Here’s the simple way to use the Big Green Bissell machine for carpet cleaning: vacuum first, fill the clean-water tank with hot tap water plus the recommended Bissell solution, then make slow wet passes while holding the trigger and slow dry passes while releasing it so the machine can suck up the dirty water. Finish by emptying and rinsing both tanks, and cleaning the brush area.

Quick Scoop

  1. Clear the area and vacuum thoroughly first. This helps the machine focus on deep dirt instead of loose debris.
  1. Fill the clean-water tank with hot tap water, not boiling water, and add the proper amount of Bissell cleaning solution.
  1. Start in a corner or along a wall, then move slowly in straight, overlapping passes. Hold the trigger to spray on the forward pass, then release it and go back over the same area to extract the water.
  1. For tough stains, pre-treat them before cleaning, and don’t soak the carpet too much. Multiple light passes work better than one overly wet pass.
  1. When the dirty-water tank fills up or suction drops, empty it, rinse both tanks, and check the brushroll for hair or debris.

Best Practice

  • Use slow strokes so the machine has time to spray, scrub, and extract.
  • Overlap each pass a little so you don’t leave stripes.
  • Let the carpet dry faster with fans or open windows after cleaning.
  • Avoid delicate upholstery or fabrics that are labeled dry-clean only.

Simple Sequence

  1. Vacuum the carpet.
  1. Fill the tank with hot tap water and solution.
  1. Turn the machine on and recline the handle.
  1. Squeeze the trigger while moving forward slowly.
  1. Release the trigger and pull back slowly to extract dirty water.
  1. Repeat until the area looks clean.
  1. Empty and rinse everything when done.

What Not To Do

  • Don’t use boiling water.
  • Don’t over-saturate the carpet.
  • Don’t use harsh or random detergents unless the product instructions say they’re safe.
  • Don’t forget to clean the tanks and brush area afterward, or performance can drop next time.

TL;DR: vacuum first, fill with hot tap water and Bissell solution, spray on the forward pass, suck up water on the backward pass, then rinse the tanks and brushroll when finished.