossWave clean both hard floors and rugs, while the Little Green tackles upholstery, car seats and stairs.

•             Savings: Over time, buying a bissell carpet cleaner solution and machine can work out cheaper than repeated rentals or paying a contractor.

Choosing the right machine

Bissell offers several types of cleaning machines. Understanding the differences helps you select the ideal tool for your needs.

Machine	Best for	Key features
Upright carpet cleaner	Large carpeted areas and whole‑home cleaning	Full‑width rotating brushes, onboard clean/dirty water tanks, powerful suction. Examples: Bissell ProHeat, Bissell Revolution
Portable spot cleaner	Quick clean‑ups and upholstery	Lightweight design, handheld hose, easy storage. Models include the SpotClean, SpotClean Pro and Little Green
CrossWave multi‑surface cleaner	Homes with hard floors and area rugs	Dual‑action brush roll, separate clean/dirty water tanks, digital controls. Ideal for sealed wood, laminate, tile and rugs
Steam cleaner	Sanitising hard surfaces	Uses high‑temperature steam rather than detergents to cut grease and kill bacteria. Note: a steam cleaner is not designed for deep carpet washing

When comparing options, consider the size of your home, whether you have pets or children, the types of surfaces you need to clean and how often you anticipate using the machine. Bissell steam cleaner might suit a household focused on sanitising kitchen floors, while a busy family with pets and children might benefit from the deep cleaning power of an upright or the convenience of a bissell spotclean professional portable carpet cleaner.

Popular portable models include the bissell spot clean pro and the bissell little green. These compact machines are great for flats, cars and stairs where a full‑size unit would be cumbersome. For hard floors and rugs, the CrossWave – sometimes referred to as the bissell wave cross – offers a versatile solution.

Selecting the ideal cleaning solution

Choosing the right detergent is just as important as choosing the machine. Bissell’s range of shampoos is extensive, with formulations tailored for pets, tough stains and everyday maintenance. Here are some considerations when selecting a bissell carpet cleaner solution or bissell rug cleaner solution:

While selecting a machine is important, pairing it with the correct detergent matters just as much. Many homeowners search specifically for Bissell carpet cleaner cleaning products because they know a generic formula may not deliver the same results. Bissell’s range of shampoos is extensive, with formulations tailored for pets, tough stains and everyday maintenance. Here are some considerations when selecting a bissell carpet cleaner solution or bissell rug cleaner solution:

Some readers also ask which cleaning solution for Bissell carpet cleaner they should buy. The answer depends on whether you need odour removal, stain lifting or everyday freshness.

•             Pet households: Opt for a wash & protect pet formula or pet stain & odour shampoo. These contain odour neutralisers that break down organic smells and StainProtect™ additives that help prevent re‑soiling.

•             Stain emergencies: If you frequently deal with coffee, tea or wine spills, choose an Oxy‑powered deep clean solution. The oxygenated cleaners break down stubborn stains quickly.

•             All‑round performance: Pro Total and Professional shampoos combine stain removal, odour neutralisation and protective ingredients. They deliver results that rival professional services.

•             Fresh fragrances: Formulas like Blossom & Breeze or Cotton Fresh refresh carpets with light scents. Use them for routine cleaning or when preparing for guests.

•             Multi‑surface cleaning: A multi‑surface floor formula works with machines like the CrossWave, cleaning sealed hard floors and rugs without leaving streaks.

Always measure your detergent carefully. Bissell formulas are concentrated, so you need less than you might expect. Using too much solution can leave a residue and waste money. On the other hand, using too little reduces cleaning performance. Follow the instructions printed on your bottle for the correct dilution.

Using your Bissell machine effectively

Getting the best from your equipment requires more than just filling the tank and pressing start. Whether you’re using a bissell cleaner carpet machine, a bissell carpet washer or a bissell spot cleaner, these tips will help:

1.          Pre‑vacuum: Always vacuum thoroughly before shampooing to remove loose dirt. This prevents dry debris from becoming muddy when mixed with cleaning solution.

2.          Pretreat stains: For stubborn marks, spray a small amount of solution directly on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before cleaning.

3.          Work slowly: Move the machine in straight lines at a steady pace. Rushing will reduce the time the brushes have to agitate the fibres and the suction has to extract moisture.

4.          Don’t over‑wet: Make only one wet pass followed by a dry pass. Too much water can soak into the underlay and lead to mould or mildew.

5.          Rinse and dry the machine: After each session, empty the dirty water tank, rinse all removable parts and allow them to dry. Clean filters keep your machine performing at its best.

Product call‑outs

Throughout this article we reference specific formulas that can be purchased from Essentials Fix. Below is a summary of the products mentioned, with links to their relevant pages. Each description now highlights when and how to use the formula for best results.

