
Bissell 3948 TurboClean PET Upright Carpet Cleaner

Product Overview
- Upper Handle
- Spray Trigger
- Middle Handle
- Clean Water Tank Handle
- Clean Water Tank
- Dirty Water Tank Handle
- Dirty Water Tank
- Lower Body
- Hose Cover
- Nozzle

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY:
- Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See grounding instructions. Do not modify the three-prong grounded plug.
- Do not leave the appliance when it is plugged in. Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before servicing.
- Use indoors only.
- Do not allow it to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
- Do not use for any purpose other than described in this user guide. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended attachments.
- Do not use with a damaged cord or plug. If the appliance is not working as it should, or has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, have it repaired at an authorized service center.
- Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Do not run the appliance over the cord. Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
- Do not unplug by pulling on the cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
- Do not handle the plug or appliance with wet hands.
- Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any openings blocked; keep openings free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
- Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of the body away from openings and moving parts of the appliance and its accessories.
- Turn OFF all controls before plugging or unplugging the appliance.
- Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
- Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible materials (lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, etc.) or use in areas where they may be present.
- Do not use the appliance in an enclosed space filled with vapors given off by oil-based paint, paint thinner, some moth-proofing substances, flammable dust, or other explosive or toxic vapors.
- Do not use it to pick up toxic material (chlorine bleach, ammonia, drain cleaner, etc.).
- Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
- Do not pick up hard or sharp objects such as glass, nails, screws, coins, etc.
- Do not use without filters in place.
- Use only BISSELL cleaning products intended for use with this appliance to prevent internal component damage.
- Do not immerse. Use only on surfaces that have been moistened by the cleaning process.
- Keep the appliance on a level surface.
- Always install a float before any wet pick-up operation.
- Do not carry the appliance while in use.
- Plastic film can be dangerous. To avoid the danger of suffocation, keep away from children.
- Liquid must not be directed towards equipment containing electrical components.
- Use only the type and amount of liquids specified under the operations section of this guide.
- Do not turn your appliance ON until you are familiar with all instructions and operating procedures.
- Plastic tanks are not dishwasher safe. Do not put tanks in the dishwasher.
- Do not apply liquid directly to any person or animal.
What’s in the Box?

Assembly
- Slide the middle handle into the lower body until it clicks into place.

- Slide the upper handle into the middle handle until it clicks into place.

- Align the clean water tank with the grooves on the machine and push down until it clicks into place.

- Wrap the power cord around cord wraps.

Filling the Clean Water Tank
This machine is compatible with BISSELL formulas made for upright carpet cleaners. For optimal performance, use genuine BISSELL formulas in your machine. Other formulas or household cleaners may cause defects or damage to the machine.
- Choose your formula.* Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or visit BISSELL.com for formulas.

- Lift the clean water tank to remove it from the machine. Unscrew the yellow cap to add water.

- Fill the tank with warm tap water (140°F/60°C MAX) to the WATER line. Do not use boiling water. Do not heat water or the tank in the microwave.

Adding BISSELL Formula
- Add the formula to the FORMULA fill line. Optional: Add 1.5 oz of OXY Boost.

- Screw the cap back on. Secure tightly.

- Push the clean tank down. Ensure it is seated securely on the base.

Adding BISSELL easyfill ANTIBACTERIAL Formula
- Screw the cap back on. Secure tightly.

- Add ANTIBACTERIAL formula to ANTIBACTERIAL FORMULA line. Note: Not compatible with OXY Boost.

- Push the clean tank down. Ensure it is seated securely on the base.

Compatible BISSELL formulas include: Clean + Refresh, PET Stain & Odor, PRO MAX Clean + Protect, PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator, PET Stain Pretreat, PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer, PET Pretreat + Sanitize, Pet Stain & Odor + Antibacterial, OXY Boost, and PET OXY Boost.
Cleaning Your Carpet
Tips Before Cleaning
- Use a dry vacuum cleaner over the area before using your upright carpet and upholstery cleaner. Remove any large solid debris before wet cleaning.
- To prevent damage to Berber carpets, avoid repeated strokes in the same area.
- Before cleaning area rugs, check the manufacturer’s tag and test an inconspicuous spot on the rug for colorfastness. Don’t use on silk or delicate rugs.
- It is common to refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank multiple times during cleaning. Room size and cleaning speed both affect how often the tank may need to be refilled and/or emptied.
- Ensure the clean water tank is full. Water might not come out of the nozzle if the water level is too low.
- For a quicker dry time, release the trigger and make dry passes by pushing the machine forward and back across the carpet until water can no longer be seen through the nozzle.
- Plug into a proper outlet.

- Turn the machine ON by pressing the power switch.

- Step on the recline pedal located below the power switch.

- Make cleaning passes following the steps below. Repeat these passes until the solution being pulled up appears clean. Repeat dry passes (with the spray trigger released) until there is a noticeable reduction in the amount of liquid being pulled up.

With BISSELL Formula
Make 4 cleaning passes:
- Forward with the trigger pressed.
- Backward with the trigger released.
- Repeat step 1.
- Repeat step 2.
With BISSELL ANTIBACTERIAL Formula
- Hold Spray Trigger.
- 1 pass forward
- 1 pass back
- 1 pass forward
- 1 pass back
For the full benefit of the ANTIBACTERIAL formula, do not make any dry passes. Dry time may be longer.
Cleaning with the Hose and Tool
Tips Before Cleaning
- Check for colorfastness in an inconspicuous place before cleaning a larger area.
- If possible, check upholstery stuffing. Colored stuffing may bleed through fabric when wet.
- Vacuum thoroughly to pick up loose debris and pet hair.
- Check the manufacturer’s tag before cleaning. Do not use on velvet or silk.
- The brush roll remains on while cleaning with the hose and tool. Ensure the machine remains in an upright position to minimize the potential for damage to the machine. Do not allow the machine to sit in one location for an extended period of time, as this can result in damage to the floor.
- Lift the accessory hose door on top of the foot on the front of the machine. The door flips toward the machine to open.

