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Renting a carpet cleaner runs about $30 and hiring a pro can cost hundreds. I bought a Bissell PowerLifter PowerBrush for under $80 instead.
Here’s the unboxing, assembly, how to fill the 2-in-1 tank, and how it did on my carpet. Short version: the water came out yellow and black, and I’m really happy with it.
- Costs about what a couple of days of renting does
- Comes with formula so you can clean right away
- Clear front lets you see it sucking up dirty water
- Space-efficient 2-in-1 tank
- Handy for spills before they set
- Small tank, so a whole room may need a few refills
- Some carpets need two or more dry passes
- No hot water from the microwave or kettle (instructions say it can damage the bladder)
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Why buy instead of renting?
Carpets just get dirty, no matter how careful you are. Vacuuming doesn’t work as well as a deep clean, a pro can cost hundreds of dollars, and renting means buying solution and returning the machine on time.
For about what a rental costs for a couple of days, you own the whole unit. And if you spill wine or a drink, you can clean it up right away.
Assembly
The top piece goes on with 2 screws and the handle with 3 Phillips screws, so you just need a Phillips screwdriver or a power tool. There’s a nice long cord, and the clear plastic channel up front lets you see the grime flowing up while it works.
How to fill the tank
- Step on the pedal to release the handle and tilt it back so you can lift the tank out.
- Lay the tank down and push the handle flat to release the lid.
- Take out the built-in measuring cup and fill it to the line with Bissell formula. Pour that into the bladder.
- Put the cup back and fill the rest of the bladder with hot tap water. Don’t microwave or boil the water; the instructions say that can damage the bladder.
- Put the lid on, flip the handle to lock it, and slide the tank back in.
How to use it and how it did
Vacuum first to get the big stuff. Then turn it on and hold the trigger on the handle while you push forward and pull back to spray. Release the trigger and make dry passes to suck it back up. Depending on the pile, you may need two passes or more.
It works great. You can see the solution going up through the front, and you can tell when it’s empty because nothing’s coming up anymore. When I dumped the water, it was yellow and black.
An area rug should be fine on one tank. A whole carpeted room might take a few refills, but a quarter cup of formula goes a long way.
FAQ
How much did the Bissell PowerLifter cost?
A little under $80 when I bought it.
Does it come with cleaning solution?
Yes, 8 ounces of Bissell carpet formula.
Can I use boiling water?
No. Use hot tap water. The instructions say microwaved or boiled water can damage the bladder.
How many passes does it take?
Usually two passes to soak it up, sometimes more depending on your carpet.
Do I need tools to assemble it?
Just a Phillips screwdriver.
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