 

•             Wash & Protect Pet Formula (1087N) – This concentrated shampoo is tailored for pet households. It neutralises stubborn pet odours and helps guard against future stains thanks to Bissell’s StainProtect™ additive. Use it in your upright carpet cleaner for regular maintenance in areas where pets sleep, play or have accidents. 

•             Wash & Remove Deep Clean + Oxy (1265E) – A powerful Oxy‑based stain remover that breaks down organic spills such as coffee, tea and red wine. Its fast‑acting formula makes it ideal for emergency clean‑ups on carpets and rugs. Keep it on hand for parties or if you frequently enjoy beverages in carpeted rooms. 

•             Wash & Protect Professional (1089N) – Formulated for those who want professional‑grade results at home, this shampoo has twice the cleaning agents of standard solutions. It lifts embedded dirt and leaves a neutral finish, making it perfect for periodic deep cleans in high‑traffic or heavily soiled areas. 

•             Wash & Remove Pro Total (2212E) – Combining oxygenated cleaners with a Cotton Fresh fragrance, Pro Total cleans large areas and high‑traffic rooms while leaving a subtle scent behind. It’s well‑suited for family living rooms, hallways and any spaces that need a thorough refresh. The protective additives help keep carpets looking newer for longer.

•             Wash & Refresh Blossom & Breeze (1078N) – A biodegradable shampoo infused with a light floral fragrance. Use it to rejuvenate bedrooms, lounges and other spaces where you’d like a fresh, inviting aroma. It’s gentle on fibres and safe for households with children and pets. 

•             Wash & Refresh Cotton Fresh (1079E) – Delivers deep‑cleaning performance with the comforting scent of freshly laundered linens. Ideal for routine cleaning sessions in bedrooms, guest rooms and carpets that need a subtle, clean fragrance. 

•             Spot & Stain (1084N) – A concentrated cleaner designed for portable machines like the SpotClean and Little Green. It penetrates and lifts accidental spills on carpets, upholstery and car interiors. Use it immediately after a spill to prevent stains from setting. 

•             Pet Stain & Odour (1085N) – Targeted at pet accidents on carpets and upholstery, this solution breaks down organic messes and neutralises odours. It’s perfect for spot treating areas affected by urine, vomit or muddy paw prints. 

•             Multi‑Surface Floor Formula (1789L) – Designed for multi‑surface cleaners such as the CrossWave, this formula removes dirt and grease from sealed hard floors and area rugs. The Spring Breeze scent keeps rooms smelling fresh. Use it to mop kitchen tiles, laminate floors and even area rugs without leaving streaks. 

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask when choosing and using a Bissell carpet cleaner:

Do I need a special shampoo for my Bissell machine?
Yes. Bissell shampoos are designed to work with the pumps and brushes of their machines. Other detergents may create too much foam or leave a sticky residue.

Can I use a Bissell solution in another brand of carpet cleaner?
You can. These formulas are safe for most full‑size carpet cleaners. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

How often should I deep clean my carpets?
High‑traffic areas and homes with pets or children may benefit from monthly cleaning. Bedrooms and low‑traffic rooms can be cleaned every three to six months.

What’s the difference between the SpotClean and the SpotClean Pro?
Both are portable spot cleaners. The SpotClean is compact and ideal for small spills and everyday use, while the SpotClean Pro has a larger tank and more powerful suction, making it better for larger or more stubborn stains. If you need a bissell spotclean cleaner that tackles tougher jobs, consider the Pro model.

Is the CrossWave suitable for all hard floors?
The CrossWave is designed for sealed hard floors such as laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed wood. It also refreshes area rugs. Do not use it on unsealed or waxed floors.

What’s the difference between a carpet cleaner and a carpet washer?
In Bissell’s terminology there isn’t a major difference; both terms refer to machines that wash and extract dirt from carpets. Some competitors use “carpet washer” to describe simpler machines with fewer features.

Do I need a steam cleaner if I already have a carpet cleaner?
Steam cleaners use hot vapour to sanitise hard surfaces and are not designed to deep clean carpets. They complement but do not replace carpet cleaners.

Why does my carpet smell after cleaning?
If carpets aren’t dried properly they can develop a musty smell. Make only one wet pass and several dry passes with your machine. Increase ventilation by opening windows or using fans.

Conclusion

Investing in a Bissell carpet cleaner and the right bissell carpet cleaner solution can transform the way you maintain your home. From the versatile CrossWave to the portable bissell spot cleaner, there’s a machine for every household. When paired with specialised shampoos – whether for pets, tough stains or everyday freshness – you’ll achieve results that leave carpets and floors looking vibrant and smelling clean. For more advice or to explore the full range of machines and detergents, visit Essentials Fix and discover how easy floor care can be.