- Insert the hose until it clicks into place. Be sure the colored hose release clip is facing out, away from the machine.

- Choose your cleaning method: Use the bristle block for everyday soft surface cleaning, or the rubberized block (not included) to remove embedded pet hair and debris.

- Pull the bottom latch to release the attachment from the tool.

- Insert your preferred tool attachment until it clicks into place.

- Attach the tool to the end of the hose until it clicks into place.

- Slide the tool lever up to ensure the tool is in SPRAY mode.

- Plug into a proper outlet.

- Press the power button to turn the machine ON.

- While holding the tool above the desired area, press and hold the trigger to spray the solution.

- Release the spray trigger and gently scrub the stain using the bristles.

- With the trigger released, press the tool firmly against the surface and pull towards you to remove the stain. Repeat as needed.

Cleaning the Machine with the Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool
- Turn the machine ON. Position the hand as shown using the grip marks on the tool. Slide the tool lever down for CLEANOUT mode. Ensure there is water and formula in the clean water tank.

- Press the trigger to activate the CLEANOUT function. The solution will flow through the tool and the hose. Tip: For a more thorough rinse, place the suction nozzle on a soft surface and tilt forward/backward.

- To continue cleaning with your machine, slide the tool’s lever upward to return to SPRAY mode.

Emptying the Dirty Water Tank
- Turn OFF and unplug your machine.

- Release the dirty water tank by pulling the latches on the side up and out.

- Carefully remove the tank by lifting the dirty water tank handle.

- Lift the tab on the top of the tank to open.

- Empty the dirty water tank and refill the clean water tank as needed. Changes to motor noise and observed decrease in suction/water reclamation from the floor indicate that the machine’s float has engaged. This prevents the dirty water tank from overfilling and leaking, which could harm the motor of the machine. To resolve, remove and empty the dirty water tank. If not closed properly, you might experience water leaking, low suction, and/or excessive foaming.

- To continue cleaning, align the bottom of the tank to the base and secure it in place with latches.

After-Cleaning Care
- Turn OFF and unplug your machine. Follow steps 2-3 on page 8 to remove the dirty water tank.

- Use a cloth to wipe debris from the red filter located beneath where the dirty water tank attaches.

- Grab the top of the nozzle and pull it up and away from the machine. Use a cloth to wipe clean.

- Once steps 4-5 on page 8 are complete, ensure the dirty water tank is empty by gently unscrewing and removing the ring at the bottom of the tank.

- Clean and rinse debris from the float. Keeping the float clean prevents the dirty water tank from overflowing and ensures the seal stays intact.

- Once clean, assemble by aligning the arrow on the float with the notch on the tank. Then, return the ring and twist to lock. Make sure it is fully aligned so water doesn’t leak.

- To reinstall the nozzle, align the ribs on the ends of the nozzle with the machine, then lower the nozzle into place.

- With the bottom of the nozzle in place, lower the top of the nozzle onto the machine, ensuring it fits snugly.

- Once the dirty water tank is dry, align the bottom of the tank to the base and secure it in place with latches.

Replacing the Belt & Brush Roll
- Turn OFF and unplug your machine. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the 4 screws.

- Remove the belt cover.

- Pull the brush roll out and remove the belt from the track.

- Pull the belt off of motor shaft.

- Wrap the new belt around the motor shaft.

- Put the belt on the brush roll track, ensuring it is centered within the ridges. Put the brush roll back into position.

- Align the brush roll mount to the screw post.

- Reposition the belt cover.

- Reinstall 4 screws.

Storing Your Machine
Store your machine in a protected, dry area. When finished using the product, wrap the cord around the cord wrap for storage.
Troubleshooting

Warranty
Limited 1-year warranty, may vary by state. Visit support.BISSELL.com or call 1-800-237-7691 for complete warranty information.
Terms and Conditions
Your purchase is subject to the BISSELL Terms and Conditions, which include dispute resolution through arbitration and class waiver. For complete terms or to opt out of arbitration or class waiver, visit BISSELL.com/terms-of-use or call 1-800-237-7691.
For More Manuals By Bissell, Visit ManualsLibraryy
Bissell 3948 TurboClean PET Upright Carpet Cleaner -FAQS
How do I use the Bissell TurboClean PET?
Fill the clean water tank with warm water and carpet formula. Pull the trigger while moving the cleaner forward and back. Repeat dry passes until the carpet appears clean.
Should I use hot or cold water?
Use warm tap water. Hot water helps loosen dirt and kills bacteria, but do not boil it.
Can I use vinegar or dish soap in my Bissell?
No. Avoid vinegar or dish soap in the machine as they can damage it. Only use Bissell-approved carpet cleaning solutions.
Do I need to vacuum before cleaning?
Yes. Always vacuum your carpet first to remove loose dirt and debris.
How do I attach the hose and tools?
Open the accessory hose door at the foot of the machine. Insert the hose with the colored clip facing out, then attach your desired tool.
How do I remove or clean the Turbo brush?
Press the brush release button to remove the brush. Clean off hair, debris, or dirt from the brush before reassembling.
Do I need to rinse after shampooing?
Yes. After cleaning a section, you can go over it again with clean water to remove leftover cleaning solution.
Where does the dirt go?
Dirt, debris, and cleaning solution are collected in the dirty water tank. Empty it after each use.
Why does my carpet look dirty again after cleaning?
Residue from soap or cleaning solution may remain. Ensure proper rinsing and vacuuming to remove all residues.

























































