To clean an area rug with a Bissell machine, you'll typically fill the cleaner with water and cleaning solution, then make passes over the rug, holding the spray trigger to apply the solution and scrub, and making a second pass without the trigger to help dry the rug.
Using a Bissell carpet cleaner is an effective way to deep clean many area rugs, removing dirt, stains, and odors. The process involves a few key steps to ensure safety for your rug and optimal cleaning results.
Essential Steps for Cleaning an Area Rug
Before you begin, always check the rug's care tag to ensure it can be wet-cleaned. Some delicate fibers or materials are not suitable for this method.
-
Prepare the Area Rug:
- Move furniture off the rug.
- Thoroughly vacuum the rug to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents dirt from turning into mud during the wet cleaning process.
- Test a small, inconspicuous area of the rug for colorfastness. Apply the cleaning solution and water mixture to a hidden spot and blot with a white cloth. If color transfers, do not proceed with cleaning the entire rug.
-
Prepare the Bissell Machine:
- Fill the clean water tank according to your machine's instructions.
- Add the recommended amount of Bissell cleaning solution to the appropriate tank or reservoir. Ensure you are using a formula suitable for your machine and carpets/area rugs.
-
Clean the Rug (Applying Solution):
- Position the machine at one edge of the rug.
- Start cleaning by holding the solution spray trigger and monitoring along the area rug forward and backward. This action applies the cleaning solution and engages the machine's brushes to scrub the fibers.
-
Extract Water (Drying Pass):
- After applying the solution to a section, go over the same area again.
- Help dry your area rug by going over it a second time with the trigger released. This allows the machine to suction up the dirty water without adding more moisture, speeding up the drying process.
- Continue working in sections across the entire rug, overlapping slightly with each pass.
-
Stop the Brush Roll:
- If you need to pause or move the machine without cleaning, to stop the brush roll, return your machine to its standing position.
-
Empty and Rinse Tanks:
- Once finished, empty the dirty water tank and rinse it out.
- If your machine has a separate solution tank, empty any remaining solution or prepare for storage as per the manual.
-
Allow the Rug to Dry:
- Allow the area rug to air dry completely before placing furniture back or walking on it. This can take several hours, depending on humidity and airflow. Opening windows or using fans can help speed up drying.
By following these steps and utilizing the cleaning and drying passes as described, you can effectively clean your area rug with your Bissell machine.
